Historic Skipton Walking Tour
From Hike YorkshireA one hour guided walk through nine centuries of Skipton, led by a professional archaeologist. The medieval High Street, the castle, Holy Trinity Church, the corn mill and the canal, and the stories that connect them.
About This Experience
Nine Centuries in an Hour
Skipton has been a market town since King John granted its charter in 1204, and almost nothing about it is accidental. The width of the High Street, the position of the castle, the mill on the beck and the canal that changed the town's fortunes all exist for a reason. This one hour walking tour joins those reasons up, so you see the town the way the people who built it did.
What You'll See
Starting at the Town Hall, the route follows the medieval High Street to Skipton Castle, one of the most complete medieval castles in England and the last Royalist stronghold in the north during the Civil War. From there it takes in Holy Trinity Church and the Clifford family tombs, the High Corn Mill on Eller Beck, where a mill has stood since 1310, and the Springs Canal behind the castle rock, before joining the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and returning through the quieter streets most visitors never find.
Your Guide
The tour is led by Andy, a professional archaeologist with a degree from UCL and an MA in the historic built environment from the University of York. He reads buildings for a living, so you get the reasons behind what you are looking at rather than a list of dates.
An Hour Off the Screen
Put the phone away and look up. It is a chance to slow down, take in the town properly and come away knowing something new, whether you are visiting for the day or have lived nearby for years.
Good to Know
The tour runs every Saturday at 11am and 1pm, lasts one hour and costs £15 per person. It meets and finishes outside Skipton Town Hall on the High Street. It suits all ages and abilities, on town centre pavements with cobbles in places and one flight of steps. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a waterproof.
Booking
Book online at hikeyorkshire.com, where you can see available dates and times. We can also organise private tours upon request, please use the form on the website or email info@hikeyorkshire.com with your requested date and group size.
