Distance from Peaks & Pods: 17 miles
Skipton is a popular town and tourist destination, made famous by its award-winning High Street – the site of its market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. Visit www.welcometoskipton.com. There are countless excellent shops, cafes and restaurants.
Skipton Castle
Imagine what life was like when Skipton Castle provided protection and security from invaders. Every visitor to the Castle is given a comprehensive Tour Sheet (available in 10 languages) with 40 drawings and descriptions of interesting features. Even now more historic finds are being discovered. Recently an ancient well was uncovered, helping to explain how the castle garrison survived the siege of 1643-5. Relax in the picnic area or tea room and pick up a souvenir in the shop.
Skipton Castle Woods
Hidden behind Skipton Castle – one of Britain’s most popular medieval castles – the Woodland Trust’s Skipton Castle Woods is a rare ancient woodland habitat straight off the high street.
With a fascinating history that dates back a thousand years, stunning seasonal displays, amazing wildlife and central location, Skipton Castle Woods is a must-visit if you’re in the area.
One of the Woodland Trust’s most unique sites, there’s lots for nature-lovers and families to see and do, so step off the high street, feel the earth under your boots and come explore.
Skipton Market
Skipton Market (voted as the UK’s Best Small Outdoor Market 2017) plays a huge part in the life of the town. Very few places of a similar size have as many regular market days as Skipton – and very few have a market located in the very heart of the town, on the High Street.
The Market operates every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday throughout the year. There are no fixed stalls, so traders erect their own each morning on the cobbled areas along the High Street (known as “setts”).
Generally the Market is up-and-running from around 9.30am – and the market clears way at around 4.30pm, although this may be slightly earlier or later depending on the weather conditions. The number of stalls can vary from day-to-day depending on the time of year. Mondays can be quieter in the winter months.
Skipton Boat Trips
Enjoy a 60 minute Boat Trip on a traditional canal boat, which has many facilities, including a well stocked bar serving refreshments. Pass by the 19th Century mills and spectacular scenery whilst the crew open the many swing bridges, as your skipper unravels the captivating 200 year old tale of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal.
Enjoy a day on the beautiful Leeds-Liverpool canal onboard a luxury fully equipped day boat. Hampers and picnics can be pre-ordered to make your day out an extra special one.
Craven Court Shopping Centre
Lovely little shopping court situated in the heart of Skipton, just off the High Street. The shopping court, based on a Victorian theme, has wrought iron work and a glass roof to make it a unique shopping experience. There are great brands such as Laura Ashley, Joules, Fat Face, and H.Samuel, as well as a wide variety of independent shops and a couple of tearooms. Try the amazing cake at Cake Ole! tripadvisor.co.uk/The_Cake_ole-Skipton
Alexander’s
We love a trip to Alexander’s when we visit Skipton, maybe for brunch, lunch or afternoon tea. Enjoy dining al fresco on the heated terrace, or enjoy the ‘Secret Garden’ with jumbrellas and fire pits. Sample the cocktails or craft beers in the gorgeous Edwardian-styled bar. Well worth a visit.