Yorkshire


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why">WHY?</h2>



<p>Skipton (or ‘sheep town’ in Anglo Saxon) often makes the grade on Top 10 lists of not just the best, but happiest places to live in the UK. Pretty, lively and friendly, with that twinkling Yorkshire sense of humour, there is plenty to smile about. The thriving high street below Skipton Castle and Holy Trinity Church with indie shops and a regular outdoor market brings both locals and tourists flocking, keen to sample the many eateries, pubs and festivals. </p>



<p>Cobblestones, ginnels and quiet towpaths along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal with cruises available on colourful barges all add to the many charms of this rural idyll. Being the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park makes it within easy reach of long-distance walks, country inns, sleepy villages and rolling farmland, while you may just recognise some on-screen locations from Channel Five’s popular <em>All Creatures Great and Small </em>as well as films like <em>Calendar Girls </em>(the real ones live locally).&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-eat">EAT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1974" height="1210" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/The-Angel-at-Hetton-michelin-star-restaurant.jpg" alt="The Angel at Hetton" class="wp-image-178" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/The-Angel-at-Hetton-michelin-star-restaurant.jpg 1974w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/The-Angel-at-Hetton-michelin-star-restaurant-300x184.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/The-Angel-at-Hetton-michelin-star-restaurant-1024x628.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/The-Angel-at-Hetton-michelin-star-restaurant-768x471.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/The-Angel-at-Hetton-michelin-star-restaurant-1536x942.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1974px) 100vw, 1974px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Angel at Hetton</figcaption></figure>



<p>We <em>love</em> Michelin-Starred <a href="https://angelhetton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Angel at Hetton</a>, a famous foodie favourite in the nearby Dales hamlet with chef patron&nbsp;Michael Wignall at the helm. <a href="https://grassingtonhouse.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grassington House Hotel</a> is another goodie for boutique rooms and fine dining in the village that now doubles as vet James Herriot’s fictional Darrowby. <a href="http://www.curiousfoxskipton.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Curious Fox</a> restaurant and guest house is a recent winner of Channel 4’s <em>Four in a Bed</em>, while you can savour a masterclass and lunch at <a href="http://www.elsworthatthemill.co.uk">Elsworth at the Mill</a>.&nbsp; Crème de la crème restaurants <a href="http://www.lecaveau.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Caveau</a> and <a href="http://www.lebistrodesamis.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Le Bistro des Amis</a> serve French flair with a Yorkshire twist on Skipton’s High Street, where international flavours also include Turkish and Italian. </p>



<p>For dog-friendly Dales inns with cosy fires, great pub grub and walks from the doorstep, we’re tail-wagging fans of the <a href="https://fountaineinnatlinton.co.uk">Fountaine Inn at Linton</a>; the <a href="http://queensarmslitton.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen’s Arms in Litton</a>; the <a href="https://fountaineinnatlinton.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tempest Arms</a> at Elslack and the <a href="http://www.craven-cruckbarn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Craven Arms</a> in Appletreewick with its thatched Cruck Barn. For a chippy tea, it <em>has</em> to be award-winning <a href="http://bizzielizzies.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bizzie Lizzie’s</a> with two restaurants and takeaways at each end of town. Cafés galore for cappuccinos and ‘bigger buns’ if you need them like our WI ladies; bottoms up for a bottomless brunch at <a href="https://vsq.bar" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">V.SQ</a> on Victoria Square; soak up sunshine, cocktails and canal views at <a href="http://www.alexanders-skipton.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alexander’s</a>; or sup a pint of Black Sheep at the <a href="http://www.woollysheepinn.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Woolly Sheep</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shop">SHOP</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="854" height="1067" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/450563308_961569639315770_4540680215206643234_n.jpg" alt="The Aisle at Craven Court Skipton" class="wp-image-181" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/450563308_961569639315770_4540680215206643234_n.jpg 854w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/450563308_961569639315770_4540680215206643234_n-240x300.jpg 240w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/450563308_961569639315770_4540680215206643234_n-820x1024.jpg 820w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/450563308_961569639315770_4540680215206643234_n-768x960.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 854px) 100vw, 854px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Aisle at Craven Court in Skipton</figcaption></figure>



<p>A popular UK’s Best High Street winner, market stalls line the cobblestone setts on each side of the road four times a week, selling everything from cheese and plants to pet accessories and garden furniture. Explore the side streets, too, for a mix of independent boutiques, outdoor wear, interior stores, antiques, shoe shops, galleries and favourite chains like Fat Face, Phase Eight, Joules, Crew and Next as well as butchers, a fishmonger, bakers and pork pie makers. When raining (sadly, too often), we head indoors to <a href="https://cravencourtskipton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Craven Court</a>, a quaint recreation of a Victorian arcade with a café and small shops selling clothes, books, cards, gifts, spices, jewellery and sweets. Farmers’ and artisan markets are also held regularly at the canal basin.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-amp-wellbeing">HEALTH &amp; WELLBEING</h2>



<p>Sadly, no excuses for not keeping fit as <a href="https://jetts.co.uk/gyms/jetts-skipton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jetts Skipton</a> is open 24/7 for members with bootcamp to pilates classes by day, while <a href="https://www.cravendc.gov.uk/craven-leisure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Craven Swimming &amp; Fitness Centre</a> is at Aireville Park, also home to skateboard and pump tracks as well as <a href="https://www.ravenadventure.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Raven tree Top Adventure</a> and 5km parkruns every Saturday. <a href="https://www.skiptongolfclub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skipton Golf Course</a> has 18 scenic holes and there is even a <a href="https://www.skiptongolfclub.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Yorkshire Dales Sailing Club</a> at Grimwith Reservoir. </p>



<p>Out-of-town <a href="https://broughtonsanctuary.co.uk/retreat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Broughton Sanctuary</a> has made National Geographic’s Cool List as a leading retreat centre for yoga, reconnecting with nature or even moon bathing on the peaceful estate which could soon be home to beavers in re-wilding plans. The outdoor heated infinity pool, boutique gym and relaxing massages at <a href="http://www.theconistonhotel.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coniston Hotel’s</a> five bubble luxury spa is heaven on earth, as is the serenity of the spa at Bolton Abbey’s <a href="https://devonshirehotels.co.uk/devonshire-arms-hotel-spa/spa/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Devonshire Arms Hotel</a>, housed in an ancient barn as well as in secret, bell tent hideaways. Walking, horse-riding, climbing, pot-holing, wild-swimming and cycling all leave us breathless – as does the stunning Dales scenery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-community">COMMUNITY</h2>



<p>A warm community spirit, Skipton is small enough to bump into those you know, but large enough never to be dull, with lots of family-friendly events such as Sheep Day and Christmas markets, or charity fun runs when the high street is closed to traffic. Stilettos are bound to get Muddy at agricultural shows, popular in the surrounding Dales villages from Gargrave and Malham to Kilnsey and Pateley Bridge, while Kettlewell is a hit for its summer Scarecrow Festival. Or get down and dirty at Broughton Sanctuary’s annual <a href="https://toughmudder.co.uk/events/yorkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tough Mudder</a> event in &#8211; you guessed it – thigh-high mud!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nearby-attractions">NEARBY ATTRACTIONS</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/67058519_2696364233724682_4595316716946325504_n.jpg" alt="Skipton Castle North Yorkshire" class="wp-image-180" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/67058519_2696364233724682_4595316716946325504_n.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/67058519_2696364233724682_4595316716946325504_n-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/67058519_2696364233724682_4595316716946325504_n-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/67058519_2696364233724682_4595316716946325504_n-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image: Skipton Castle</figcaption></figure>



<p>We couldn’t be prouder of <a href="https://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skipton Castle</a> especially as Lady Anne Clifford defended it tooth and nail against Oliver Cromwell back in the day, retaining its good looks 900 years on for all to admire. One of the best-preserved forts in the land, visitors can enjoy daily tours from dungeons to watch tower, or follow in locals’ footsteps to secret Skipton Woods for the best views below the castle cliffs, where deer, kingfishers and woodpeckers can be found. </p>



<p>When it’s drizzling, go underground in the Dales to explore family-friendly <a href="https://www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stump Cross Caverns</a>, which featured on Alex Polizzi’s Channel 5 <em>Hotel Inspector</em> series (there is no forgetting that Flintstone costume). Just a bus or bike ride away from Skipton, <a href="https://www.embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Embsay &amp; Bolton Abbey Steam Railway</a> runs most weekends and who doesn’t love a train trip or on-board dining experience behind a puffing locomotive? At the end of the line, it’s an easy stroll to <a href="https://boltonabbey.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bolton Abbey Estate</a>, with its accessible riverside paths (some themed like the Welly Walk), stepping stones, SSSI Strid Wood, historic priory and café. Nearby <a href="https://www.heskethfarmpark.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hesketh Farm Park</a> has a play barn, tractor rides and lots of animals for young children to melt over.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-culture">CULTURE</h2>



<p>We highly recommend the recently refurbished <a href="https://skiptontownhall.co.uk/craven-museum/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Craven Museum</a> located in the Town Hall with treasured gems like a rare Shakespeare First Folio dating back to 1623 – only one of four in the world on permanent display. Skipton has a thriving, welcome-to-join-in creative community with amateur dramatic groups, choirs, dancers, musicians and artists. The livestock Auction Mart doubles as an unusual venue for annual events like Art in the Pen and Yarndale (one for Tom Daley), as well as hosting plays, comedians and bands. Nights out include performances at the Town Hall or films at our cosy cinema, as well as summer open-air theatre, proms and films at Bolton Abbey Estate. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-average-house-prices">AVERAGE HOUSE PRICES</h2>



<p>An overall average price of £273,464. The majority of sales are terraced properties, at £207,559. Semi-detached home sold for £290,031 and detached £485,333. Large, detached homes in The Raikes near the town’s grammar schools hold some of the best prices. Rural properties in the picturesque villages around Skipton cost even more, but can be worth it for spectacular views or spacious gardens.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-property">HOT PROPERTY</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.daleeddison.co.uk/property-for-sale/3-bedroom-house-for-sale-in-main-street-long-preston-skipton-north-yorkshire-bd23-66b1b02872f07a1ab143d6d2/"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1600" height="1066" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/LSQ240260_38_GGFX_V_1.jpg" alt="Townhouse for sale in Skipton N Yorkshire" class="wp-image-183" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/LSQ240260_38_GGFX_V_1.jpg 1600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/LSQ240260_38_GGFX_V_1-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/LSQ240260_38_GGFX_V_1-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/LSQ240260_38_GGFX_V_1-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/yorkshire/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2024/09/LSQ240260_38_GGFX_V_1-1536x1023.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Mind your head! This newly refurbished 3-bed stone cottage is packed with beams and period character. <a href="https://www.daleeddison.co.uk/property-for-sale/3-bedroom-house-for-sale-in-main-street-long-preston-skipton-north-yorkshire-bd23-66b1b02872f07a1ab143d6d2/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">On the market for £275,000</a>. </figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nurseries">NURSERIES</h2>



<p>Locally, you’ll find <a href="https://www.littleacornsskipton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Little Acorns</a> for children from three months to preschool in age specific rooms. Skipton’s <a href="https://www.otleystreet.n-yorks.sch.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Otley Street Community Nursery</a> and <a href="https://www.broughamstreetcommunitynurseryschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brougham Street Nursery</a> as well as nearby <a href="https://embsaypreschool.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Embsay with Eastby Pre-School Playgroup</a> and <a href="http://www.embsaychildrenscentre.co.uk/contact.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Embsay Children&#8217;s Centre</a>&nbsp; are all rated ‘outstanding’. <a href="https://www.hebdenlodgenursery.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hebden Lodge Nursery</a> in Burnsall welcomes newborns to five-year-olds and <a href="https://chipmonks.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chipmonks</a> day nursery at Hellifield has a large garden for outdoor play.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-schools">SCHOOLS</h2>



<p>Spoilt for choice, <a href="https://www.ermysteds.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ermysted’s Grammar School</a> is a prestigious boys’ secondary school in Skipton while <a href="https://www.sghs.org.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Skipton Girls’ High School</a> is a successful and selective STEM and engineering-focused grammar school. Good enough for Prince William, Prince Harry and George Clooney, who are all Montessori graduates, this alternative form of teaching is available at Bolton Abbey’s independent <a href="https://www.wharfedalemontessori.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wharfedale Montessori School</a> for preschool and primary pupils. Founded in 1512, <a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/kids/school-reviews/giggleswick-school-settle-north-yorkshire/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giggleswick School </a>in the Dales is an independent co-ed day and boarding school for children aged 2 – 18 yrs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-best-kept-secret">BEST KEPT SECRET</h2>



<p>Middle Town in Skipton holds the dubious honour of not only being the hill from where Oliver Cromwell fired his artillery on Skipton Castle during the English Civil Wars, but also for being the backdrop for Monty Python’s song <em>Every Sperm is Sacred</em> in classic comedy <em>The Meaning of Life</em>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-commute">COMMUTE</h2>



<p>Amazingly, a commute to London is almost doable as a daily direct rail service to Kings Cross in around 3hrs leaves just before 7am and returns to Skipton by 9.20pm. Otherwise, trains depart regularly to Leeds taking 40 mins, then onwards to London, York and Manchester. A day out at the seaside in Morecambe takes 90 mins or be lured north on the world-renowned Settle to Carlisle line. Buses run to the Dales villages as well as Ikley, Harrogate, Keighley, Burnley and Preston. The nearest international airport is at Leeds Bradford, around a 40 min drive, while Manchester Airport takes at least 90 mins by car.</p>



<p><em>View the full&nbsp;</em><a href="https://muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/"><em>Top 300 Best Places to Live</em></a>.</p>


Skipton

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