It was in Skipton that I learnt why we say ‘got the wrong end of the stick’.... Castle, canal, excellent walks, lots of history, a fascinating museum and a great high town all make Skipton very special. On the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, its name means ‘Sheep Town’, and underlines its former importance as a place to trade sheep and woollen goods.
900 year old Skipton Castle watches over the town like a matriarch watching their relatives at a party, thinking over the past and reflecting with satisfaction that although there are changes, the family is still strong. It’s one of the most complete, best preserved castles in England and feels loved and cherished, and full of great stories.
It’s said sheep fleeces were hung over the walls to lesson the impact of the bombardment during the Civil War. Children delight in finding the ‘long drop’ and realising that was the toilet. Then they find out about the stick covered in moss on one end which was the fore-runner to recycled toilet paper... You can imagine how it felt to pick up the ‘wrong end of the stick”!
Woodland Trust - Skipton Castle Woods feel like the castle’s back garden but are worth a visit in their own right. The woods support lots of wildlife including badgers and deer, at least 28 species of bird, as well as butterflies, and five species of bat. As you wander through the woods, you'll spot oak, lime and beech trees. Look more closely and there are over 160 different plants, grasses and herbs. Many have healing properties - at one time the Castle's herbalist would have used the Woods as their pharmacy.
You can enjoy a different view of Skipton by taking a canal boat along the Leeds - Liverpool canal with Skipton Boat Trips or follow the tow path to see more of Skipton's industrial heritage.
Skipton's high street has managed to retain much of its character with plenty of independent shops, and still holds a frequent and well-attended market. The Auction Mart offers an insight into a different side to Skipton’s heritage. It's fascinating to watch the skill of CCM Auctions Skipton Auction Mart Livestock Auctioneers. It used to be where you could get Udder Cream, which happened to be one of the best ever hand-creams but I don’t know if its still available.
The action mart has a novel dual personality, sometimes being transformed into a venue for events such as Art in the Pen and the very popular Yarndale.
The Craven Museum and Gallery at Skipton Town Hall feels really welcoming and uplifting, packed with very relatable displays and exhibitions. It's particularly known for its displays on Dewhursts Cotton Mill (remember their cottons?), Robert 'Mouseman' Thompson and for Shakespeare's First Folio. Outside is another intriguing exhibition in a very small space - packed into the telephone kiosk!
What do you love about Skipton? Where are your favourite places to go/do?
Thanks to Chris Werrett and Welcometoskipton for the image and Sarah Howsen Skipton BID