Holiday rentals in Skipton

A colourful, happening place just beyond the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Skipton is one of those proud Yorkshire communities that offers the perfect combination of town and country. Whoever said England is a nation of shopkeepers might have had Skipton in mind. Locally run independents have graced its streets for more than a century, though these days wine boutiques, designer homeware stores, coffee roasters, and bike vendors sit alongside the age-old butchers and farm shops. Throw in craft beer bars, micropubs, the friendliest of inns, a smattering of smart and quirky restaurants, and a castle, and you can see why people come — and stay.

The stellar sights of the national park’s southern reaches — iconic Bolton Abbey, Malham Cove’s 70-metre-high sweep of white limestone, and the pretty valleys and tumbling waters of Wharfedale — are nearby. So are the gorgeous northern Dales around Swaledale and Wensleydale, located just a 30-to-40-mile showstopper of a drive or cycle ride away.

You won’t want to miss Skipton’s historic market, which dates back to medieval times — and chances are you won’t, as it takes place four days a week and features such goodies as chocolate brownies, Greek olives, and Cuban cocktails. Spring and summer are good for swimming in Dales rivers; autumn and winter are best for invigorating hikes. In July, the Yorkshire Dales Food and Drink Festival has celebrity chef demonstrations, workshops, food stalls, and music on Funkirk Farm, west of the town. The community throws itself into local events, such as Kettlewell’s rather niche scarecrow festival in August, when the village’s gardens are filled with hilarious scarecrows made by local residents. The pretty Wharfedale village of Grassington hosts a Dickensian Festival in December, with period dress and street entertainers.

Swimming near Bolton Abbey

The dramatic ruins of Bolton Abbey’s Augustinian priory lies next to the River Wharfe, which can be crossed via 60 chunky stepping stones. From this wide, shallow section, follow footpaths further upriver to some amazing wild swimming spots at deep pools. Those who dare can leap from a high limestone cliff into the cold, inky water at Loup Scar, while others ride inflatables down the gentle rapids. More civilised is the outdoor pool and heated indoor pool at Ilkley lido.

High Corn Mill

Next to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, a 14th-century mill that once ground corn for the town and castle has been transformed into a space housing independent businesses. The restored water wheel can be seen from a special viewing area. After a stroll around, check out the adjoining Skipton Castle Woods, one of England’s very few remaining ancient woodlands.

Ilkley Moor

To the east of Skipton, Ilkley Moor is wonderful for walking, especially around the dramatic natural rock formations of the Cow and Calf, to be celebrated afterwards with a roast dinner in the pub.