Local guide

Things to do in Skipton

Skipton is a proper Yorkshire market town, with a castle, a canal, a busy High Street and the Dales on the doorstep. These are the places we send our guests.

History

Castle and woods

Skipton Castle

More than 900 years old and steeped in stories, with something for every age. Explore the castle and grounds at your own pace; it is a two minute walk from The Clock Tower Suite.

Skipton Castle Woods

Right beside the castle, a beautiful woodland walk with plenty of wildlife and wicker sculptures to spot. Bring a camera.

The canal

Boat trips, towpath walks and boat hire from the canal basin on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

Markets and shopping

A proper market town

Skipton’s street market fills the High Street on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Between market days you will find independent shops, cafés and the High Street’s mix of local names and favourites.

Food and drink

Where to eat and drink

From traditional pubs to gin bars and special-occasion dinners, there is something for everyone within a few minutes of your door.

Pubs

  • The Woolly Sheep, Sheep Street. A traditional town centre pub serving traditional ales, wines and excellent food.
  • Cock and Bottle, Swadford Street. A home-cooked menu built around local suppliers.
  • The Castle Inn, Mill Bridge. A classic pub with good-value food and ales.
  • The Yorkshireman, Court Lane. Traditional pub popular with locals and tourists.
  • The Narrowboat, Victoria Street. Large range of traditional ales, large function room and legendary pies.
  • The Boat House, Canal Basin. Traditional pub with a wide range of local drinks, overlooking the canal basin.

Bars

  • Two Sisters, Mill Bridge. Boutique wine bar with excellent food, quirky style and a warm welcome.
  • Sound Bar, Swadford Street. Part vinyl record shop, part bar, live music every weekend.
  • The ML Bar, Sheep Street. An extensive selection of premium whiskies and fine wines from around the world
  • VSQ, Victoria Street. A modern and vibrant gin bar with amazing cocktails a long drinks list.
  • The Mess Rooms, Coach Street. Award winning, independent, music loving bar. Live music every weekend
  • Devonshire Vaults, Newmarket Street. A lively bar popular with locals, good beer and wine, music and live sports.

Restaurants

  • 66 Sheep Street
    New Bar/Bistro with a reputation for excellent food. Sundays is all about the Roast !
  • Le Caveau, High Street
    Yorkshire Produce With A French Twist. Award winning hidden gem in the heart of Skipton
  • Le Bistro des Amis, Jerry Croft
    A fusion of French & British cuisine. Seafood dishes a speciality
  • Curious Fox, Chapel Hill
    Around the world dishes served with Yorkshire influences. Sunday Roasts very popular
  • Pitra Waterfront, Coach Street
    Indian South Pan Asian cuisine in a beautiful canal side setting

Families

Plenty for the kids

  • Aireville Park and pool, within walking distance, with its own skate park.
  • Billy Bob’s ice cream parlour and country play area.
  • Matrix bowling and American pool.
  • Working farms nearby, with activities and events through the year.
  • Coffee and Clay, where children can make their own pottery keepsake.
  • The Plaza, Skipton’s own one-screen cinema.

Into the Dales

Walks and days out

Embsay Reservoir

A short drive north of Skipton, a gentle one mile walk around the reservoir with big moorland views and a free car park. For a bigger day, carry on up Embsay Crag.

Canal walk to Gargrave

Follow the Leeds and Liverpool Canal towpath from the canal basin to the village of Gargrave: five easy, flat miles past fields and drystone walls, with a train back to Skipton.