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Skipton
Previously voted by the Times newspaper "Best Place To Live" and awarded "Best High Street" it's no surprise that this vibrant market town offers so much more to explore.
From its picturesque canal ways and cobbled streets to a wide variety of independent shops and an array of historic buildings. Skipton hosts it's popular thriving market each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday on the busy High Street. Every first Sunday of the month there is a farmer's market at the canal basin and additional market days for special events throughout the year.
Skipton Castle
This is certainly not to be missed, situated at the top of the High Street, this medieval castle is one of the best preserved in the country. From the top of the watchtower you can admire the magnificent rolling hills of the Dales, reminding you there's so much more to discover!
https://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/
Skipton Castle Woods
The walk through Skipton Castle and Woods is a pleasant way to get a feel for medieval times without going far. The walk climbs a little in the woods and returns over the fields with good views over the town.
The woods are now leased to the Woodland Trust and are mainly made up of a large variety of Ash trees and some birch. All are pleasantly framed along Eller Beck. You can start this walk directly from the canal path at the back of the hotel.
Skipton Market
Skipton Market is unique. Its history dates back to medieval times, when a royal charter granted consent to The Lord of the Honour of Skipton Castle to hold a fair on Skipton High Street. This consent still holds true today - and the current owner of Skipton Castle grants the rights to hold the market on four days each week. The historic fairs of medieval times have long since been replaced by what we now recognise as a traditional street market, but the principles are the same - a group of traders get together on the High Street, and sell their wares. For many years, the market in Skipton was a place where animals were traded. The town's close association with sheep is reflected in the name. Skipton actually means 'Sheep Town' - so the historic link will always remain. On each market day (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday), stalls are erected on the area of the High Street known as the setts. These are, in effect, cobbled areas between the formal footpaths and the main road.
Canals
Running through Skipton and just behind Herriots is Britain’s longest inland waterway (127 miles). It was opened in 1816. The Leeds Liverpool canal took 46 years to build, and finally came in at 5 times the original budget. The first area to open was the lock free section from Skipton to Bingley in 1773. The canal passes right through the centre of Skipton and is still used today.
The canal is also perfect for a peaceful walk or enjoy a cruise with Skipton Boat Trips:
