Skipton is a Town in the county of North Yorkshire.
Skipton, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’, is a thriving market town in North Yorkshire, steeped in history and surrounded by some of England’s most beautiful countryside. Dominated by its well-preserved medieval castle, the town has been a key settlement for centuries, with its roots stretching back to the Domesday Book. Skipton Castle, built in 1090, remains one of the best-preserved castles in the country, offering visitors a glimpse into its turbulent past through its sturdy walls, atmospheric dungeons, and stunning views from the battlements.
The town’s historic character is evident in its bustling high street, where independent shops, cosy cafés, and traditional pubs contribute to its welcoming atmosphere. The weekly market, which has been held for over 800 years, brings local traders to the streets, selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through Skipton, providing a scenic backdrop to the town and offering boat trips along the waterway, as well as peaceful towpath walks. The canal was once vital for the town’s wool and textile industries, remnants of which can still be seen in the surrounding mill buildings.
Skipton’s location on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding landscape, with rolling hills, limestone pavements, and picturesque villages just a short distance away. Bolton Abbey, a short drive from the town, offers a stunning riverside setting with the ruins of a 12th-century priory, while Malham Cove and Gordale Scar provide some of the most dramatic scenery in the Dales. Whether exploring its medieval heritage, enjoying the lively market, or setting off into the countryside, Skipton captures the essence of Yorkshire’s charm and history.
Skipton postcode: BD23 2
There are great places to visit near Skipton including some great waterfalls, ruins, historic monuments, hiking areas, villages, rivers and streams, towns, caves, limestone pavements, mountains, cities, historic buildings, hills, geological features, castles, old mines, country parks, parks, gardens and ancient sites.
Skipton's best nearby waterfalls can be found at Catrigg Force, Lockin Garth Force, Whitfield Gill Force, Slape Wath Waterfall, Mill Gill Force, Cotter Force, and Aysgill Force.
Bolton Abbey, Byland Abbey, Easby Abbey (ruin), Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Fountains Abbey (ruin), Trig Point on Warrendale Knotts, and Old Limekiln at Blua Crags are some of Skipton best ruins to visit near Skipton.
The area around Skipton features a number of interesting historic monuments including Bolton Abbey, Culloden Tower, and Robin Hood's Well (Fountains).
Skipton has some unmissable hiking areas nearby like Deepdale, Cotterdale, Southerscales, Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Swilla Glen, Baxenghyll Gorge, and Raven Ray.
There are a several good villages in the Skipton area like Pool-in-Wharfedale, Askrigg, Hardraw, West Burton, Bainbridge, Aysgarth, and Malham.
Rivers and Streams to visit near Skipton include Whitfield Beck, Mill Gill, Hardraw Beck, River Wharfe, and Walden Beck at West Burton.
Skipton's best nearby towns can be found at Hawes, Skipton, Grassington, Richmond, Middlesbrough, Harrogate, and Settle.
Caves to visit near Skipton include Great Douk Cave, White Scar Cave, Yordas Cave, Gaping Gill, Janet's Cave, Horseshoe Cave, and Jubilee Cave.
Skipton's best nearby limestone pavements can be found at Southerscales, Malham Cove, and Warrendale Knotts Limestone Pavement.
Skipton is near some unmissable mountains like Ingleborough,
The area around Skipton features a number of interesting cities including York, and Ripon.
There are a number of historic buildings near Skipton including York Minster, Culloden Tower, and Beggar’s Bridge.
There are a number of hills near Skipton including Addlebrough, Warrendale Knotts, Giggleswick Scar, Blua Crags, Sugar Loaf Hill, and Attermire Scar.
Skipton's best nearby geological features can be found at Malham Cove, Grassington Lead Mines, and Brimham Rocks.
Skipton's best nearby castles can be found at Skipton Castle, Richmond Castle, and Bolton Castle.
There are a several good old mines in the area around Skipton like Grassington Lead Mines.
Brimham Rocks is one of Skipton's best, nearby country parks to visit in Skipton.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Fountains Abbey (ruin), and Studley Royal Water Garden are great places to visit near Skipton if you like parks.
The area around Skipton's best gardens can be found at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.
There are a several good ancient sites in the Skipton area like Schoolboys Tower, Jubilee Cave, and Victoria Cave.
Skipton History
There are some historic monuments around Skipton:
Places to see near Skipton
History of Skipton
One of the oldest mills in North Yorkshire, High Corn Mill is powered by the waters of Eller Beck, and dates to 1310 when it was owned by Robert de Clifford, 1st Baron de Clifford; at that point it was transferred to the powerful Clifford family by the then King Edward II. The mill as it appears today is only half of what used to exist when two mills were in operation to produce corn for the whole of Skipton. The mill has been completely redesigned, from the mill grounds to the buildings themselves. The outside walls of the mill have been sandblasted and the two main buildings of the old mill have been turned into flats from 2007 onwards, with one stand-alone building yet to be redesigned, touched or Sandblasted.
