A picturesque town boasts welcoming pubs, independent boutiques and captivating heritage. Featuring delightful cobblestone lanes and a thriving high street, Skipton makes an ideal getaway destination and there’s plenty to do.
The small town, situated south of the Yorkshire Dales, secured sixth place among the “happiest places to live in the country” according to Rightmove’s 2024 Happy Home Index. The survey, running for 13 years, gauges residents’ feelings about their locality based on various contentment factors and received responses from over 35,000 participants. Remarkably, the North Yorkshire town has earned the nickname “little Ibiza”.
The town’s Keighley Road reportedly “booms out” club music every week from 6pm until 3am, with “the nightclub continuing this until 5am”.
Visiting the town Hannah Rees, of the Liverpool Echo, said: “My visit to the town didn’t quite feel like a trip to sunny Spain, but there was still plenty to do.”
Numerous parking spots were available throughout the town centre, though she chose the Bailey Car Park – costing under £5 for the day.
The car park sits adjacent to the 900-year-old Skipton castle, reportedly amongst England’s finest preserved medieval strongholds.
Adult admission costs £12.80, allowing visitors to explore the banqueting hall, dungeons and additional chambers. Skipton Market, a historic attraction that dates back to medieval times, operates four days a week on the town’s High Street.
Each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (10am to 4pm) offers a different set of traders, selling everything from local meats and cheeses to Yorkshire-made clothing.
Hannah added: “We stopped off for some food in Cock and Bottle, which was a former 18th century coaching inn. There is a selection of classic, homely pub grub served on its menu, all sourced from local suppliers – including the crisp.
“I went for the steak and ale pie served with chips and vegetables (£18), which came in a delicious handmade short crust pastry.”
The Cock and Bottle is one of 18 establishments featured on the Skipton Ale Trail. This trail encompasses everything from sports bars to country pubs. Sadly, Hannah had to skip this having driven to the town for the day.
She added: “Fortunately, we were able to tour a different part of Skipton by taking a trip on the Leeds Liverpool canal. The one-hour canal boat tour features commentary from award-winning comedian Dave Spikey – of Phoenix Nights fame – who takes visitors on a journey through Skipton and its fascinating history. The canal boat is also fitted out with a toilet and food and drink facilities.
“We finished the day trip with a walk through the cobbled streets, having a nose at all of the shops and cafes that make up the small town centre. We also visited Robertshaw’s Farm shop, just on the outskirts of the town.
“The shop has operated since 1929 and is home to an award-winning butchers, delicatessen and greengrocers. We bought some cream cakes as a treat with a cup of tea for when we arrived home – they were stunning.”