Skipton, North Yorkshire, UK
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Skipton – Gateway to the Dales!
The perfect place for either a day-trip, a weekend or even longer to come and explore the Yorkshire Dales, and many, many people do just that! However, the town itself has a lot to offer too!
Besides it’s famous 4 day market (currently 3 days) I’ve listed below the top 5 things to see and do in Skipton. Some perhaps you may already know about, others may turn out to be an interesting surprise. Whichever is the case, you’re sure to have a great time in the wonderful town of Skipton.
Skipton Castle
Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year.
View the Banqueting Hall, the Kitchen, the Bedchamber and Privy. Climb from the depths of the Dungeon to the top storey of the Watch Tower.
Skipton Woods
With a fascinating history that dates back a thousand years, stunning seasonal displays, amazing wildlife and a central location, Skipton Woods is a must-visit if you’re in the area.
There’s lots for nature-lovers and families to see, so why not step off the high street, feel the earth under your boots and come and explore.
It’s even dog friendly too, as long as they are kept on a leash.
Aireville Park
Aireville Park is a large open space with sporting facilities and play areas for the kids right in the heart of Skipton.
There’s a fabulous children’s playground with an exciting range of play equipment including climbing frames, slides, swings, tunnels, a spinning swing, a den-building area, a sand-pit, musical instruments and a willow dome and tunnel.
In the park you’ll also find a wheel park for BMX, skateboards and rollerblades and a pump track for bicycles.
The park also happens to be home to the annual Skipton Triathlon, the largest pool-based triathlon in Yorkshire and Humberside. It’s also the venue for the weekly Skipton Parkrun every Saturday morning at 9am.
It’s also a great place to throw down a blanket, have a picnic and relax for a couple of hours with family or friends! (whilst the dog has a runaround)
Raven Tree Top Adventure
Have you ever fancied walking the high wire? Balancing on wobbly logs high in the trees? Using zip lines, suspended bridges, balance beams and lots of other features?
Well, now you can! At Raven Tree Top Adventure, a high ropes adventure course aimed at both adults and teenagers, you can enjoy an exhilarating woodland tour. (Children over 7 years old can also be accommodated.)
NOTE: 7 years old is an approximate age only and is dependent on the child and adult supervising.
Skipton Canal Cruise
How about a canal cruise on the Leeds & Liverpool canal? From mini cruises to longer journeys there’s certain to be a trip that takes your fancy!
Afternoon tea, a 1 hour trip, fine dining, evening fish & chips, a roast dinner – these are just some of the choices you have. Do you prefer to be your own skipper instead? Then how about hiring a boat on a self-drive day boat hire?
Whatever you decide, simply sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of the lush green Yorkshire Dales on a gentle canal cruise!
If you’ve ever been to Skipton or indeed, if you live here like me, what’s your favourite thing about it? With at least the top 5 things to see and do in Skipton itself, you can’t go far wrong in perhaps having a ‘staycation’ here right now don’t you think?
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