North Yorkshire. Gateway to the Dales.
I love Skipton. It’s a beautiful market town steeped in rich history and culture. Along with its iconic Castle, famous market, stunning countryside and many independent shops, there is so much to see and do.
Stroll along cobbled streets with quaint retail units, it is easy to see why film producers have been smitten with the area, resulting in films such as Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and TV programmes like Emmerdale Farm and All Creatures Great & Small to name but a few.
The 900-year-old Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval strongholds in England. The Clifford family were granted the property in 1310 and skilfully restored from 1649 by Lady Anne Clifford, changing structures that no longer represented war, and in 1659 Anne planted an ancient yew tree in the Tudor courtyard, symbolising peace, which stands protected today. Sitting snugly next door you will find Trinity Church, a listed medieval building proudly perched at the top of the High Street. An impressive edifice with significant history and architecture – boasting an open door to the past and the present.
Skipton Castle Woods, a lovely walk with its easy negotiable path – hidden behind the Castle, this rare ancient woodland habitat has a history dating back a thousand years and once part of a great medieval hunting forest. Here you will find two sculptures made from willow – The Stalking Horse and Spirit of the Medieval Huntress.
With a number of car parks and the local train station only a short walk across the canal, there is no excuse not to visit. A traditional market is held four days a week and do pop into Craven Court. An indoor exclusive shopping centre with a variety of retail establishments and coffee shops. Originally developed and expanded from a 16th century theatre – a lovely experience.
Saving the best till last, the 200-year-old Leeds and Liverpool canal, with 91 locks covering over 127 miles, all while crossing the Pennines. With an abundance of wildlife, level tow path and the excitement of watching colourful barges meander along the watercourse whilst taking in the amazing number of houseboats.
For lunch, we had a wonderful fish and chip dinner (a surprise, I know) followed by a scrummy jam roly poly with custard – I’m salivating just thinking about it! Bizzie Lizzies – overlooks the canal – with its friendly staff, great food and good prices was just the ticket. Would thoroughly recommend stopping by.
Boat trips offer afternoon tea cruises, evening fish and chip jaunts along with general sightseeing excursions. Unfortunately, we had no idea about these expeditions and was informed to book in advance, which we will look forward to on our next visit.
Skipton is located in the exceptional Yorkshire Dales and one can see why the area has been voted the best National Park in Europe. Encompassing thousands of square miles of moors, valleys and villages. With its unique drystone walls that produce intricate patterns on the landscape, they skirt around rocky outcrops, trees and fast flowing streams that tumble into dramatic waterfalls. I never get tired of taking in this ever-evolving countryside – with its lush ravines, windswept hills and vast expanses of heather covered moors, an incredible beauty and character.
Well, whatever you have planned, here’s a little help towards understanding the local Yorkshire dialect – ‘It’ll be reyt’ (pronounced ‘reet’), meaning ‘It’ll be alright’ and if anyone says ‘Ow do’ or ‘Ey up’ they are just saying ‘Hello’, try not to reply with ‘Chuffin Eck’ which expresses surprise! Good luck and enjoy.