The quintessentially British tradition of afternoon tea has surged in popularity in recent years. Once a treat reserved for the upper classes and associated only with high-end hotels, this late-afternoon dining concept which dates back to Victorian times is now affordable and accessible to most.

The historic market town of Skipton with its charming cobbled streets, impressive castle and picturesque canal basin forms the perfect backdrop for a sophisticated afternoon of delicate dining. Home to numerous independent cafes, award-winning hotels and excellent restaurants, there’s a venue to suit every budget. With this in mind,  I’ve put together a guide to the best places to get afternoon tea in Skipton. On my list, you’ll find an eclectic array of venues offering superb afternoon tea menus, quirky tea rooms, scenic country retreats, pretty Parisian-style parlours and family-friendly pubs.

Where to get Afternoon Tea in Skipton

Alexander’s

4-6 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JZ

In a prime location at the top of Skipton’s award-winning high street, this large cafe bar and restaurant is hard to miss with its stylish exteriors and elegant entrance.

With numerous dining options available including brunch, lunch, small plate sharing, evening fine dining and a magical Alpine pop-up during the festive period, Alexander’s boasts an enviable reputation locally.

Afternoon tea at Alexander’s is their unique and contemporary take on the traditional. Served Wednesday to Saturday between 2 pm and 5 pm, this delightful afternoon tea in Skipton is bound to impress and is ideal for special occasions.

This is one of my personal favourites for a celebratory treat. Alexander’s is one of the most aesthetically pleasing dining destinations in the town centre and the food is always top notch. This afternoon tea in Skipton starts at £30 pp but you get a lot for your money. I couldn’t manage it all and had to take much of it home to enjoy the next day!

The Cake’Ole

Craven Court Shopping Centre, High St, Skipton BD23 1DG

It’s no secret that Skipton is home to many, many cafes, however, The Cake’Ole is one of my go-to venues when seeking a sweet treat on a budget. Boasting quirky, colourful interiors and serving a changing daily selection of delicious homemade cakes, it’s a must-visit for all ages.

The cakes at The Cake’Ole are ridiculously good and you get a free scoop of ice cream with every slice too! A firm favourite with us is their Salted Caramel Cake – moist sponge, velvety buttercream and generous drizzles of salted caramel sauce combine to make it one of my guilty pleasures.

This afternoon tea is one of the best value offerings in Skipton at under £15 per person. You get a selection of sandwiches, a handful of crisps, enormous fruit scones with the expected accompaniments, a few of their most popular sweet treats and a whopping great slab of one of their brilliant cakes. Brilliant! Booking isn’t required but The Cake’Ole does get remarkably busy on weekends and during school holidays.

Nana’s of Skipton

The Parlour, 53 Swadford Street, Skipton BD23 1QY

Situated on Skipton’s Belmont Bridge, Nana’s is as pretty as a picture with its pink and mint green exterior decor. The intimate tea room only seats a limited number of people but it’s certainly one of the most Instagrammable places to eat in the town. 

All the components of the afternoon teas at Nana’s are lovingly made by the ever-so-friendly owner who took over the venue just last year. I had the absolute pleasure of visiting for Mother’s Day and had a truly delightful experience.

The sandwiches were generously filled, the scones were fresh and warm, the homemade quiche was packed with flavour and the miniature sweet treats were superb! It was very reasonably priced at just £17.95 per person too. We weren’t drinking on this occasion but there is the option to upgrade your afternoon tea to include a glass of fizz or one of Nana’s delicious cocktails. 

The Coniston Hotel

Coniston Cold, Skipton BD23 4EA

For afternoon tea with a view, I highly recommend The Coniston Hotel! This popular hotel with its award-winning spa and brilliant restaurant offers spectacular views of the glorious Yorkshire Dales countryside.

Afternoon tea at The Coniston Hotel’s 1 AA rosette restaurant, The View, is available daily from 3 pm until 4:15 pm Monday to Saturday and costs £30 pp or £37 pp with a glass of fizz. It’s a traditional offering comprising a selection of sandwiches and a medley of indulgent desserts. The menu changes with the seasons but currently includes delightful treats such as Cheese & Onion Focaccia with Balsamic Caramelised Red Onion, Hot Smoked Salmon Dill & Spring Onion Pinwheel and Coffee & Walnut Choux Au Craquelin.

Fancy something a little different? Opt for the Pan-Asian afternoon tea at Blossom Kitchen; the brasserie adjacent to the onsite spa. This one is also priced at £30 pp but it’s remarkably different in composition. Instead of your three tiers of sandwiches and cakes, you get a bento box filled with delicious Asian-inspired goodies. I particularly enjoyed the Bao Buns and Spring Rolls when I tried this one last year.

The Devonshire Arms

Bolton Bridge, Skipton BD23 6AJ

No round-up of where to take afternoon tea in Skipton would be complete without including The Devonshire Arms, nestled in the glorious estate of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire at Bolton Abbey.

The setting is breathtakingly beautiful so worth visiting for alone but those seeking decadent delights and exceptional service should most certainly book in for afternoon tea. they often welcome families, couples and more to indulge in their delicious afternoon tea menu whilst celebrating a special occasion.

Served daily from 1:30 pm until 3 pm, afternoon tea at The Devonshire Arms is priced at £39.50 pp or £49.50 pp with Champagne. It’s a traditional affair with the expected finger sandwiches and scones playing a part, however, it’s the exquisite selection of desserts that set this one apart from the rest. Expertly created by The Devonshire Arms’ team of talented pastry chefs, they’re immaculately presented and utterly delicious!

Three Sheep Tea House & Kitchen

8 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JJ

Would Skipton be Skipton without a sheep-themed tea room? Absolutely not! This lovely cafe is run by passionate locals who always offer the warmest of welcomes.

Set over two floors and with a small amount of outdoor seating, this deceptively spacious central cafe is always packed with locals and tourists. The menu features everything you would expect to find at a quality cafe including hot & cold sandwiches, jacket potatoes, salads, breakfasts and more.

Priced at just £14.95 pp, there are two afternoon teas to choose from at The Three Sheep Tea House – sweet and savoury. The sweet version is your more traditional offering with sandwiches, a scone and a slice of homemade cake. Instead of the sweet treats, their savoury version comes with a cheese scone and a pork pie from celebrated local butchers Drake and Macefield. I can confirm that the scones are some of the best in town, particularly the cheese ones!

The Gamekeeper’s Inn

Long Ashes Park,  Threshfield, Skipton BD23 5PN

The Gamekeeper’s Inn at Threshfield is a traditional pub serving homemade food, prepared with the finest locally sourced produce. In addition to mouthwatering menus lunches, light bites and mains, The Gamekeeper’s Inn serves an afternoon tea with a contemporary twist.

The Alternative Afternoon Tea is priced at £22.95 pp (pay just an extra £4 for a glass of fizz) and couldn’t be more different to the standard finger sandwiches and scones offerings. This menu for this quirky take on a traditional concept is updated every season but currently, includes a tasty array of savoury dishes such as Mini Chicken Pie, Asian-Style Pork Belly Bites and Mini Oak-Smoked Salmon Fishcakes.  If those are not enough to send your salivary glands into overdrive, the desserts are pretty special too! In addition to the obligatory scones and preserves, you get a mesmerising medley of treats including Sticky Toffee Bite, Strawberry Mille-Feuille and a Griottine Cherry and Chocolate Brownie Cup.

Where to go for Breakfast in Skipton

Old Bridge Cafe

A short stroll from the canal basin and over the bridge will lead you to a small but homely independent cafe that serves, in my opinion, one of the best value breakfasts in Skipton. I visited Old Bridge Cafe just a couple of weeks ago with my husband and 9-year-old son and will certainly be returning. It’s a no-frills, traditional eatery with friendly staff and simple menus but my goodness, the breakfasts are wonderful!

The all-day menu features most breakfast favourites as well as a selection of light bites and main meals, all at very reasonable prices. Opt for a simple bacon or sausage sandwich, relax with a hot coffee and a toasted teacake, or go all out and order one of their large breakfasts. My husband and I paid just £6.95 each for the breakfasts pictured above and they were delicious! 

Alexander’s

Served Saturday and Sunday 10 am – 12 pm

Situated at 4-6 High Street, Skipton, this historic building dating back to 1606 underwent a stunning transformation by the Peel Entertainment Group in 2016. Known for its aesthetic charm, Alexander’s offers a diverse range of dining experiences. From globally-inspired small plates and mains for lunch and dinner to an Edwardian-inspired parlour serving homemade cakes, decadent desserts, and a superb afternoon tea, Alexander’s is a culinary delight throughout the day.

Notably, their Brunch menu elevates Alexander’s to one of the best spots for breakfast in Skipton. Request freshly made pastries (£5.50) for a lighter start to your day or indulge in a hearty House Breakfast which comprises all the traditional elements of a Full English (£16). For those with a sweet tooth, the Homemade Waffles and Pancakes (£8.50) are available with a variety of toppings including banana and Nutella. Seeking something a little different to the usual breakfast offerings? The Korean Chicken Waffle (£14) and the Grand Kedegree (£14) should hit the spot.

Kibble Bakery & Coffee House

Among Skipton’s array of independent cafes, Kibble Bakery stands out as a uniquely charming spot. Boasting a chic and contemporary interior, it perfectly complements its simple, modern menu featuring no-frills, natural food. What sets Kibble Bakery apart is its completely dog-friendly atmosphere. Alongside a fantastic menu for humans, Kibble Bakery offers an excellent selection for dogs, with 100% natural treats like homemade ‘pupcakes’ and ‘doggy doughnuts.’

Conveniently located at the bottom of Skipton High Street, Kibble Bakery is an ideal stop for those looking to kickstart their day of sightseeing with a tasty breakfast. Coffee enthusiasts will appreciate their distinctive 50% Colombian and 50% Brazilian blend, especially delightful when paired with one of their delicious homemade cakes. The breakfast menu caters to various preferences, featuring everything from topped toasts and full breakfasts to fluffy pancakes and perfect pastries. With beautifully presented, freshly prepared, and delicious offerings, Kibble Bakery is a great place for breakfast in Skipton, whether you’re accompanied by your four-legged companion or not!

Bean Loved

Bean Loved is hailed by many locals as the go-to spot for the best coffee in Skipton, and considering the competition, that’s quite a compliment! While their coffee is undeniably exceptional, the culinary offerings at Bean Loved are equally delightful. Featuring a menu crafted from the finest locally sourced Yorkshire produce, every dish promises a wonderfully fresh experience.

Start your morning right with their breakfast menu which is served until 11:30 am and features a small selection of traditional breakfast options like a Bacon Sandwich (£6.50) and Poached Eggs on Toast (£5). Visit after 11:30 am and you can order one of their mouthwatering brunch dishes such as the Sweet Potato Fritter Stack (£10.50) and the insanely good Reuben Benedict (£12.90). Fancy something sweeter? Their fluffy American pancakes are a firm favourite with us locals!

Coopers Cafe Bar

Coopers Cafe Bar, just a short stroll beyond Skipton’s centre, is well worth the slight detour. This cosy eatery offers a plethora of delectable dishes and homemade cakes throughout the day but has gained particular popularity for its breakfasts.

The staff at this independent cafe bar are known for their super-friendly demeanour, ensuring everyone is greeted with a warm smile and a friendly welcome. The cafe is dog-friendly, with furry companions receiving the same excellent treatment as human customers.

Coopers serves an excellent Full English (£8.95) in addition to lighter options including Poached Egg, Avocado, Feta & Pomegranate on Sourdough (£7.95) and freshly toasted bagels with a variety of filling options. Be sure to check out their daily selection of fresh pastries too as their home-baked treats are always superb!

The Flip Side

Did you know that there’s an independent cafe in Skipton that specialises in pancakes? Situated on Swadford Street, The Flip Side serves crepes with all manner of sweet and savoury fillings and toppings. Stick to traditional sugar and lemon, satisfy that chocolate craving by ordering crepes drizzled with Nutella or opt for one of their savoury options like the Brekkie Crepe (£8.50) or the Creamy Cheese & Leeks version (£8).

Thick and fluffy American-style pancakes are also on the menu if they’re your preference. Again, these are available with a variety of toppings but for breakfast, we recommend ordering the Bacon Stack (£8) and adding extras (50p each) of sausage and egg. For little ones, there’s the popular Nutella Dippy Pot (£4.50) which comprises mini pancakes, a pot of warm Nutella, strawberries, cream and crumble.

Are pancakes not your thing? Fear not, because just a couple of months ago, The Flip Side added breakfast sandwiches to their menu and they’re available all day!

Phoebe’s

18 Coach Street, Skipton BD23 1LH

Phoebe’s is a casual restaurant and bar with chic, stripped-back decor on Coach Street. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a relatively new offering, having taken over the premises just last year.

The focus here is very much on fresh local produce so the lunch and dinner menus change with the seasons. If visiting for breakfast or brunch, however, there are a number of options which are available all year round, including some excellent gluten-free and dairy-free dishes.

On the menu, you’ll find a traditional Full English for £10.25 (vegetarian version also available for £9.95) plus hot breakfast sandwiches (£4.95) alongside more contemporary offerings such as Smashed Avocado on Sourdough (£9.50), Chorizo Eggs (£8.95), and a delightful Black Pudding dish featuring smoked beans, poached egg, a crispy ham fritter and a whisky glaze (£8.95).

Fancy a sweeter start to the day? Opt for cinnamon and vanilla French toast with mixed berries and fresh yoghurt (£8.50). Delightful!

The Curious Fox

Chapel Hill, Skipton BD23 1NL

A left turn at the top of Skipton’s High Street and a short stroll will bring you to The Curious Fox – a characterful restaurant at the bottom of Chapel Hill with much to offer hungry visitors.

It’s best known for its excellent steaks, globally inspired dinner menus and weekly Tapas night but this gorgeous restaurant with rooms also offers tasty breakfasts from 7:30 am Monday to Saturday and from 8:30 am on a Sunday.

The guys who run The Curious Fox have extensive hospitality experience so both the food and the ambience are consistently good.

The Curious Fox offers a traditional breakfast menu, showcasing quality, locally sourced produce. Start your day with a classic Full English for £12.50 (veggie option available – £11.50), Eggs Benedict (£11), smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on toast (£9), a hot breakfast sandwich (£6.50) of your choosing or a simple bowl of nutty granola with berries and yoghurt (£7.50).

Burgers have been a popular menu option since the 50’s when big name burger brands from the US started opening up on in our towns and cities. The popularity of burgers has increased tenfold in recent years and there’s no shortage of great burger bars, burger chains and burger vans tempting us with their meaty (or vegetarian) mounds of deliciousness.

If you’re in a city, chances are you’ll find a fantastic burger place on every corner. However, in the smaller towns it can be difficult to know where to go to get a good quality burger.

Skipton in North Yorkshire boasts loads of excellent pubs, restaurants and cafes. They have eateries which cater to all kinds of tastes, preferences and dietary requirements…but…where do Skipton people go when they fancy a burger? And more importantly… where do they go if they want alcohol with it?

Here’s our list of just 5 of the places in Skipton where you can get a great burger and wash it down with cold beer or two…

Calico Jack

This pirate-themed Tex Mex restaurant is great for getting together with friends and family. Calico Jack on Water Street serve some great Tex Mex options such as Burritos, Enchiladas and Fajitas. If you’re not a fan of spice, they also offer pizzas, salads, steaks, ribs and, of course, burgers!

There are ten varieties of burger to choose from at Calico Jack and each can be served as a beef patty, a chargrilled chicken breast or a grilled stack of tomato, mozzarella and olive. Prices start at £9.25 for the Calico Jack which is a classic plain burger. The most expensive item on the burger menu is the Jack Sparrow at £13.75 which is a double burger with cheddar, bacon, mushrooms and caramelised red onions.

They have Peroni, Carlsberg, Shed Head (an American Pale Ale) and Somersby Cider on tap as well as a selection of bottled lagers, wines and drinks. They also have an extensive cocktail menu at Calico Jack from which we would recommend the classic Margarita or their gin-based Raspberry Rose Collins.

Oakley’s

Oakley’s Grill and Pizzeria opened in 2008 and the current owners took over in 2016 after purchasing the business from the Oakley family. It’s housed in an old rag mill on Albert Street that is actually one of Skipton’s oldest buildings. Oakley’s have dining space on three different floors and each area is furnished with simple wooden tables and wooden flooring to complement the age of the building.

This place is super popular with locals and they have a steady stream of returning customers who are passionate about the home cooked food on offer. On the menu, you’ll find a selection of house mains as well as pizzas, pastas, salads and burgers.

There are 16 types of burger on the Oakley’s menu and you can order all kinds of extras with each one. prices start at £9.95 for the Classic Burger and go up to £11.50 for the Fiery Jack – with Pepperoni piccante, spicy chorizo, cheddar cheese, jalapenos and Cajun coated onion rings. All of their burgers are available with a beef patty, chargrilled chicken breast or crispy coated vegetable patties.

Behind the bar they’ve got a range of draft beers, bottled lagers and ciders, wines and spirits. Oakley’s also have a great cocktail menu so it’s worth having a look through that before you commit yourself to a straightforward pint.

Cock and Bottle

With its low ceilings and old wooden beams, it’s plain to see that the Cock and Bottle pub on Swadford Street has a long history. The building itself if thought to date back to the late 17th century and is on record to have operated as a ‘brewhouse’ since the mid 18th century.

The Cock and Bottle is a lovely little traditional pub with a real ‘local’ feel to it. They serve good old classic pub grub, alongside their popular cask ales.  All the food here is homemade, served in generous portions and mouth wateringly delicious. On the menu you’ll find the usual classics like Fish & Chips, Bangers & Mash and Steak and Ale Pie as well as a lovely selection of sharing planks, sandwiches and light bites.

There are 6 types of burger on the Cock and Bottle menu and prices for these start at £11.95. Each is available with a beef patty, chicken breast or vegetarian burger and served in a toasted brioche bun with hand cut chips, salad, homemade coleslaw and crispy onion rings. The BBC (Brie, Bacon and Cranberry) is a particular favourite of ours!

Two Sisters

Two Sisters Bar & Kitchen on Mill Bridge has only been open a couple of years but the owners have built a great reputation for their simple menu of perfectly cooked food and their excellent selection of speciality beers and small batch gins. The customer service here is also top notch so it’s no surprise that many locals name this little gem as their favourite place to eat in Skipton. You won’t find a huge amount of choice on their menu but what you will find is a carefully thought out selection of dishes, made using excellent quality local produce and served with a smile.

If it’s a burger you’re after, then you’re in for a real treat. On their menu, you’ll find 4 four different types of burger and they’re all slightly different to the ones on offer at other local establishments. Their Spiced Lamb Burger with salad and homemade Harissa Mayonnaise is very popular and their vegetarian option is absolutely bursting with flavour. Priced at £12, the Bean Burger is topped with mozzarella and grilled peppers and served in toasted ciabatta with a spiced tomato dip and sweet potato fries. Nom nom…

The Narrow Boat

The Narrow Boat, near Skipton’s picturesque canal basin, has been serving great quality cask ales and home cooked grub since 1999. Immensely popular with beer lovers, this pub offers 8 real ales and a handpicked selection of wheat beers, fruit beers and fine boutique gins as well as the usual beverages you’d expect to find behind a bar.

Food wise, The Narrow Boat serves hearty comfort food which is made using local, seasonal produce. On the menu, there are traditional pub classics like Scampi & Chips as well as less traditional but equally as delicious dishes such as Chicken Schnitzel and Malaysian Aromatic Curry. 

They serve 3 basic burgers ( classic beef, grilled chicken and portobello mushroom) which you can upgrade yourself by adding extra toppings such as bacon, beef chilli and guacamole. You can double up your burger for just £2.00 and for those of us who like to limit our carb intake, there’s the option to swap your bread bun for extra salad. Hurrah!

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