Things to do in Skipton

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor

Skipton has the perfect mix of lesser known gems like Art in the Pen and Skipton Little Theatre as well as must see attractions such as the Castle and Castle Woods. If you’re interested in the local heritage, the Craven Museum in Skipton Town Hall is a must. Having started as a hobby for local enthusiasts, their collection now has over 60,000 objects spanning geology, social and natural history as well as archaeology. The Town Hall is another key venue in Skipton and is home of North Yorkshire’s only professional orchestra, Skipton Camerata.

There are plenty of artistic activities to get involved with. Craven Arts Studios regularly host workshops with their resident artists where you can learn new skills or embark on longer courses to develop your own practise. Magpie, Two for Joy is another must visit for the artistically inclined. Their shop come gallery, come print studio, is a place you can buy and make quirky yet beautiful things.

The town centre is packed with independent local business. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll notice the pride people take in their local makers and producers, whether they’re selling locally made gifts or fresh bread and coffee. In terms of eating out, there’s a lot of choice. Skipton has a wide range of cuisines available with each restaurant making the most of the produce on their doorstep. You can find delicious Indian, French and contemporary British dishes within walking distance of the centre as well as by the canal, and if you’re feeling adventurous you can even dine in what was once a prison for Craven District’s felons and sheep rustlers.

We are just scratching the surface of what the area has to offer, but scroll down and you’ll find plenty of things to do in Skipton.

Our top picks

Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle, The Bailey, Skipton, BD23 1AW - Visit now

As one of the best-preserved examples of a medieval castle in the country, Skipton Castle was built in 1090 and is well worth a visit.

Skipton Castle

Skipton Town Hall

Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton, BD23 1AH - Visit now

Skipton Town Hall sits at the centre of the highstreet providing a home for heritage, performance and art.

Skipton Town Hall

Magpie – Two for Joy

Magpie – Two for Joy, Albion Square, Otley St, Skipton, BD23 1ED - Visit now

Gift shop, printmakers and gallery shop in one, Magpie sell a locally sourced collection of wonderful and beautiful things as well as hosting workshops.

Magpie

Skipton Castle Woods

Skipton Castle Woods, The Bailey, Skipton, BD23 1AW - Visit now

Skipton Castle Woods has idyllic spaces to walk and play in as well as a wealth of local wildlife, check out their events and tours.

skipton castle woods
Woodland Trust

Where to go in York

York
Restaurant
Pearly Cow York

A flawless culinary adventure through Britain’s best seasonal meat and seafood dishes.

York
Bar or Pub
The Welly

Legendary nightclub in Hull, The Welly hosts regular events, musicians and club nights – all affordable and all incredibly entertaining.

York
Gallery
Mill Bridge Gallery

Fine art, photography and sculpture – all by talented local artists – are exhibited in the Mill Bridge Gallery located in a canal-side building.

York
Restaurant
Sotano

Sotano, in York, is a divine Mediterranean tapas bar and restaurant, also serving charcuterie boards of the finest ingredients.

York
Bar or Pub
Evil Eye

Evil Eye in York is a cocktail bar focused on embracing the spiritual, and engaging with the community.

York
Restaurant
Valhalla

Valhalla is ‘a venue that paid homage to York’s Viking heritage and somewhere with purely Rock ‘n Metal music in its soul’.

York
Bar or Pub
Fossgate Social

Coffee shop by day, bar by night – Fossgate Social is a small but vibrant independent venue serving speciality coffee, craft beer and cocktails.

Restaurant stock image
York
Restaurant
Izakaya

Tasting menus and full course dining experiences are on offer, bridging relaxed and fine dining to suit every taste with Japanese cuisine.

York
Restaurant
Legacy

Legacy, in York’s iconic ‘The Grand’, offers a modern British and Yorkshire-inspired tasting menus paired with an exceptional wine list.

York Visitor Guides

Stately Homes in the North

The North of England is blessed with countless stunning stately homes, many dating back decades and even centuries. Here are some of the very best.

Walks in Skipton
Walks in Skipton

A guide to various top walks in and around Skipton, showing where to go for the best panoramas, historical trails and town views.

The Grand York
Walks in York

With one of the largest pedestrianised zones in Europe, York’s city centre is a web of ‘footstreets’ which expand outwards from the shambles. Many are fully pedestrianised: 24 hours a...

Timekeepers
Spotlight on

Light Festivals in the North

From enchanting lantern parades to epic LED installations, light festivals are a brilliant way celebrate the magic of the winter months.

Take me there

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Alongside experimental performance, new writing and free arts festivals, we take a look at some of the Christmas shows happening in the North.