The best things to do in Skipton

When you set foot on the cobbled streets of this picturesque market town you immediately become immersed in its history. Skipton Castle is an impressive landmark, and its surrounding woodlands make the perfect place for dog walks. There’s also great shopping for local goodies at Skipton Market and a wander around the town’s museum gives a fascinating glimpse into days gone by.

Heading out of Skipton there’s so much to explore, either by narrow boat on a trip down the canal, or in a steam train chuffing through the countryside. The formal gardens, idyllic nature reserves and beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park remind you of the outstanding natural beauty and wealth of things to do in this wonderful part of the world.

After exploring you can rest up in a cosy Skipton cottage and plan your next day of Yorkshire Dales adventures.

Skip to:

Skipton Castle

Like a proud fortress watching over the town, Skipton Castle stands at the top of the High Street for all to see. It’s a beautiful medieval building that has stood the test of time – and some incredible attempts to demolish it. Over the 900 years since it was built, it has been attacked numerous times, but always stayed intact, once by using sheep’s fleeces to protect the magnificent stone walls from cannonball fire.

As you walk down from the watchtower and through to the banqueting hall, you can imagine yourself back in Tudor England, relaxing in sumptuous surroundings as your servants scurry in the kitchens below. The informative guide provides wonderful insights into life almost a millennium ago – even detailing how the rudimentary plumbing emptied ‘waste’ directly into the stream outside. Happily, the banks of the now crystal-clear Eller Beck provide a beautiful stroll for you and your dog.

Skipton Castle Woods

The ancient woodland of Skipton Castle Woods is just a stone’s throw from the town centre and is one of the best dog-friendly things to do in Skipton. The Eller Beck’s only job now is to meander through the verdant landscape, keeping it lush whatever the season, but it was once employed to provide water to the local woollen, saw and corn mills. There’s still the engineering in place on the banks of the stream – turn the elm-carved handle of the waterwheel to see it in action.

Visit in spring to marvel at the carpet of bluebells, interspersed with delicate wood anemones, or bring a bag in autumn to gather sweet chestnuts from the well-established trees whose branches create a canopy above you. This precious stretch of countryside creates a haven for wildlife – look up to spot red kites and sparrowhawks circling above or return as dusk falls to see bats and badgers emerge.

Skipton Market

Of all the things to do in Skipton’s town centre, high on the list is shopping at Skipton Market. It’s a win-win situation as you help independent businesses to thrive and get the chance to sample some high-quality produce at the same time.

Head there at lunchtime to treat yourself to some gorgeous gourmet street food from the variety of food trucks and look out for the cracking cheese stall where you can pick up a wedge of Skipton’s own Shorthorn Organic Blue.

The history of this bustling market dates back to medieval times, when a royal charter granted Skipton Castle the right to hold a fair on the High Street. It then became the locus of livestock trading before morphing into the collection of produce and craft emporiums we see today.  

Craven Court

From ancient to modern, Skipton’s town centre offers it all. At Craven Court shopping centre you’ll find an appealing selection of 28 boutique shops with familiar high-end brands nestled next to independent retailers offering carefully curated goods, all housed in a stylish, glass-topped arcade. The wrought-iron railings, staircase and streetlamps bring an olde-worlde charm that complements Skipton’s history. 

Once you’ve had your fill of retail therapy, head to one of the superb tearooms and coffee shops for a reviving brew and slice of homemade cake. The Cake’ole offers unbeatable bakes and quirky decor. The plant stall situated in the heart of the thoroughfare adds a splash of colour to this bright and airy setting.

Craven Museum

Image credit: Skipton Town Hall

Venture to the Grade II-listed Town Hall to discover Craven Museum, which was shortlisted for Museum of the Year 2024. As you explore, it’s easy to understand why, as this innovative and engaging museum works hard to make the most of its collection of 60,000 artefacts.

Starting at year dot, with examples of prehistoric geology, Roman ingots and Skipton’s industrial past, you get the sense of how the town evolved over the centuries. The box of cotton reels in a rainbow of colours is a link to the thriving spinning and weaving mills – once providing the nation with the iconic ‘Sylko’ threads.

There’s also a charming exhibit of Robert Thompson’s furniture, complete with the delicately carved mouse tucked away in a discreet corner of the woodwork. Yorkshireman Thompson was hired to build the council chambers in the same building, where there are believed to be 30 mice inhabiting it.  

Boat trips on the canal

What better way to discover the waterways of Skipton than onboard a narrow boat? There’s a great selection of boat trips on the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, starting with a cheap and cheerful, hour-long guided tour to day hire or even overnight trips. Don’t worry if you haven’t skippered before, there’s boat-handling training for novices. You can also treat yourself to a floating cream tea, fish and chip supper or a sumptuous evening dinner on the catered tours.

The short branch known as Thanet Canal was named after one-time owner of the castle, Lord Thanet, and leads to loading wharfs near Skipton Castle. The canal was once an essential artery linking Skipton to the major northern cities and ports during the Industrial Revolution, but now it lends itself to more leisurely pursuits.

Parcevall Hall Gardens

The idea of recreating a Himalayan garden was easy to make a reality for eminent plantsman Sir William Milner at Parcevall Hall Gardens, where the steeply sloping banks echo the topography of the mountain range – making it the perfect home for a stunning display of rhododendrons and azaleas typical of that region.

You’ll also find exquisite displays of our native species in the apple orchards, woodlands, rose garden and limestone rock gardens. The formal terraces have a breathtaking view of the rock formation ‘Simon’s Seat’ in the distance. The hall itself is not open to the public as it is a retreat and conference centre, but the beautiful architecture makes for a sympathetic backdrop to the planting. A visit here is one of the most relaxing things to do on a visit to Skipton.

Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Glimpse the glorious scenery of the Yorkshire Dales from a vintage carriage on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. The 4-mile journey takes place in a vintage steam train with Victorian and Edwardian carriages and arrives at the fully restored Victorian splendour of Bolton Abbey Station.  

As well as a standard trip, there are lots of novelty packages to discover, including afternoon teas, murder mystery evenings and ‘A Taste of Faulty Towers’ – which comprises dinner while watching an interactive comedy performance of the classic BBC sitcom.

Train buffs will leap at the opportunity to drive a steam engine, and you get the chance to be driver, fireman and guard during the jaunt, as well as a stint in the signal box. Well-behaved four-legged friends are welcome to join you on your journey, making this one of the best dog-friendly things to do near Skipton.

Bolton Abbey

Set in gorgeous rolling countryside, Bolton Abbey offers a wonderful day out. In the heart of the estate is the beautiful Priory Church, which still offers a place for worship and has done since 1154. Next to it are the dramatic ruins of the Augustinian Priory, in a stunning riverside location. There are two ways to explore the river – either conventionally via the bridge or via the 62 stepping stones, originally used by workers to get to the Priory. On the north bank, there’s a beach area that begs to be used as an idyllic picnic spot – or the daring may want to have a paddle.

Further afield there’s Strid Wood, which includes the Strid, a dramatic water feature caused by the river suddenly narrowing, forcing the water through at great pressure. You can also explore Barden Tower, the aqueduct, and take in the Valley of Desolation and Simon’s Seat.

Thornton Hall Country Park

Since Yorkshire has been farming country for centuries, it makes sense to get a taste of farm life, and you can do just that Thornton Hall Country Park. It provides an authentic experience complete with hands-on animal encounters and pony rides. The farm safari takes you over the 200 acres through woodland, quarry and deer park and has fabulous views – a real must do! It’s £3.50 extra but well worth it. Book early for this as it’s super popular.  

If the weather takes a turn, there’s plenty of shelter in the play barn where there are three storeys of soft-play fun including slides, climbing frames and dressing-up boxes. You can refuel at The Diner, where the extensive menu covers everything from child-friendly burgers and pizzas to more sophisticated superfood salads and tacos.

Kilnsey Park

With breathtaking views of Upper Wharfedale and the towering crag that inspired Turner, Kilnsey Park is a little piece of rural heaven. The nature reserve is abundant with wildflowers, including rare orchids, and the petting zoo has a host of friendly animals just waiting to be stroked.

Anglers will be thrilled by the two well-stocked fishing lakes. The pristine, mineral-rich waters are teeming with rainbow trout and the water quality is so good that they operate a ‘catch and keep policy’ where you can take your fish home to eat – they’ll even gut and clean it for you first. In the unlikely event that the fish aren’t biting, the trout are available to buy in the shop and served in the café as their famous ‘pink fish and chips’. Beginners will love the family fishing pond where bait, tackle and the all-important instructions are supplied, while more advanced anglers can head to the fly-fishing lake.

Skipton pubs

Sampling the delights that Yorkshire has to offer must include a trip to a hostelry – here’s a chance to complete the hat-trick of local food, traditional surroundings and a warm welcome. The Cock and Bottle claims to be the friendliest of Skipton’s pubs – why not put it to the test? So named because it offers both draught and bottled ales (the ‘cock’ is the tap on the barrel), innkeepers Richard and Sarah offer a tempting menu of both traditional pub grub and contemporary salads and wraps as well as an extensive cellar of local ales. The recently refurbished beer garden has a retractable pergola – ideal for when the weather can’t make up its mind!

A 2-minute stroll around the corner is The Woolly Sheep Inn. Since Skipton’s name is derived from the old word for sheep, it’s not surprising that these lovable farm animals make their mark in all areas of the town. The traditional interior is beautifully maintained with glorious flagstone flooring and oak beams. There’s cask ales from the famous Yorkshire brewery, Timothy Taylor, and a menu that caters for all palates, whether you’re in the mood for fish and chips or fancy pan-seared venison haunch.   

Head towards the canal for The Boat House Bar, a waterside pub complete with its own microbrewery. Real-ale afficionados will be in heaven with the line-up of beers on offer. There’s even a club to discuss the art of brewing.

Skipton restaurants

An amble around Skipton’s compact centre will present an inviting array of restaurants – hunting out a high-quality eatery isn’t the problem; it’s deciding which one to choose. The intriguingly named Efendy offers a delicious range of sizzling Turkish delicacies including lamb skewers and mezze sharing platters. At the other end of the high street there’s Le Caveau, which combines French cuisine with a modern twist. The stylish interior has exposed stonework and twinkling fairy lights entwined around its beams – you’d never guess it was originally a prison for sheep rustlers! The five-course tasting menu provides the opportunity to have a thorough investigation of the chef’s abilities – and a flight of wine is paired with each course.

Head to Two Sisters Bar and Kitchen for an upbeat dining experience in a stylish locale. Although it initially appears small, the large first-floor seating area accommodates a generous crowd. Open all day, you can check out the tasty breakfasts, sample the zingy lunch menu and linger over a top-notch dinner.

Map of things to do in Skipton

Find all the best things to do in Skipton with this handy map:

Places to stay in Skipton

Skipton is the quintessential Dales destination, with charming independent shops and cafés against a backdrop of picture-perfect countryside. After a busy day exploring all this adorable town has to offer, relax in the comfort of a unique and hand-picked Yorkshire holiday home. Skipton’s history is reflected in the wide range of accommodation available, from bijou stone cottages to barn conversions and even mills transformed into chic apartments.

Browse our full range of Skipton cottages to find your perfect base for a short break or longer holiday.