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Skipton

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About Skipton

Skipton is a pretty, and lively town on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It’s the kind of town that regularly appears in lists of the best places to live, with the spectacular location, and rich cultural offering always being mentioned. Our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Skipton offer a lovely blend of charm, comfort, views, and great food — whether we’re talking about B&Bs, pubs-with-rooms or fancy country house hotels!

Skipton grew from the sheep’s back, as they say — it has been a huge centre for sheep farming since the Anglo Saxons — and it still hosts regular market days on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturdays. Skipton’s architecture has well-to-do appeal, and it is on the route of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.

There’s plenty to see and do in the town itself too. The medieval castle is probably the obvious highlight. Skipton also has one of Yorkshire’s oldest mills, a very good local museum, and a theatre. Plus a vibrant high street with independent shops and a good range of cafes, bars and restaurants. The best places to stay in Skipton are busiest in summer, and around Christmas, when people visit for Skipton’s hugely popular Christmas Market. As the ‘Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales’, the town is also a popular base for walkers and cyclists.

The Best Places to Stay in Skipton

Country House Hotels

  • The Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel and Spa was once a coaching inn on the Duke of Devonshire’s Bolton Abbey Estate, but is now a 40 room country house hotel, with a very nice spa, set in lush green parklands and gardens. Its 40 rooms and suites are beautifully decorated in a range of country chic styles and colours. Each room has been individually designed — there are a couple with four-poster beds, and some lovely antiques. The excellent restaurant has 3 AA Rosettes.
  • The Devonshire Fell Hotel is the Devonshire Arms’ more casual little sister — a Victorian-built, 16 room hotel with great family suites, vibrant, colourful decor and spectacular views of the surrounding Fells. There are great walks right from the hotel door, and you’re only about ten minutes drive from Bolton Abbey, and pretty Grassington. Guests also have access to the spa facilities at The Devonshire Arms.

For foodies

  • The Angel Inn is a cosy, former crofter’s cottage turned pub-with-rooms, right in the Yorkshire Dales. There are just five rooms and four suites — all comfortable and modern and quite a juxtaposition with the quaint, traditional pub with its nooks and crannies. The Angel's chef has been dubbed the "Godfather of the Gastropub", so it's no surprise that you'll find Michelin starred dining here!

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

  • If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Skipton’s railway station is connected to Leeds, Bradford, Carlisle, Lancaster and Morecambe. You can reach Skipton in just a little over three hours from London, if you time your change in Leeds right. Trains leave from London Kings Cross. If you’re travelling towards Skipton by air, the closest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport, which is only half an hour away by car or taxi, or just over an hour by public transport.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
  • If you’re hoping for nice weather the best time of year to visit Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales is summer, when it’s sunny, dry and temperatures get into the low 20°Cs. However, like the rest of the UK, there’s a chance of rain whenever you travel. Skipton hosts events and festivals throughout the year, with the highlights being Skipton Sheep Day in July, and the Skipton Christmas Market — which regularly appears on lists of the UK’s best Christmas Markets.

Still not sure where to stay?

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Monthly Weather in Skipton

Best Hotels in Skipton

  • Angel Inn, Yorkshire Skipton (North Yorkshire) 9 rooms from £150

    Foodies  -  Knockout food crafted from the finest ingredients, former owner was dubbed “Godfather of the Gastropub". One Michelin Star
    Country Escape  -  An ideal escape surrounded by wonderful walking in the Yorkshire countryside.
    Great walks  -  Between the world heritage sights and the rolling hills and beautiful valleys, a walk is definitely in order.
    Restaurant  -  Two options avaliable, one with a Michelin star and 4 AA Rosettes
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    15th Century drovers' inn, converted in the 1950s to a popular pub in the Dales. Oak beams and chic interiors make the comfortable rooms ooze character. The restaurant serves excellent modern British food. Do not miss a chance to explore the wine cave. Great walking from the door. See More

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  • The Devonshire Arms Hotel and Spa Skipton (North Yorkshire) 40 rooms from £168

    Hideaway  -  Mouthwatering food, wonderful service, plenty of activities and old school suites complete with fourposters and walk in showers.
    Active Holiday  -  With miles of walking, plus clay pigeon shooting, fly-fishing, and falconry available at Bolton Abbey Estate.
    Spa  -  The Devonshire is a peaceful oasis with pool, treatment rooms, sauna, hot tub, Rasul temple & relaxation area
    Fishing  -  Fly fishing for brown trout and grayling along a 4.5 mile stretch of River Wharfe.
    SpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Small Luxury Hotels, Great Small Hotels

    The former Coaching Inn on the Duke of Devonshire's Bolton Abbey estate is now a romantic hideaway spa hotel. Classic rooms exude comfort and style. 3 AA Rosette fine dining, a brasserie, indoor pool and stunning parkland setting makes this a popular place for families, wedding parties and romance. See More

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  • Devonshire Fell Hotel Skipton (North Yorkshire) 16 rooms from £177

    Foodies  -  Feast on the locally sourced 1AA Rosette cuisine in the stylish restaurant, followed by a drink in the cosy bar
    Country Escape  -  On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, surrounded by rolling hills and scenic country
    Great walks  -  Bring your dog and head out rambling among rolling hills, country lanes and along the River Wharfe
    Sights nearby  -  The UNESCO heritage sights of Bolton Abbey Estate and Fountains Abbey are a short drive away
    RestaurantGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  Sawdays

    Colourful, contemporary-style hotel, on the Duke of Devonshire’s Yorkshire estate, with stunning views over a picturesque Wharfedale village. Ideally placed for walks, exploring local villages or picnicking by the river. See More

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