Discover Skipton, a historic market town and gateway to the Yorkshire Dales
Hotels in Skipton offer market town charm and Dales access, from historic coaching inns on High Street to canal-side retreats near the waterway and countryside hotels with limestone fell views. You’ll find everything from medieval castle-adjacent properties to contemporary stays, all positioned in this lively Yorkshire market town with access to Skipton Castle’s 900-year history, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, and immediate gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. Whether you’re here for walking adventures, exploring market traditions, or simply enjoying Yorkshire hospitality, there’s a stay to match your visit.
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Skipton Castle
Where to Stay in Skipton
Skipton clusters around its High Street and castle with accommodation spreading along the canal and into surrounding Dales villages. Your choice shapes whether you wake to market town bustle or countryside calm.
High Street and Town Centre – The historic heart with shops, Monday market, restaurants, and castle proximity. Perfect for first-timers wanting walkable convenience and immediate market town atmosphere.
Canal Basin and Waterfront – Properties along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal with towpath walks, boat moorings, and waterside character. Ideal for canal lovers and those wanting peaceful water settings near town.
Coach Street and Residential Areas – Quieter streets near the town centre with guesthouses, local character, and easy access to amenities. Appeals to those seeking calm surroundings with convenience.
Embsay and Surrounding Villages – Rural areas within 2-5 kilometres with countryside hotels, farmhouse B&Bs, and Dales views. Suits walkers and drivers seeking village atmosphere near Skipton.
Grassington Road and Dales Approaches – Properties on routes into the Dales with immediate countryside access and touring convenience. Great for Dales explorers and scenic base seekers.
Ribblehead Viaduct, in the Yorkshire Dales, close to Skipton
Best Hotels in Skipton
Skipton’s hotel scene celebrates Yorkshire hospitality with historic coaching inns, canal-side retreats, and Dales gateway convenience. Whether you’re after castle views, market town character, or simply a warm base near limestone country, there’s a stay to suit every traveller and budget.
Best Historic Hotels in Skipton
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa (4-star) – A country estate 10 kilometres north with spa, estate grounds, fine dining, and Dales setting. Perfect for spa lovers and luxury seekers wanting countryside elegance.
The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa (4-star) – A historic coaching inn in nearby Bolton Abbey with luxury spa, Michelin-level dining, and riverside location. Ideal for special occasions and gourmets seeking refined Yorkshire hospitality.
Best Town Centre Hotels in Skipton
The Rendezvous Hotel (3-star) – A central hotel near the High Street with comfortable rooms, restaurant, and market town convenience. Great for shoppers and visitors wanting walkable access to everything.
The Woolly Sheep Inn (3-star) – A traditional pub with rooms on Sheep Street with Yorkshire character, comfortable accommodation, and town heart location. Perfect for market day visitors and authentic atmosphere.
The Royal Shepherd Hotel (3-star) – A historic coaching inn with traditional character, restaurant, and High Street proximity. Suits heritage lovers and convenient town centre stays.
Best Canal-Side Hotels in Skipton
The Narrowboat Inn (3-star) – A canal-side pub with rooms overlooking the Leeds-Liverpool Canal with waterfront terrace and narrowboat atmosphere. Ideal for canal enthusiasts and towpath walkers.
Best Countryside Hotels near Skipton
The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa (4-star) – Estate setting with spa, outdoor activities, Dales views, and comprehensive facilities. Perfect for active families and spa weekends.
Craven Heifer Inn (3-star) – A traditional country pub with rooms near Grassington Road with Yorkshire hospitality and Dales proximity. Great for walkers and countryside explorers.
Best Guesthouse Hotels in Skipton
Hanover Guest House (3-star) – A welcoming guesthouse near the town centre with comfortable rooms, breakfast, and friendly hosts. Appeals to budget travellers and Dales walkers.
Bizzie Lizzie’s (3-star) – A characterful guesthouse with traditional hospitality, hearty breakfast, and market town location. Perfect for couples and Yorkshire exploring.
Best Budget Hotels in Skipton
Premier Inn Skipton North (3-star) – A reliable chain on the edge of town with family rooms, parking, and predictable quality. Great for families and budget travellers wanting dependable comfort.
Travelodge Skipton (2-star) – No-frills accommodation near the bypass with basic rooms and affordable rates. Perfect for overnight stays and budget touring.
Local B&Bs – Numerous family-run bed and breakfasts throughout Skipton offer budget-friendly stays with Yorkshire breakfasts and Dales hospitality.
Top Things to Do in Skipton
Skipton Castle – One of England’s most complete medieval castles with 900 years of history, fully roofed rooms, and impressive preservation. A must for all visitors and history enthusiasts.
Skipton Market – A bustling market every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with local produce, crafts, and authentic Yorkshire market town atmosphere. Perfect for browsers and local flavour seekers.
Leeds-Liverpool Canal – A historic waterway with towpath walks, narrowboat watching, Springs Branch canal arm, and waterside pubs. Great for leisurely walks and canal heritage lovers.
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway – A heritage railway with steam trains running to Bolton Abbey through scenic Dales countryside. Ideal for families and railway enthusiasts.
Bolton Abbey and Strid Wood – Stunning riverside ruins and woodland walks 10 kilometres east with stepping stones, the dangerous Strid gorge, and priory remains. Appeals to walkers and photographers.
Yorkshire Dales Gateway – Immediate access to limestone landscapes, Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, and classic Dales walking from Skipton’s doorstep. Perfect for hiking and countryside exploring.
Bolton Abbey
Getting to and Around Skipton
By Train: Skipton Station sits on the Leeds-Lancaster line with services to Leeds, Bradford, Lancaster, and connections to the Lake District and across Yorkshire.
By Bus: Regular buses connect Skipton to surrounding Dales villages including Grassington, Malham, and Settle with Yorkshire Dales services from the bus station.
By Car: Skipton sits on the A65 between Leeds and Kendal with easy Dales access via A59 and B-roads into limestone country.
Getting Around: Skipton town centre is compact and walkable within 15 minutes with castle, High Street, and canal all easily accessible on foot.
When to Visit Skipton
Spring (April to May) – Warming weather, blooming Dales, and moderate crowds make this ideal for exploring. Hotel prices are reasonable with comfortable walking conditions and market atmosphere.
Summer (June to August) – Peak season with warmest weather, busiest markets, Dales tourism peak, and highest hotel rates. Expect crowds but classic Yorkshire market town charm and best hiking weather.
Autumn (September to October) – Comfortable temperatures, golden Dales colours, harvest markets, and thinning crowds create atmospheric conditions. Mid-range hotel prices with beautiful limestone light.
Winter (November to February) – Cold months with cosy pubs, lowest hotel rates, quieter markets, and potential snow adding Dales beauty. Perfect for budget travellers and winter walking enthusiasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Skipton a good base for the Yorkshire Dales?
Yes, Skipton’s position at the southern Dales edge provides excellent access to Malham, Grassington, Bolton Abbey, and classic limestone landscapes while offering better amenities than smaller Dales villages.
Can you walk along the canal from Skipton?
Absolutely, the Leeds-Liverpool Canal towpath offers flat easy walking in both directions with the Springs Branch canal arm particularly scenic for short strolls.
Is Skipton Castle worth visiting?
Yes, it’s one of England’s best-preserved medieval castles with fully roofed rooms, 900 years of continuous history, and excellent preservation making it Skipton’s premier attraction.
Do Skipton hotels have parking?
Town centre hotels often direct guests to public car parks due to limited space. Edge-of-town and countryside properties typically offer free on-site parking.
How far is Skipton from Malham Cove?
Malham Cove is 15 kilometres (20 minutes) north of Skipton by car, making popular Dales walks like Malham and Gordale Scar easily accessible day trips.
Can I book Skipton hotels through easyStay with free cancellation?
Yes, most easyStay listings include flexible cancellation. Look for “Free Cancellation” before confirming your stay.
Book Your Stay in Skipton Today
From historic coaching inns to canal-side retreats, hotels in Skipton put you at the gateway to Yorkshire Dales beauty. Whether you’re chasing castle history, market traditions, or simply exploring limestone landscapes, there’s a perfect Yorkshire base waiting.
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