With its stunning location near the Yorkshire Dales, Skipton recently found itself named one of Britain’s best market towns and one of the ‘most sort-after postcodes’.
Locals won’t be at all surprised by that. This is a town with a big heart, a thriving canal community and a true sense of place. It has even been voted one of the happiest places in the UK to live. Maybe that’s the proximity of green spaces thanks to the surrounding Dales countryside, or maybe the calming canal which prompts waterside walks - or even life on the water in a narrowboat for those living a certain dream of ‘away from the rat race'.
The town itself is full of character, with market stalls, independent local shops - including a and boutiques alongside national retailers. It has a down-to-earth atmosphere - everyone is welcome in Skipton and whoever you are you will find like-minded, welcoming folk and a great sense of community.
The cobbled streets of Skipton are steeped in history, each ginnel offering a glimpse into its past. At the top of the high street is Skipton Castle, which at over 900 years old is one of the best preserved castles in England. Tucked behind the castle you’ll find a rare ancient woodland with a fascinating history .
Skipton's industrial heritage as home of the famous Sylko thread established the town's healthy transport connections. Well served with direct trains to Leeds, Bradford and London, the town also boasts a direct link to the historic Settle-Carlisle line. For those who prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace, the Leeds Liverpool canal passes through the heart of the town offering barge trips and barge rental opportunities if you fancy a Rosie & Jim, escape.
Whatever your budget, Skipton has a healthy property market. It’s the perfect place to find affordable period terraced homes or seek out sought-after suburban family homes. An area termed The Raikes close to the town's grammar schools and Aireville Park offers the bigger budget residential properties.
According to areahive.co.uk, areas like Gargrave Road and Grassington tend to be on the pricier side, whereas Middletown and East Skipton are relatively more affordable. Compared to neighbouring towns, Skipton is relatively more expensive but offers a higher quality of life, which many residents find worth the cost. Skipton is ideal for families, with excellent schools and activities and groups for children. You’re never too far from a green space, such as the stunning Aireville Park, home to a leisure centre, adventure playground, pump track and skatepark as well as a treetop adventure course.
Skipton's property market revealed an overall average price of £280,896 over the last year according to Rightmove.
The majority of sales around Skipton during the last year were terraced properties, selling for an average price of £217,275. Semi-detached properties sold for an average of £285,027, with detached properties fetching £470,880. Overall, sold prices around Skipton over the last year were 7% down on the previous year and 5% up on the 2020 peak of £268,327.
Indisputably the 'Gateway to the Dales', Skipton is uniquely placed, with the verdant beauty of Wharfedale and the picturesque villages of Grassington, Burnsall and Kettlewell all just a short drive away. Take the A59 and you can travel east to Harrogate or west into Lancashire - and if you opt for the train, you can be in Leeds in 40 minutes or London in just three hours on its daily direct service. Transport links aside, it is Skipton's wide, tree-lined, cobbled High Street - once the setting for weekly livestock sales and now boasting one of the country's best markets - which is its highlight. With the incredibly well preserved medieval Skipton Castle and 12th century Parish Church at the head of the High Street, Skipton really is picture postcard perfect.
Close to the castle, the best way to experience Skipton Castle Woods is by walking along the spectacular tow path from Mill Bridge in the heart of Skipton. On arrival in the wood, you’ll find a site map with walking routes and more activities to try. There are also two sculptures made from willow, so keep your eyes open for the Spirit of the Medieval Huntress and The Stalking Horse.
The picturesque Leeds Liverpool Canal is wonderful for walking, cycling or boat trips to while away a relaxing afternoon. The town has an unexpectedly lively and vibrant social scene, with an independent cinema, live music, entertainment and clubs.
Skipton Town Hall, the town’s cultural and community epicentre, hosts an array of accessible events for all ages. It is home to the Craven Museum, finalist for the Art Fund of the Year Award, a place whihch celebrates the history of the area and the contributions of those that have lived in this part of the world.
Take a walk: Skipton to Gargrave along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal is a five-mile walk waterside hike on some of the best open countryside anywhere on England’s canal network (canalrivertrust.org.uk).
Skipton Artisan Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month on the Canal Basin. The Market is home to talented stallholders offering an amazing selection of predominantly handmade and hand produced food, drink, arts and craft. Also, on October 31, at Skipton Town Hall, there’s Spooky Shakespeare for Halloween family fun!
Skipton-based Secret Drawer employee, Joan, loves living and working in Skipton. She recently finished renovating her new home, which she shares with her two boisterous dogs. Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, Joan is used to wildlife, but much prefers the placid and rolling moorland and countryside of The Dales to the wilderness of Table Mountain.
‘I can hear the sheep at night, it’s so relaxing.’ Her dogs have fun on daily country walks, accessed right from her doorstep. Although not a frequent visitor, she enjoys stopping in for the occasional drink at Herriot’s Hotel located very close to the canal. Her favourite place to browse is the local book shop Keogh's Books and she enjoys getting her fresh vegetables from the weekly market.
