This busy market town on the southern edge of the Dales takes its name from the Anglo-Saxon sceape ton (sheep town). There are no prizes for guessing how it made its money. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday are market days, bringing crowds from all over and giving the town something of a festive atmosphere. The tourist office is in the town hall.
Top Things To See in Skipton
High St
Skipton’s pride and joy is the broad and bustling High St, one of the most attractive shopping streets in Yorkshire. There’s a general market on High St four days a week, and on the first Sunday of the month the nearby canal basin hosts the Northern Dales Farmers Market.
Skipton Castle
A gate to the side of the church at the north end of High St leads to Skipton Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England and a fascinating contrast to the ruins you’ll see elsewhere.
Pennine Cruisers
No trip to Skipton is complete without a cruise along the Leeds–Liverpool Canal, which runs through the middle of town. Pennine Cruisers runs half-hour trips to Skipton Castle and back.