Your rainy day guide to Skipton

Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best-preserved medieval castles in England. Originally built as a timber and earthwork motte-and-bailey castle, it is over 900 years old and remarkably well-roofed, making it an ideal rainy-day escape where you can wander through banquet halls, dark dungeons, medieval chapel and internal courtyard.

To dodge the drizzle, stay a little longer and enjoy something warming in their café.

Skipton Boat Trips, operates along the famous Leeds and Liverpool Canal - Britain’s longest single canal at 127 miles.

Watch the colourful narrowboats pass by as the rain rolls down the windows from the warmth of your cosy canal boat. With various packages to choose from, you could enjoy a trip that offers afternoon tea, a Roast Dinner Cruise or perhaps fish and chips take your fancy. Alternatively, hire a canal boat to explore the region's historic waterways from the centre of town for yourself.

Keep a look out for local swan residents Victoria and Albert – they are surprisingly friendly!

Explore the high Street and cobbled side streets to discover an array of independent shops. When the next cloudburst comes, tuck yourself away inside Craven Court Shopping Centre – a charming Victorian style indoor arcade housing further local makers and coffee shops.

And if there's a break in the weather it's definitely worth exploring Skipton Market - one of the oldest street markets in the UK. Packed with stalls selling fresh local produce, artisan foods, and handmade gifts, it operates under a Royal Charter granted by King John in 1204, meaning it still relies on the exact same medieval legal consent to set up on the High Street four days a week: every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (including many bank holidays).