Location: Skipton
Top Things to do in Skipton
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What to do and see in Skipton, England: The Best Things to do
Skipton (also known as Skipton-in-Craven) is a market town and civil parish in the Craven district of North Yorkshire, England. Historically in the West Riding of Yorkshire, it is on the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal to the south of the Yorkshire Dales, 16 miles (26 km) northwest of Bradford and 38 miles (61 km) west of York. At the 2011 Census, the population was 14,623.
Restaurants in Skipton
1. Skipton Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,895 reviews
Where better to experience almost a thousand years of British history than by visiting Skipton Castle. Open all year round, tours are popular with visitors who come from far and wide to explore what some consider to be, a castle jewel of the North. Overlooking an intriguing market town, this remarkable 900 year old fortress is one of the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England. The history is inseparable from the Clifford family. During the Civil War, Skipton Castle was the last Royalist bastion in the North, yielding only after a three-year siege in 1645. ‘Slighted’ under the orders of Cromwell, the Castle was skilfully restored years later by the indubitable matriarch and egalitarian, Lady Anne Clifford (1589-1676) who was born here. Today the dedicated team at Skipton Castle follow in her footsteps in its preservation. It is the focal point at the top of the High Street, so after a visit, it is fun and easy to take a stroll around the lovely shops, old mark
Reviewed By 425trician - Baildon, United Kingdom
Despite living nearby this was my first time actually inside the grounds of the Castle! It is well worth a visit if you like history and the castle is a wonderful building with some wonderful views and extremely well preserved. All grounds are also very well kept and pretty. All staff go out of their way to be helpful and friendly, giving directions and extra info which is really nice and was appreciated. A handy free tour sheet is included with ticket price with a suggested anti clockwise route suggested so you don’t miss anything. There’s also more background and historic information in each room which I enjoyed reading. There is a cafe for drinks or lunch and a church you could have a look round. Also there is a woodland walk which looks to give amazing views of the exterior. We vowed to try this another time as that is open and accessible to the public. I found the entrance fee slightly expensive as it only takes 1-2 hours maximum so isn’t a full day out. We were happy to pay it and glad we did but we probably wouldn’t again. I also think the price may put off some people especially with families which is a shame. But overall we really enjoyed looking round the castle we’re very lucky to have such a lovely piece of history on our doorstep.
2. Hesketh Farm Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 628 reviews
Reviewed By Lizzy776 - Birkenhead, United Kingdom
Visited today for the first time and had a lovely day. I wasn't sure whether there'd be enough to do for my children aged 10 and 12 but they absolutely loved it, they did the pony brushing and goat feeding (my eldest daughter was particularly pleased as one of the goats had the same name as her!) had fun on the go karts, followed the tortoises around and fell in love with all the other animals - they wanted to take the calves and guinea pigs home! They were lucky enough to feed the calves, which was a lovely end to the day. The farm was spotless with plenty of hand sanitizers and sinks for washing hands, animals are very well cared for and staff were really friendly, we loved it!
3. Kilnsey Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 262 reviews
Kilnsey Park is a family visitor attraction in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Spend a day with us exploring and having fun – you can catch a fish, watch our red squirrels play and then enjoy a meal in our cosy cafe/restaurant! Kilnsey Park offers activities for all the family including fun fishing, friendly farm animals, an adventure playground and a nature trail with butterfly garden and rare orchids. We also offer high quality angling in two spring fed lakes for those wanting to catch a fish in this stunning location. Seasonal events and treasure trails mean that there’s always something going on.
Reviewed By 245k_france - Barnoldswick, United Kingdom
We have been regular visitors of Kilnsey Park over the years and the children and I always have a great time. Lovely helpful, knowledgeable staff are always on hand to show you the ropes. Fab little cafe with great food and clean facilities & a great little nature trail. Please ignore the negative comments in regards to the staff, we happened to be there on the day where aggressive behaviour was mentioned and I can assure you it was the Asian man being aggressive towards the staff member. We have had several dealings with David and he has always been nothing but kind and helpful, I am not sure why people feel the need to bad mouth people just because they didn't get their own way!
4. Grimwith Reservoir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 75 reviews
Reviewed By LauraDaveJames - Solihull, United Kingdom
This reservoir is located not far from the village of Grassington. There is a good car park with views of the reservoir from the highest level. It is in an exposed and elevated position so sturdy footwear and waterproof clothing is definitely a good idea. We really enjoyed a peaceful walk with some stunning scenery and points of interest with information boards along the way.
5. Parcevall Hall Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By BobGraham441 - Sunderland, United Kingdom
This hall and gardens is at the end of a winding road that is a dead end which is full of plants, trees, small lake and steams and lawns. Worth a visit even if it's just the getting there and back.
6. Leeds and Liverpool Canal
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By petmand - Barnsley, United Kingdom
Take the walk from Gargrave to Skipton along the canal tow path, it only takes an hour or so and just watch the canal boats drift by, as you admire the fantastic views. If you dont want to walk back catch the 580 bus from Skipton its frequent and the driver was very helpful.
7. Skipton Castle Woods
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 275 reviews
The Woodland Trust invites everyone to enjoy Skipton Castle Woods, a 36 acre ancient woodland in the heart of Skipton town centre. Skipton Castle Woods in North Yorkshire is a place to enjoy space, peace and wildlife along a river valley featuring Springs Canal and Eller Beck. Visitors are welcome at Skipton Castle Woods with free woodland access 365 days a year.
Reviewed By Tylerethan - Lincolnshire, United Kingdom
First time doing this walk after visiting Skipton a couple of times, lovely and peaceful, few little waterfalls and ponds, different routes to follow, a lovely walk, well worth doing if love nature walks and trees.
8. Bolton Abbey Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
Reviewed By traceyl611 - Sunderland, United Kingdom
This was our first visit to Bolton Abbey & it more than exceeded expectations. We found the whole experience very well organised with excellent social distancing measures in place. We completed the easiest walking route & there was still lots to see. The £10 entrance fee per car was great value for money & we would highly recommend a visit.
9. Skipton Market
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 237 reviews
Skipton Market is unique. Its history dates back to medieval times, when a royal charter granted consent to The Lord of the Honour of Skipton Castle to hold a fair on Skipton High Street. This consent still holds true today - and the current owner of Skipton Castle grants the rights to hold the market on four days each week. The historic fairs of medieval times have long since been replaced by what we now recognise as a traditional street market, but the principles are the same - a group of traders get together on the High Street, and sell their wares. For many years, the market in Skipton was a place where animals were traded. The town's close association with sheep is reflected in the name. Skipton actually means 'Sheep Town' - so the historic link will always remain. On each market day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday), stalls are erected on the area of the High Street known as the setts. These are, in effect, cobbled areas between the formal footpaths and the main road.
Reviewed By josiew164 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Love, love, love Skipton market, buy all my crops (3/4 trousers from there), brilliant friendly stall holders. They were even kind enough to post crops to me just after the first lockdown started. Fri and Sat probably the best days to go, with stalls top to bottom on both sides of the Main Street. Mon and Wed a bit quieter with not so many stalls. But the variety of items for purchase is endless. And there are shops aplenty for the avid shoppers. There are plenty of eateries, so no need to go hungry or thirsty. And to top it off, a browse around Skipton Castle is ideal for the history boffins. Or take a load off with a nice relaxing canal ride, with a choice of 2 meals for those who like something different. All in all it’s a beautiful place, and well worth visiting at any time of year.
10. Craven Court Shopping Centre
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By kimsT3680JP - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
Nice arcade and a must visit in Skipton, lot of independent shops, places for a snack, and well layed out, seating if required, always something a little different to buy
