30 MINUTES FROM PATELEY BRIDGE
Skipton Castle
One of the most complete medieval castles in England, open every day of the year. 900 years of history, five towers, a Tudor courtyard and a yew tree planted in 1659 by one of England's most remarkable women. Well worth combining with a morning in Skipton town.
Visit information
- Address
- Skipton Castle, Skipton BD23 1AQ
- From Pateley Bridge
- 30 minutes south via B6265
- Open
- Daily from 10am. Last entry 4pm (6pm summer). Open all year.
- Entry
- Adults and concessions - see website. Children under 5 free. Audio guide included.
- Dogs
- Dogs on leads welcome throughout the castle
- Website
- www.skiptoncastle.co.uk
What to see
The Conduit Court
The heart of the castle, a beautiful Tudor courtyard with a remarkable ancient yew tree at its centre. The tree was planted in 1659 by Lady Anne Clifford, the extraordinary noblewoman who restored the castle after Civil War destruction. It still stands.
The Watch Tower
Climb the tower for views over Skipton's rooftops and across to the moors beyond. On a clear day you can see well up the Aire valley towards the Dales. The views from the battlements are some of the best in the town.
The Banqueting Hall
The great hall where the Clifford family held court. High timber roof, stone walls and the kind of space that makes medieval life suddenly feel real rather than distant. The audio guide does an excellent job of bringing it to life.
The Kitchen
The castle's working kitchen, still fitted out as it would have been in the Tudor period. A good section of the audio guide covers what life was like for the people who worked here - the contrast with the great hall above is striking.
The Privy Tower
The most private part of the castle, reserved for the lord and family. Small, well-lit rooms with views in several directions. The family would have lived here for much of the year, surrounded by the wider household in the outer rooms.
900 years of history
Robert de Romille builds the first castle on this strategic site overlooking Skipton and the Aire Gap.
The Clifford family acquire the castle and begin building the towers that still stand today. They will hold it for the next 350 years.
The Civil War. The castle holds out under siege for three years as one of the last Royalist strongholds in the north. Cromwell's forces finally take it in 1645.
Lady Anne Clifford restores the castle at her own expense despite orders from Cromwell not to. She plants the yew tree in the Conduit Court which still grows there today.
The castle is privately owned and open daily throughout the year. The audio guide, included in the ticket price, was written to be genuinely interesting to adults as well as children.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
Skipton town
The High Street and market
Skipton has one of the finest traditional market days in the north, with the market running Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The High Street has a good range of independent shops alongside the chains.
The Springs Canal
A short branch canal runs from the town basin directly beneath the castle walls, ending at a turntable. Canal boats moor along the Springs Branch and the walk alongside it is one of the prettiest in town.
Craven Museum
Free museum in Skipton Town Hall covering the history of the Craven district from prehistoric times. Small but well curated, and a good rainy-day option for the area.
The Devonshire Arms
A good pub for lunch before or after the castle, a short walk from the main entrance on the High Street. The town has several other good cafes and delis for food.
Plan your visit
Skipton Castle is 30 minutes from Pateley Bridge on the B6265 - the same road that passes Stump Cross Caverns. Combine both in a day for a full and varied day out.