Travel Skipton

Your Gateway to the Dales comes in the fitting form of 'Sheep Town'. Ewe will not be disappointed

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Photo by Tim Green

Skipton resides just outside the periphery of Yorkshire Dales National Park, in the river Aire gap which divides the dales to the north, the moors to the south, and the Ribble valley to the west. For this reason it is known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’. The market town takes its name from the Saxon word ‘skip’, meaning ‘sheep’, so its literal translation is ‘sheep town’. It was founded by sheep farmers purportedly in the 7th century, before the de Romille family were granted the settlement in 1066. They then built the fortress castle that attracts so much tourism to this day, and this led to the establishment of the town’s regular market to generate local produce and trade. The market is still a large draw today and runs on four days of each week.

The market takes place on the cobbles of the tree-lined High Street, which leads up to Skipton Church, the 900-year old castle, and Skipton Woods. There are also many independent and high street shops around the centre, but wander down any of the town’s many alleyways and you will see that its history is still evident everywhere. Its traditional exteriors give it the character that shapes such ancient towns, for an experience infused with historic value. That isn’t to say the shopping experience has to be limited though, demonstrated by the impressive Craven Court, a Victorian style shopping centre. Skipton’s own range of outlets, besides the many recognized national chains there, include Art Shop, The Home Company, David Goldie outdoor attire, Thomas’s Jewellers, Rackhams department store, C and H Brown leather goods, Copper Dragon Brewery, Stanforth’s Butchers, and Walker’s Exclusive Chocolates.

The side streets of Skipton also harbour a wealth of cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants, such as the nautical Narrow Boat and the equally apt Royal Shepherd; Bizzie Lizzie’s fish and chip shop, a staple of any waterside town; tearooms Hemingway’s and The Rafters; Walker’s Bakery (yes those Walkers have their fingers in many pies-literally) and Aagrah Indian restaurant. A stroll down to the Leeds Liverpool canal area will reveal a marina, boat and cruise trips, footpaths and picnic areas.

Skipton Castle itself can be fully explored; it has stood strong for many centuries and throughout a continuous three-year siege in the Civil War. The Banqueting Hall, Kitchen, Bedchamber and Privy are always open for viewing, and you can roam around from the furthest recesses of the dungeons all the way to the panoramic views of the watchtower. Various events regularly take place at the castle including recreations of medieval campsites, demonstrations by the garrisons of their arms and armour, archery, storytelling, plant fairs, theatrical performances, a clog festival, and a re-enactment of 15th century life within the castle’s rooms. There is also a castle shop, tearooms, and a picnic area with extensive views over the city.

It is little wonder that in 2009 Skipton was voted ‘The Great Street’ by the Academy of Urbanism.

Skipton is around 48 minutes from Leeds by car. The Leeds-Skipton train runs at regular intervals throughout each hour, and takes around 41 minutes.

Posted on Wednesday 24th February 2010
Rebecca Ryder

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