Known affectionately as the “Gateway to the Dales,” Skipton is one of North Yorkshire’s most captivating market towns. Offering a blend of preserved medieval architecture, bustling open-air markets, scenic canal routes, and local food spots, Skipton is an ideal destination for a day trip or a base to explore the surrounding National Park.
1. Top Things to See & Do
Skipton Castle
Dominating the top of the High Street, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and well-preserved medieval fortresses in England. Originally constructed in 1090 by Norman baron Robert de Romille, it withstood a famous three-year siege during the English Civil War.
- What to explore: Step back in time as you navigate the Banqueting Hall, watchtower, medieval kitchen, and dark dungeons. At the centre sits a quiet Tudor courtyard with a sprawling yew tree planted in 1659.
- Visiting tip: Arrive before 10:30 AM to beat the crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmospheric grounds.
Skipton Market
Granted its charter by King John in 1204, Skipton Market operates four days a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday) along the broad High Street.
Traders set up traditional stalls on the cobbled setts, selling everything from local cheeses, baked treats, and cured meats to handmade crafts and clothing.
Leeds & Liverpool Canal & Basin
The Leeds & Liverpool Canal winds directly through the town centre, offering peaceful waterside strolls and towpath walks.
- Skipton Canal Basin: The focal point for canal boats and day trips. You can rent a day boat, hop on a guided skippered cruise, or grab a coffee from a canal-side café while watching the narrowboats drift past.
2. Nature Walks & Local Discoveries
Skipton Castle Woods
Directly behind the medieval castle lies Skipton Castle Woods, an ancient woodland managed by the Woodland Trust.
- The Experience: Following the Eller Beck stream, this peaceful nature walk features ancient oak and hornbeam trees, seasonal bluebells in spring, and well-maintained footpaths suitable for a relaxed stroll right from the town centre.
Craven Museum & Gallery
Located inside the town’s refurbished Town Hall, the Craven Museum offers a dive into local heritage, geology, and culture.
- Highlight: The museum houses a rare copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio (1623). It is one of only four First Folios on permanent public display anywhere in the world.
3. Local Food & Drink Recommendations
| Spot Type | Recommendation | What to Expect |
| Traditional Bakery | Stanforth Butchers | Known locally as the “Celebrated Pie Shop,” famous for serving traditional pork pies. |
| Historic Pub | The Castle Inn | Situated at the top of the High Street near Holy Trinity Church, serving hearty, traditional pub classics. |
| Canal-Side Refreshments | Canal Basin Cafés | Relaxed spots along the water offering local afternoon teas, cakes, and coffee. |
Discover where to stay in the Skipton area
4. Practical Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit: Visit on market days (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat) to experience the town at its liveliest. For a quieter experience focused on historic exploration, visit on Tuesday or Thursday.Skipton’s location makes it the ideal launchpad for exploring Southern and Central Wharfedale, Malhamdale, and Ribblesdale. Whether you are looking for classic limestone circular walks, tranquil riverside strolls, or memorable mountain ascents, these top day trips and scenic routes are easily accessible from town.
Getting There: Skipton railway station has direct, regular train connections to Leeds, Bradford, Carlisle, and Lancaster. Regular DalesBus services connect the town to Grassington, Malham, and Ilkley.
1. Malhamdale & The Limestone Amphitheatre Loop
Located roughly 25 minutes north-west of Skipton by car or local bus, Malham is home to some of the most dramatic geological scenery in the National Park. A classic circular walking route links three distinct natural wonders in one trip.
- Janet’s Foss waterfall Click to open side panel for more information : Start from Malham village and follow the wooded footpath along Gordale Beck to this woodland waterfall and natural plunge pool.
- Gordale Scar Click to open side panel for more information : Continue along the trail into a hidden limestone gorge with towering sheer rock walls.
- Malham Cove Click to open side panel for more information : Climb the stone steps to the top of the 80-metre-high curved limestone cliff to cross the famous limestone pavement, offering panoramic views across the valley below.
2. Wharfedale & Bolton Abbey Estate
Bolton Abbey
Just 15 minutes east of Skipton along the A59, the Bolton Abbey Click to open side panel for more information estate spans 30,000 acres of riverside trails, ancient woodland, and historic architecture along the River Wharfe.
- Priory Ruins & Stepping Stones: Explore the 12th-century Augustinian Priory ruins situated right on the riverbank, and cross the river using the historic 60 stepping stones.
- The Strid & Strid Wood: Walk north along the river path through ancient oak woods to reach The Strid, a narrow, powerful gorge where the River Wharfe is forced through a deep rock channel.
- Valley Views: Enjoy well-graded, accessible footpaths, tea rooms, and designated picnic areas throughout the estate grounds.
3. Grassington & Upper Wharfedale
Grassington
A 20-minute drive north along the B6265 (or a short ride on the local bus) brings you to Grassington Click to open side panel for more information , a charming cobbled village nestled in Upper Wharfedale.
- Grassington to Linton Falls Walk: Take a gentle circular walk from the village square down to Linton Falls on the River Wharfe, passing over the footbridge to enjoy views of the cascading waterfalls.
- Kilnsey Park Click to open side panel for more information & Kilnsey Crag: Continue a short way further up Wharfedale to view Kilnsey Crag, a limestone cliff face popular with rock climbers, and stop by the park for trout fishing, red squirrel nature trails, and a farm shop café.
4. Wensleydale & Aysgarth Falls
Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre
Situated about 45 minutes north of Skipton, Aysgarth Falls Yorkshire Dales National Park Visitor Centre Click to open side panel for more information sits alongside a famous triple-flight series of waterfalls on the River Ure.
- Woodland & Riverside Trails: Well-surfaced paths link the Upper, Middle, and Lower Falls through Freekeepers Wood, providing easy walking options for all mobility levels.
- Leyburn & Hawes Base: A trip to Aysgarth can easily be combined with visits to nearby market towns such as Leyburn or Hawes for a full day out in Wensleydale.
5. Ribblesdale & Pen-y-ghent
For those seeking a higher altitude walk, head north-west into Ribblesdale towards Horton-in-Ribblesdale (accessible by train from Skipton via the scenic Settle-Carlisle line).
- Mountain Ascent: Pen-y-ghent Click to open side panel for more information stands at 694 metres (2,277 ft) and is the most accessible of Yorkshire’s famous “Three Peaks.”
- The Route: A standard 6-mile circular walk from Horton village takes you up the southern ridge—incorporating a light, enjoyable scramble near the summit—before descending via the Pennine Way past Hunt Pot.
