Skipton

Discover Skipton and explore the incredible charm of this historic Dales market town. Where tradition and hospitality come together all year round to welcome visitors and share a story of trade, history, culture, and the Yorkshire Dales.

The famous market runs four days a week and adds a whole new level of amazing shopping opportunities to the beautiful cobbled streets. On Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, traders set up their stalls along either side of the spacious High Street with a range of produce, clothing, crafts, and homewares. Be sure to explore the many ginnels and side streets to see all that the town has to offer.

Enjoying pride of place at the top of the High Street is the iconic Castle. Over 900 years old, this castle has withstood attack by the Scots, a three-year siege during the English Civil War and centuries of political turmoil to remain one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the country.

Skipton Town Hall built in 1862 in home to the Craven Museum, housing 60,000 objects telling the history of this fascinating part of the Yorkshire Dales. This is complemented by an exhibition gallery, performance space and visitor centre. Make this your first stop when you arrive in the town.

Skipton Boat Trips Tom Arber VNY

Skipton Castle Woods Walk is a popular and accessible walk through tranquil woods just outside the heart of the town. You can also take a stroll along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal with pretty views and tranquil waters offering an escape from the town’s hustle and bustle.

If you prefer, enjoy a boat ride, and see the town from a more leisurely angle. The incredible surrounding countryside makes the town a gateway to the dales and a perfect base for exploring the southern part of the Yorkshire Dales.

Whatever you do, Skipton will delight visitors of all ages and interests.

Explore Skipton

What's in Skipton

Skipton - Dales

Skipton Town Hall

A modern multi-arts cultural hub - home to Craven Museum, Gallery, Concert…

Skipton - Dales

The Devonshire Arms Hotel

Set at the gateway to the 30,000-acre Bolton Abbey Estate, The Devonshire…

Skipton - Dales

Hike Yorkshire

Veteran-led guided walks, town walking tours and outdoor experiences…

Skipton - Dales

Skipton Boat Trips

Discover the magic of Skipton Boat Trips! Our one-hour canal journey,…

Skipton - Dales

Skipton Castle

Guardian of the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales for over 900 years, Skipton…

Skipton - Dales

The Skipton Hotel

Welcome to the ‘Gateway to the Beautiful Yorkshire Dales’ stay in the…

Grassington & Upper Wharfedale - Dales

Grassington Campsite

A fantastic stop on your journey through the Yorkshire Dales. Hot showers…

Skipton - Dales

Newton Grange Holiday Cottages

Six immaculately presented self-catering cottages in a peaceful rural…

Experiences in Skipton

Dales Way Guided Walking Holiday Hike Yorkshire upper Wharfedale
Skipton - Dales

Dales Way Guided Walking Holiday

Walk the Dales Way from Ilkley to Windermere with an expert guide. We book…

Malham Walking Tour Hike Yorkshire Gordale scar 3
Skipton - Dales

Malham: Geology, History and Folklore

Vanishing rivers, a fairy waterfall and a Harry Potter filming location. A…

Fly agaric 1
Skipton - Dales

Wild Food Foraging Course

A two hour beginners' foraging course in Yorkshire woodland. Learn to read…

Skipton Town Hall and your walking tour guide
Skipton - Dales

Historic Skipton Walking Tour

A one hour guided walk through nine centuries of Skipton, led by a…

Events in Skipton

Start Date

End Date

Skipton - Dales

Skipton Music Presents: Helen Charlston & Sholto…

3 Nov 26

Helen Charlston is a British mezzo-soprano celebrated across opera,…

Skipton - Dales

Craven Museum Store Tours - Skipton Town Hall

4 Nov - 2 Dec 26

Book one of our behind the scenes tours at Craven Museum and find out how…

Skipton - Dales

Soul on Wednesday - Halifax Soul Crew - Skipton…

4 Nov - 1 Dec 27

Five hours of soul with DJs Mark Summerscales and Adrian Moore, hosted by…

Skipton - Dales

Big Music Quiz Night - Skipton Sound Bar

5 Nov - 2 Dec 27

The best monthly music quiz, general knowledge, intros, guess the year,…

Let Skipton Inspire You...

Jump to a Section

Stay up to date

Sign up to receive North Yorkshire inspiration direct to your inbox

A woman looks out over the Yorkshire Dales