The Area, Things To Do, Skipton, Yorkshire Dales National Park, Wharfe, Ribble Valleys, UK

Skipton is known as the “GATEWAY TO THE DALES” and is located at the entry to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Aire, Wharfe and Ribble valleys. The town boasts a lively street market four days a week, medieval church and a beautiful castle associated with lady Anne Clifford. There is also an indoor swimming pool, sports centre, 18 hole golf course , and pony trekking nearby.

Things to do in the area

One of the most exciting ways to see the Yorkshire Dales is to take a flight in a Hot Air Balloon. There are two local firms offering this service. If this does not appeal, the area is criss-crossed with scenic walks. Walking offers one of the best ways to learn more about the Dales. The Dales Way, Pennine Way and Ribble Way offer exceptional long distance walks, while the many and varied footpaths offer a selection of shorter walks.

Cyclists are also well catered for with many rural routes and bridle ways available. The Yorkshire Dales cycleway is one example of a route that utilises quiet roads throughout the region. Bicycles can be hired locally or if visitors bring their own - we can offer secure storage at Cawder Hall Cottages. The various scars and crags in the vicinity also offer a challenge to climbers.For railway enthusiasts the Embsay and Eastby steam railway, Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and Settle to Carlisle Line all offer a pleasant day out. Clay pigeon shooting is available at the Craven Shooting Grounds, while Anglers can take advantage of daily or weekly tickets to fish in the river Ure, Swale, Nidd or Wharfe. Skipton also offers easy access to barging on the Leeds - Liverpool canal. Day trips or extended rentals are available.The area also offer various caves and for the experienced, pot holing in the region is a popular pastime. Some of the caves in the area include - Stump Cross Caverns, White Scar Cave, Ingleborough Cave and Nature Trail and Old Mother Shiptons Cave.Throughout the year there are agricultural shows and local festivals such as the Kettlewell Scarecrow Festival, The Dickensian in Grassington and Skipton’s Medieval Yuletide Festival to be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike. The surrounding area also offer many opportunities to visit places of historic interest such as Skipton Castle, Bolton Abbey, Fountains Abbey, Brimham Rocks, East Riddlesden Hall, Harewood House Brontë country and many more.Finally, visitors will find a variety of local shopping, including an arts and crafts trail where one can witness various local products such as ropes, cheese, beer, glass and much more being made. There are so many wonderful things to do and places to see that you will soon be planning your next stay with us!

If all the activities sound like too much work - the long, warm days of summer always offer the opportunity to simply take a picnic and relax by the river.

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