15 Best Things To Do In Skipton, UK

1. Have a thrilling forest trek with Raven Tree Top Adventure

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Are you in the mood for some thrills? If the answer is yes, then this destination has you covered. High up above the trees, Raven Tree Top Adventure features zip lines, suspended bridges, balance beams, and high wires. Enjoy an exhilarating trek through the woods as you travel from tree to tree and take in both the wonderful sights of the forest floor below and the fresh forest air. With all these thrills, Raven Tree Top Adventure offers visitors an exciting outdoor activity in Skipton.

Because of its nature, this place can sometimes close early or be closed for extended periods of time. Do check their website and Facebook group to keep yourself up-to-date on their announcements.

Raven Tree Top Adventure

Address: Gargrave Rd, Skipton BD23 1UD, United Kingdom

Website: Raven Tree Top Adventure

2. Enjoy handmade chocolates at Chocolates & Truffles

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you have a love for chocolates then Chocolates & Truffles should be one of the places to visit in Skipton. Chocolates & Truffles is an independent chocolatier that boasts delicious chocolates and truffles. Every single chocolate that you’ll see in this shop is handmade.

This chocolate shop takes pride in using Rain Forest Alliance Certified chocolate, sustainable cocoa, and environmental-friendly packaging for its products. The shop also offers a variety of free-form and vegan chocolates for customers with specific tastes and needs.

Chocolates & Truffles

Address: 5 Mount Pleasant, Skipton BD23 1JZ, United Kingdom

Website: Chocolates & Truffles

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 9:30am - 5pm; Wed - Sat: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

3. Have a nice meal at Calico Jack Restaurant & Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Calico Jack Restaurant & Bar describes itself as a “playful eatery” that specializes in serving American and Tex-Mex cuisine. Its menu is composed of a variety of steaks, burgers, pizzas, cocktails, and many more. Some of the dishes you’ll find here include veggie burger, Salazar burger, Margherita pizza, four-cheese pizza, red chicken penne, fajitas, baby back ribs, fried meatballs, and fried jalapenos.

The restaurant takes pride in using the finest ingredients for its dishes and cocktails. These ingredients guarantee a delicious dish at the table which is then complemented by the restaurant’s excellent ambiance.

Calico Jack Restaurant & Bar

Address: 36 Water St, Skipton BD23 1PB, United Kingdom

Website: Calico Jack Restaurant & Bar

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 9pm; Fri: 4pm - 9:30pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8:30pm

4. Check out Thanet Canal

Also known as Springs Branch, Thanet Canal is a small aspect of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal that starts at the town itself and runs further until the loading wharves at Skipton Castle. This Skipton attraction has a storied history dating prior to its completion in 1773.

When it was still under construction, Lord Thanet, the canal’s namesake and owner of Skipton Castle at the time, wanted the route of the canal to be altered so it doesn’t interfere with his limestone quarries located near his castle. Through an act of Parliament, the canal’s route was altered and runs around the back of the castle which then helped the quarries load their limestone onto boats for easy shipment.

Thanet Canal

Address: Skipton BD23 2HP, UK

5. Re-live history at Skipton Castle

1/2 Castle of Skipton 04

2/2 Conduit Court Skipton Castle

This fantastic Medieval castle is a ‘must-do’ for any trip to Skipton. We recommend spending an afternoon discovering the many rooms and exploring the events taking place around the castle whilst imagining the past. At the point of entry you are given a tour sheet so that you can learn more about the interesting history of Skipton Castle. After all of that wandering around playing Kings and Queens, be sure to stop by the cafe to enjoy a nice coffee.

Skipton Castle

Address: The Bailey, Skipton BD23 1AW, UK

Price: 8.10 GBP (10.50 USD)

Opening Times: Everyday 10am - 5pm (11am on Sundays)

Website: Skipton Castle

6. Take a stroll through Parcevall Hall Gardens

Thirty minutes drive from Skipton is this glorious 24 acre (9.7 hectare) park in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, known for its outstanding natural beauty. The gardens were created in 1927 by Sir William Milner and are now cared for by the Historic Houses Association. Please note that although on site, Pecevall Hall itself is no longer open for visitors as it is used as a conference centre, but there is still plenty to do in Parcevall Hall Gardens as you stroll amongst some of the finest examples of trees and shrubs collected from Western China and the Himalayas.

Parcevall Hall Gardens

Address: Skyreholme, Near Appletreewick, Yorkshire, BD23 6DE, UK

Price: 7 GBP (9 USD)

Opening Times: Open daily from 1st April until 31st October between 10am-6pm

Website: Parcevall Hall Gardens

7. Rummage for a bargain at Skipton Market

This award winning outdoor market is unique in that there are no fixed stalls. Traders wake up early and set up each day in order to have the market ready for 9.30am. The market itself dates back to the Medieval times and this history is still in place today by the current owner of Skipton Castle, granting the market four days a week in which it can take place, much as King John granted consent to ‘The Lord of the Honour’ of Skipton Castle to hold a fair on Skipton High Street.

Skipton Market

Address: Skipton High Street, Skipton, BD23 1AH, UK

Opening Times: Open Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat 9.30 - 4.30pm

Website: Skipton Market

8. Get up close and personal with baby Llamas at Kilnsey Park

Twenty minutes drive from Skipton is this fantastic family visitor attraction that will keep you and the children entertained for hours. The family center has tonnes of activities to get involved in and numerous events every month, so we definitely recommend checking online to see what will be happening during your trip to Skipton. Activities could include: nature trail walking, fishing, pony riding, animal petting and even trying to find the UK’s rarest orchid! With all these activities, you’ll barely ask yourself “what to do in Skipton?”

Kilnsey Park

Address: B6160, Kilnsey, Skipton BD23 5PS, UK

Price: On average 5-7 GBP (6-9 USD) per activity

Website: Kilnsey Park

9. Hit the shops at Craven Court Shopping Centre

Historically this building was a 16th-century theatre in the heart of Skipton. Nowadays, the drama may be gone but the excitement is still there with 28 shops to peruse. So whether you want to pick up something quick to wear or are looking for a special occasion piece, we’re sure that you’ll find something at Craven Court. Wandering around the shopping centre you can still see the remains of the original stone walls in which many of the shops are now housed, it’s like a village shopping centre!

Craven Court Shopping Centre

Address: High St, Skipton BD23 1DG, UK

Opening Times: Monday - Saturday 8.00am-6.00pm, Sunday 10.30am - 4.30pm

Website: Craven Court Shopping Centre

10. Brush up on your history at the Craven Museum

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This impressive museum has displays on social history, archaeology, costume and art. The museum is also the home of the Skipton Shakespeare First Folio, one of only four First Folios on permanent display in the world. It is easy to get lost in this museum and spend a few hours looking at all of the artifacts on display; there is such a broad range to choose from, there is something to interest everyone here.

Craven Museum

Address: High St, Skipton BD23 1AH, UK

Price: Free

Opening Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 10.00am – 4.00pm

Website: Craven Museum

11. Wine tasting (and buying) at the Wright Wine Company

Want a nice bottle of wine to enjoy as you watch sunset over Skipton? Well, head over to this “tardis-like” secret shop that has a huge selection. Many of the wines are available to taste and this is one of the hidden gems of Skipton, as it can be quite difficult to find; so make sure that you note down the address and take your map-app with you! The staff here are extremely knowledgeable and will be happy to advise you both about the wine tasting and the buying. Note to whisky lovers; yes they have it, yes you can test it, yes it’s great!

Wright Wine Company

Address: The Old Smithy, Raikes Rd, Skipton BD23 1NP, UK

Website: Wright Wine Company

12. High Corn Mill

Located on the Leeds-Liverpool canal, this historic mill building has now been fully renovated and is currently home to a selection of local businesses. In addition to the building itself, the waterwheel has been restored and a brand new water turbine generator has also been installed. Mill’s Historical Innovation Zone is where visitors can learn more about how the mill provides power, via the National Grid for up to 20 local buildings.

High Corn Mill

Address: High Corn Mill, Chapel Hill, Skipton BD23 1NL, UK

Price: Free

Opening Times: Open during office hours

Website: High Corn Mill

13. Get involved at Coffee and Clay

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Get your hands dirty in this great coffee shop where you can make your own pottery at the same time! There are over 150 items to make, and all prices include paint, glazing and firing in the kiln and then just 7 days later, you can pick it up or be sent the item in the post if you are a tourist. This is an activity that can be enjoyed by all ages!

Coffee and Clay

Address: 14 High St, Skipton BD23 1JZ, UK

Opening Times: Open every day 9.30am - 4.15pm, Sunday 10.30 - 4.15pm

Website: Coffee and Clay

14. See a show at The Mart Theatre

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Going to the theatre is always a special treat and you won’t be disappointed with a trip to The Mart Theatre in Skipton. There is a wide range of shows from tribute acts to plays, live showings to discussion nights. Prices vary so check online for the latest shows and availability.

The Mart Theatre

Address: Skipton Auction Mart, Ling Fields, Gargrave Rd, Skipton, BD23 1UD, UK

Website: The Mart Theatre

15. Find art at Mill Bridge Gallery

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Pop along to this 17th-century gallery and canal-side garden to relax and enjoy some fine art with a focus on traditional and contemporary photography pieces, and sculptures from more than 30 artists. A great way to spend a lunchtime walking around the gallery.

Mill Bridge Gallery

Address: 3 Mill Bridge, Skipton, BD23 1NJ, UK

Price: Free entry

Opening Times: Thurs 11am – 4pm, Fri – Sat 11am – 5pm. Other times by appointment

Website: Mill Bridge Gallery

Skip through time in Skipton

We’ve given just a slice of activities that you can take in whilst visiting Skipton. With so much history on your doorstep and many upcoming new venues, you’ll be able to step from the medieval period all the way through to contemporary life over just a few short days. So, grab you’re favorite time traveling partner, pack a light lunch, select from our list your chosen activities and get ready for your Skipton adventure.