The historic town was named as the sixth “happiest places to live in the country” by Rightmove in its Happy Home Index.
A quaint town boasts cosy pubs, boutique shops and a rich history. Skipton, with its charming cobbled streets and bustling high street, is an ideal destination for those seeking a day trip with plenty to explore.
This small town, south of the Yorkshire Dales, was recently ranked as the sixth “happiest places to live in the country” by Rightmove in its 2024 Happy Home Index.
The annual survey, which has been conducted for 13 years, gauges residents’ satisfaction with their area based on various happiness factors.
Intriguingly, this North Yorkshire town has also earned the nickname “little Ibiza”. The town’s Keighley Road “booms out” club music every week from 6pm until 3am, with “the nightclub continuing this until 5am”.
Hannah Reese, of the Liverpool Echo, said of her visit to the town: “My visit to the town didn’t quite feel like a trip to sunny Spain, but there was still plenty to do.”
There were ample parking spaces available around the town centre, however, she and her partner opted for the Bailey Car Park – a bargain at under £5 for the entire day.
Adjacent to the car park is the 900 year old Skipton castle, reputed to be one of the most well-preserved medieval fortresses in England. Entry for adults is priced at £12.80 and visitors can explore the banqueting hall, dungeons and other rooms.
Skipton Market, a historic gem nestled on the High Street, operates four days a week, offering visitors an array of local meats, cheeses and Yorkshire-made clothing.
Dating back to medieval times, the market hosts a rotating set of traders, ensuring each Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (10am to 4pm) offers a unique experience.
Hannah said: “The high street itself is filled with a mix of independent shops, cosy pubs and cafes. We stopped off for some food in Cock and Bottle, which was a former 18th century coaching inn.
“There is a selection of classic, homely pub grub served on its menu, all sourced from local suppliers – including the crisp.
“I went for the steak and ale pie served with chips and vegetables (£18), which came in a delicious handmade short crust pastry. The cosy
“The pub is one of 18 pubs and bars featured on the Skipton Ale Trail. The 18-stop trail is made up of everything from sports bars to country pubs. Sadly, we had to give this a miss having driven to the town for the day.”
Fortunately they managed to explore a different part of Skipton by embarking on a trip on the Leeds Liverpool canal. The one-hour canal boat tour, complete with commentary from award-winning comedian Dave Spikey – known for Phoenix Nights – guides visitors through Skipton’s intriguing history.
The canal boat also comes equipped with a toilet and food and drink facilities.
Hannah added: “We finished the day trip with a walk through the cobbled streets, having a nose at all of the shops and cafes that make up the small town centre. We also visited Robertshaw’s Farm shop, just on the outskirts of the town.
“The shop has operated since 1929 and is home to an award-winning butchers, delicatessen and greengrocers. We bought some cream cakes as a treat with a cup of tea for when we arrived home – they were stunning.”