Last updated: May 2026
Looking for the best coffee shops in Skipton?
Known as the Gateway to the Dales, Skipton is one of North Yorkshire’s most beloved market towns and, as any regular visitor will tell you, it does a rather good cup of coffee! Whether you’re visiting to browse the famous market, enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, explore the castle or simply have a day out in the Dales, you’ll find no shortage of excellent independent coffee shops to stop and refuel in.
From a working roastery with decades of tradition to a beautifully refurbished brunch café and the most dog-friendly spot in town, here are some of our favourite coffee shops in Skipton, updated for 2026…
Bean Loved
17 Otley Street, Skipton BD23 1DY
Ask any Skipton local where to get the best coffee in town and the answer is almost always the same – Bean Loved on Otley Street. This much-loved family-run coffee house has been part of the fabric of Skipton for well over a decade, and its following is entirely well-earned. The coffee is exceptional – crafted with real skill and care by a dedicated team of baristas who take what they do seriously.
In early 2025, Bean Loved completed a full refurbishment of its downstairs dining and service area – all the more reason to pop in if you haven’t visited recently! The food is just as good as the coffee and is made entirely from locally sourced Yorkshire produce. If you’re visiting for brunch, the truffle mushrooms on sourdough with poached eggs and hollandaise are an absolute must, and the Reuben Benedict has become something of a Skipton institution in its own right. There’s also a dedicated takeaway offering launched in 2025 for those on the go, covering sandwiches, poke bowls, salads and sweet treats.
Tucked up a side street and easy to walk past if you don’t know it’s there, but those who’ve discovered it rarely go anywhere else for their coffee in Skipton!
Exchange Coffee Company
Gargrave Road, Skipton BD23 1UD
If you love coffee, and I mean truly love it, then Exchange Coffee on Gargrave Road is an absolute must. This is a working roastery where all the coffee is roasted on the premises, as it has been on this very site for generations. The business was originally known as Charles A. Hallas, and Exchange took over the tradition in 1997, continuing to roast in the same way. The aroma of roasting coffee drifting down Gargrave Road is quite something!
The shop itself is wonderfully characterful with shelves filled with various teas and coffees, and the upstairs William Morris-inspired coffeehouse has its own atmosphere entirely. The range of coffees from around the world is beyond impressive, and the team will grind whatever you choose for your preferred brewing method. The famously good Amaretto coffee has its own devoted following among regulars.
Open Monday to Saturday, it’s a short and pleasant stroll from Skipton town centre. Head further up Gargrave Road, and you’ll find Aireville Park. Perhaps grab a cup to go and enjoy the town’s gorgeous green space!
The Clubhouse Coffee and Cycles
18 Newmarket Street, Skipton BD23 2HR
The Clubhouse Coffee and Cycles on Newmarket Street opened in 2018 and quickly established itself as one of the most characterful independent coffee shops in Skipton. It’s a celebration of Yorkshire’s passion for cycling – bike racks inside and out, cycling memorabilia on the walls and an owner and team who are as enthusiastic about two wheels as they are about their coffee. The place even featured in the Independent Coffee Guide back in 2021, which tells you something about the quality on offer.
The menu is pleasingly focused because the coffee really is the star of the show here. Alongside excellent espresso drinks, you’ll find fresh sandwiches and pastries sourced from local artisan suppliers, which make for a brilliant mid-morning stop. Some of The Clubhouse’s signature blends are available to buy by the bag so you can recreate the experience at home, which is always a lovely touch.
Dog-friendly and welcoming to walkers and cyclists alike, this friendly little spot is perfect for an impromptu pitstop.
Coffee and Clay
14 High Street, Skipton BD23 1AH
Coffee and Clay on Skipton High Street is one of those places that offers rather more than it first appears to! From the outside, it looks like a charming independent café, which it is, but head upstairs and you’ll discover the area’s largest pottery painting studio, with over 200 ceramic items to choose from, no studio fees and no appointments needed. You can simply pick your piece and get painting, so it’s a brilliant option for families or groups looking for something a little different to do.
The café downstairs takes its coffee seriously, serving fairtrade tea and coffee alongside homemade cakes, scones and fresh daily specials – the lemon drizzle cake receives particular praise and has been known to encourage visitors to linger considerably longer than planned! Independently owned for over 20 years, it’s a genuinely welcoming and community-minded spot. For those who fancy an evening event, the popular Paint n Sip evenings are a firm favourite for birthdays, hens and work nights out.
Kibble Bakery
44 Sheep Street, Skipton BD23 1HY
Are you heading to Skipton with your dog? If so, Kibble Bakery on Sheep Street is absolutely not to be missed! This brilliant, award-winning independent café is the most dog-friendly spot in Skipton by far —and in a town that welcomes dogs in almost every venue, that’s quite the distinction. Not only are four-legged guests entirely welcome, but they have their very own dedicated menu, baked in Kibble’s DEFRA-approved kitchen. Think Doggy Doughnuts, Pupcakes, Kibble Dog Biscuits and even a Pupspresso or Luxury Doggy Hot Chocolate.
For humans, the coffee is excellent – an exclusive blend of 50% Colombian and 50% Brazilian, hand-roasted by Casa Espresso specifically for Kibble. The food menu covers breakfasts, brunches, bagels, sandwiches, pancakes and homemade cakes, all freshly prepared each morning. There’s also an on-site dog grooming spa next door, which makes this the most dog-forward stop in the whole of the Yorkshire Dales! Even if you’re not bringing a pup, the quirky interiors, brilliant coffee and warm welcome make Kibble a coffee shop well worth seeking out.
Coopers Café Bar
6/8 Belmont St, Skipton BD23 1RP
Coopers Café Bar is a brilliant little find for those who love a spot with a bit of a “hidden gem” feel. It’s a small, intimate space on Belmont Bridge that packs a huge amount of character into its cosy footprint. It’s super popular with local workers grabbing something delicious on their lunch break, giving it a fantastic, bustling energy throughout the day.
If you’re a caffeine lover, you’re in luck – the coffee here is smooth, punchy, and clearly made with real care. The menu is also wonderfully inclusive, with plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, and everything is made to order, ensuring your meal is as fresh as possible. While the ground floor is snug, there is extra seating upstairs if you want to tuck yourself away.
It definitely gets busy, but it’s a great choice for a quality bite. It’s also very handy for the canal, with the basin just a short stroll away, so perfect for a walk before or after your visit. Oh, it’s very dog-friendly too, so no need to leave your four-legged companion at home!
The Cake’Ole
Craven Court Shopping Centre, High Street, Skipton BD23 1DG
The Cake’Ole in Skipton is a local legend! As a charming tea room tucked inside the Craven Court Shopping Centre, it is easily one of my favourite spots in town. If the fabulously quirky and colourful interiors don’t wow you the moment you step inside, the spectacular daily display of homemade cakes most certainly will.
The selection changes every single day, which adds a wonderful sense of anticipation to every visit, as you never quite know what masterpiece is waiting for you on the cake cabinet! While the coffee is expertly made and the menu offers a great range of hot and cold sandwiches for those wanting something savoury, it’s the cakes and the splendid afternoon tea that truly steal the show.
Every slice is served with a free scoop of ice cream and a chocolate drizzle, which is an absolute delight and great value for money. It’s perfectly cheerful, and my ultimate go-to for a mid-morning treat with my son. Tip: If you spot the Salted Caramel cake, order it immediately – it’s divine!
The Terrace Tea Room
First Floor, Craven Court Shopping Centre, High Street, Skipton BD23 1DG
Up on the first floor of the same Craven Court arcade as The Cake’Ole, the Terrace Tea Room is the largest café in Skipton. It boasts a spacious indoor dining room and a fantastic covered outdoor terrace overlooking the arcade below – perfect for a spot of people watching!
The menu is traditional and generous, comprising proper breakfasts, sandwiches, jacket potatoes, warming soups, and a selection of homebaked sweet treats. Be sure to check the ever-changing specials board for something new.
It’s no-frills, no-fuss, and consistently good, which is exactly what you want from a café after a morning exploring a busy market town. They have gluten-free options available and easy lift access from the ground floor. Plus, no booking is required, making it a very reliable choice on market days when other spots are full to the brim!
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