Southern Dales - Skipton

Known as ‘The Gateway to the Dales’, Skipton in Airedale is a bustling market town with a popular open-air market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday! Group Travel Organiser Magazine nominated Skipton market as one of the top six destinations in its category in the 2005 Group Travel Awards.

The magnificent Skipton Castle guards the town. There are a huge variety of specialist shops to suit all tastes and fancies, the Craven Court Shopping Arcade, a brand new indoor swimming pool at Aireville Park, a theatre and a host of places to stay, eat and drink!

The Leeds-Liverpool canal runs through the centre of Skipton so visitors can stroll along the towpath or drift along the canal waters on a traditional barge!

The town is called a gateway for good reason - there is easy road access to the Northern, Western and Eastern Dales as well as the historic cities of Harrogate and Ripon, plus you can join the Settle-Carlisle Railway from here, which is only a short train ride away.

More information from Skipton Information Centre Tel: 01756 792809.
For a town map of Skipton, click here.

To search for accommodation in and around Skipton, click here

DON’T MISS:

• Skipton Castle, one of the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England, with a woodland walk at the feet of its imposing walls.
• Pennine Boat Trips & Cruises, where you can take a trip through stunning Dales scenery on the 200 year old Leeds- Liverpool Canal - whatever the weather!
• The Craven Museum, which brings to life the natural and social history of the Southern Dales.
• Bolton Abbey, spectacular medieval buildings lie in beautiful countryside with 80 miles of moorland, woodland and riverside footpaths and a wheelchair accessible nature trial.
• Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway, with its regular events calendar. A fun day out for all the family.
• Yorkshire Dales Flyfishing, who offer a complete flyfishing service in the Dales. Everything from beginner courses to flyfishing holidays.
• The Canal Footpath, a delightful walk from Aireville Park to Skipton or Castle Woods where deer can sometimes be seen.
• Hesketh Farm Park, where children can meet animals that are native to the Yorkshire Dales and join in the activities. 
• The Elm Gallery, displaying original paintings and drawings by local artists.

Back to the Southern Dales