Make tracks for Skipton – the best of old and new

Renowned for its 900 year old Castle, cobbled High Street and traditional outdoor market the town is rich in heritage. However, don’t be fooled into thinking it isn’t also a modern, quirky town, with an amazing selection of independent bars, restaurants and shops where you will be served by passionate locals.

Skipton – Gateway for family fun

You can’t help but be impressed with the selection of attractions on offer, Skipton Castle Woods can be an outdoor playground where you can explore the various trails and wildlife spot along the way. Take a 10 minute stroll along the Leeds Liverpool Canal which takes you to Aireville Park. Here you will find a fantastic playground, 14 hole pitch and put and wheel park to burn off some of that energy! You can also experience the thrill of walking through the treetops at Raven Tree Top Adventure! Don’t worry if the weather isn’t great, Craven Museum located in the Town Hall is a treasure trove of exciting objects and you can keep the little ones entertained with a number of fun trails around the museum.

Skipton – Gateway to Culture

A little-known fact is the First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays, printed in 1623 is on display and is a must see in Craven Museum. Around 750 copies of the First Folio were published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeare’s death and today there are only around 235 copies left which have been found worldwide. Surely for any culture lover this is must.

Throughout the town there are small galleries showcasing local artists work, you can view these at the Craven Arts Hub and Mill Bridge Gallery. The artists are working collaboratively and aim for Skipton to be seen as a centre for contemporary arts. Exhibitions change frequently so make sure you don’t miss out.

Skipton is home to not one but two theatres! Skipton Little Theatre has been the home of the Skipton Players since 1960. The theatre has a very friendly and personal atmosphere as it only seats a maximum of 72 people, the auditorium is only 28ft long, the stage only 13ft wide and the front row of seats a mere 4ft away from the stage. It most definitely is a Little Theatre. In contrast The Mart Theatre is the world’s only theatre residing in a working cattle market. By day it sells cows and sheep and is then transformed at the weekend into a 300-seat venue providing professional shows.

Skipton – Gateway for food lovers

Many are hidden away down the ginnels and side streets but Skipton is teeming with place to eat, drink and be merry. The town prides itself on the independent businesses which have taken over the food and drink scene, offering you an experience you can’t get elsewhere. From artisan coffee shops, to micro bars and fine dining restaurants there is something which will suits everybody’s tase buds. Not forgetting the market 4 days a week, the award winning butchers and the artisan bakeries, so you can pack a picnic for your days adventures. Being the Gateway to the Dales there is a strong connection with local produce with places proud to serve food that has been grown, reared and made within a short distance of the town. You are guaranteed some delicious food.

Fancy a drink with friends? Offering a vast array of pubs and bars serving locally brewed beers they are a firm favourite for the locals to visit. But if you fancy treating yourself you will find wine bars, cocktail bars and gin bars and you can even sample a rum distilled in Skipton!

To make the most of your visit download the LoyalFree app where you will find special discounts in a range of shops and restaurants and a range of trails to guide you around the town.

To find out more go to www.welcometoskipton.com