The Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales
A local's guide to the castle, the cobbles, the canal — and exactly where to eat, drink and get a proper brew while you're here.
The Big List
From medieval battlements to steam trains and limestone cliffs — everything worth your time in and around town.
Over 900 years old and one of the most complete medieval castles in England, Skipton Castle survived a three-year siege in the Civil War and still crowns the top of the High Street. Explore the banqueting hall, kitchens, dungeon and the famous yew tree in Conduit Court planted by Lady Anne Clifford in 1659.
Sitting on Eller Beck just below the castle, The High Corn Mill is one of Skipton's oldest working buildings — a watermill recorded as far back as the 12th century, once owned by the castle itself. Today its beautifully restored waterwheels and stone courtyards are home to independent businesses, and it makes a wonderfully atmospheric stop on the walk between the castle and the canal.
Four days a week — Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday — traders set out their stalls along the broad, cobbled setts of the High Street, just as they have for centuries. Expect Yorkshire cheeses, olives, fresh bread, crafts, clothing and plenty of banter. Even on non-market days the square is the beating heart of the town.
Skipton's canal basin is one of the prettiest stretches of the entire Leeds & Liverpool Canal. Wander the towpath past brightly painted narrowboats, or hop aboard a boat trip from the wharf for an hour of gliding past the town at walking pace. The Springs Branch spur runs right beneath the castle walls.
A tranquil ancient woodland walk starting just yards from the town centre, following Eller Beck behind the castle. Managed by the Woodland Trust, it's carpeted in wild garlic and bluebells in spring and is an easy, accessible escape at any time of year.
Housed in Skipton's handsome 1862 Town Hall, the Craven Museum tells the story of the Dales through some 60,000 objects — from prehistoric finds to a rare Shakespeare First Folio. Free to enter, recently refurbished, and great with kids.
Board a heritage steam train at Embsay, just outside Skipton, for a nostalgic four-mile puff through the Dales to Bolton Abbey station. Vintage carriages, station tea rooms and special event days make it a favourite for families.
Six miles east of town, the romantic ruins of a 12th-century priory sit on a bend of the River Wharfe. Cross the famous stepping stones, walk to the roaring Strid, or just picnic on the riverbank — one of Yorkshire's great days out.
Skipton's big green space, a short stroll from the centre, with an excellent adventure playground, skate park, pump track and plenty of room to run about. Craven Leisure's pool sits on the edge of the park for rainy days.
Use Skipton as your base for the southern Dales: the vast limestone amphitheatre of Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and Janet's Foss are around half an hour away, with Grassington's cobbled village square and Wharfedale's walking country closer still.
Refuel
From 16th-century cellars to award-winning fish and chips on the canal.
High Street
A French restaurant set in an atmospheric 16th-century vaulted cellar, pairing classic French cooking with the best Yorkshire produce. A long-standing local favourite for a special night out.
Top of the High Street
Skipton's award-winning grand café, bar and terrace, serving modern British dishes with an Asian twist alongside excellent cocktails. Great for brunch through to dinner.
Swadford Street, by the canal
A Skipton institution — multi-award-winning fish and chips overlooking the canal wharf. Sit in upstairs or take a paper-wrapped parcel to the towpath.
Otley Street
The best of France meets the best of Yorkshire: steak frites, Parisian-style cottage pie and regular themed evenings, all built on locally sourced ingredients.
Keighley Road
Part of the celebrated Yorkshire family of restaurants and arguably the most popular curry in town — generous, reliable Kashmiri cooking in a large, buzzy dining room.
Cheers
Proper Yorkshire pubs, cask ale and beer gardens in the shadow of the castle.
Sheep Street
Skipton's iconic 18th-century coaching inn and the Timothy Taylor's flagship — impeccably kept Landlord and Boltmaker, good food and a sunny courtyard.
Victoria Street, near the canal
A canal-side favourite tucked down a flagged passage, with an ever-changing line-up of cask and craft beers and a proper pub atmosphere.
Mill Bridge, by the castle
A prime spot at the castle gates with a charming beer garden — sun-trap in summer, heaters in winter, and a well-kept pint year-round.
Otley Street
A hidden gem loved by locals: wooden floors, snug corners and an extensive, ever-rotating range of real ales and guest beers.
Embsay village, 2 miles out
Worth the short trip: a traditional village pub with stunning views of Embsay Crag, ideal for a relaxed pint or a Sunday roast after a walk.
The Brew
Skipton takes its coffee seriously. These are the spots the locals queue for.
Otley Street
Ask any local where to get the best coffee in town and the answer is nearly always the same. Superb speciality coffee and a brunch menu built on Yorkshire produce — the Reuben Benedict is a Skipton institution.
Gargrave Road
For people who truly love coffee: a specialist roaster and merchant where the smell alone is worth the visit. Beans, brews and expert advice.
Town centre
An award-winning independent and the most dog-friendly café in Skipton — four-legged guests get their own menu of pupcakes, doggy doughnuts and even a 'pupspresso'.
Town centre
Generous, well-priced Yorkshire breakfasts and lunches with good coffee in a friendly, dog-welcoming setting — a dependable everyday favourite.
Town centre
A charming tea room with a wonderfully warm welcome — lovely cakes, generous afternoon teas and a pot of proper Yorkshire tea if you fancy a change from coffee.
Bonus List
Boots on — the Dales start where the High Street ends.
1.5 miles · Easy
Ancient woodland along Eller Beck, starting behind the High Corn Mill. Bluebells and wild garlic in spring.
4.5 miles · Easy, flat
Follow the Leeds & Liverpool Canal west through classic Dales scenery; return by train or bus from Gargrave.
3 miles · Moderate
A short, punchy climb above Embsay Reservoir with huge views back over Skipton and Wharfedale.
4–6 miles · Easy–moderate
Riverside paths from the priory ruins to the thunderous narrows of the Strid, with stepping stones en route.
5 miles · Moderate
The classic limestone circuit: the great curved cliff of the Cove, the limestone pavement above it, Janet's Foss and Gordale Scar.