The historic market town of Skipton, in North Yorkshire, has been attracting shoppers from all over the country for many years. Tourists, eager to peruse the award-winning market and explore the abundance of independent shops, have rarely left disappointed.
British high streets have become somewhat depleted since the pandemic, with big-name retailers and small family-run shops closing at an alarming rate. While Skipton lost numerous shops over the last few years, it has also retained some of its long-established gems and welcomed a few new arrivals. The town of Skipton remains a superb place to indulge in a spot of retail therapy so we’ve updated our list of Skipton’s independent shops for 2024.
Clothing and Accessories
On Trend Boutique
1 Back O’ The Beck, Skipton BD23 1PH
Located in a quiet waterside location, On Trend Boutique is THE place to shop in Skipton for on-trend ladies’ fashion. Stocking an abundance of clothing, shoes and accessories, all at reasonable prices, this superb little shop has been a constant source of inspiration and retail therapy to local fashionistas since it opened just a few years ago.
If you’re a fashion follower eager to get your hands on the latest celeb-inspired pieces, pop down to On Trend Boutique where you’ll bag some stylish new outfits without breaking the bank!
Love Boutique
7 Victoria Square, Skipton BD23 1JF
Love Boutique is a gorgeous little shop in Victoria Square that’s difficult to miss with its outside displays of eye-catching ladies’ clothing and accessories. The owner is an experienced hairdresser and nail technician who decided to follow her dreams of opening a boutique shop, where her clients could shop once they’ve had their revamp.
This town centre shop is filled to the brim with clothing, handbags, purses, fascinators, scarves and more so a superb one to browse if you’re looking to upgrade your wardrobe or elevate an existing outfit. If you book ahead, you can get that pre-event blowdry or manicure whilst you’re there!
Skip to School
32-34 Water Street, Skipton BD23 1PB
Skip to School on Water Street is the go-to retailer for children’s uniforms in Skipton.
As well as embroidered sweaters, polos, blazers and other uniform essentials, you’ll also find plain pieces, should you require items for a child who doesn’t attend a local school.
In addition to uniforms for children attending the vast majority of schools in the area, Skip to School also sells uniforms for Brownies, Rainbows, Scouts, Cubs, Guides and Beavers. An essential stop for local parents during the summer holidays!
Captain Jellyfish
67 High Street, Skipton BD23 1DS
If you like shoes, you’ll love Captain Jellyfish on Skipton High Street. The family-run, shop started under a different brand name and primarily focused selling a diverse collection of quirky footwear.
It has evolved over the years to include all manner of funky and fabulous items, but continues to stock iconic shoe brands such as Irregular Choice, Ruby Shoo, Dr Martens, Poetic Licence, Rocket Dog and Skechers. It’s absolute heaven for the man, woman or child who can never have too many shoes.
Captain Jelly Fish also now sells loads of gorgeous handbags, clothing and unique gifts so the shopping experience doesn’t end with feet! Perhaps, elevate your chosen pair of heels, boots or flats with a complementing shoulder bag or backpack.
Discount Sports
1 Rope Walk, Skipton BD23 1ED
Opened in 2019 by the Eidsforth family, is Skipton’s go-to independent shop for sportswear, footwear and many sports accessories.
A dream discovery for bargain hunters, Discount Sports stocks everything from hoodies and t-shirts to trainers and football boots, all priced considerably lower than they would be if you ordered direct from the sports brand or major retailers.
Cinderella’s
High Corn Mill, 16 Chapel Hill, Skipton BD23 1NL
Family-run independent Bridal store, Cinderella’s, has been providing Skipton brides with their dream dress for many years.
Located at High Corn Mill, it’s a must-visit for any bride-to-be. The lovely owner Mandy sells, alters and repairs an impressive selection of stunning gowns from various designers and even hosts regularly events enabling those who aren’t planning their big day to try on a few gowns.
Whether you’re looking to purchase your dream dress or you’re just in need of some inspiration, customer service here is second to none. Both Mandy and her team of staff do their utmost to make future brides feel special but most importantly, ensure they are comfortable and confident when choosing and trying on gowns.
C & H Brown
6 Newmarket Street, Skipton BD23 2HR
Established in 1974, C & H Brown on Newmarket Street have been selling high-quality footwear and fashion accessories to the men and women of Skipton for over 40 years.
They have a huge selection of products to choose from across floors, suiting a variety of tastes but mainly those who favour classic and traditional styles. If you’ve got a wedding or other formal event coming up, this shop is well worth browsing to find those complementary accessories for your outfit.
Gifts and Jewellery
Alexander’s Jewellers
Unit 3, Craven Court, Skipton BD23 1DG
You’ll find this family-run jeweller on the ground floor of Craven Court shopping centre. Between them, the owners have an impressive 40 years in the industry so they’re certainly the people to go to if you have any questions or queries about fine jewellery.
In addition to contemporary pieces, Alexander’s stock ever-changing collections of beautifully restored antique jewellery so whether it’s a treat for yourself or a gift for a loved one you’re seeking, the lovely people at this independent jeweller are likely to have the perfect piece. The talented team also offers repairs and restorations so do pop in for a quote should you have an existing piece that’s in need of a bit of TLC.
Out Of The Ordinary
8 Swadford Street, Skipton BD23 1RD
This is a real treasure trove of unique products from more than 50 Yorkshire makers and crafters. The town centre shop stocks all kinds of trinkets and treasures from it’s quirky Swadford Street store and one can easily spend a good hour admiring the creativity and craftsmanship of the products adoring the shelves.
It’s well worth a visit if you’re looking for a souvenir or an unusual gift. You’ll find everything in from handmade soaps and bath bombs to handcrafted jewellery and delicious local jams and chutneys at Out Of The Ordinary.
The Geek Side
Unit 5, Craven Court, High Street, Skipton BD23 1DG
Currently located in Craven Court (it will soon move to new premises at the bottom end of the high street), The Geek Side is owned and run by a very talented graphic designer who also offers bespoke, award-winning Wedding stationery.
The shop itself covers two floors. The ground floor displays a magnificent collection of themed gifts, goodies and collectables.
The upper floor is dedicated to Harry Potter merchandise and probably has the largest selection of Hogwarts-inspired products in the area. Not a fan of the boy wizard? You’ll have plenty of products to browse as The Geek Side stocks an eclectic range of film, TV and gaming merchandise.
Ragged Dragon
5 Victoria Square, Skipton BD23 1JF
Situated in Skipton’s Victoria Square, Ragged Dragon is a treasure trove of all things magical.
The staff here are passionate about the products and are always on hand to offer you a fascinating insight into Paganism and spiritual healing.
They stock Pagan goods, charms, herbs, incense, crystals, spells, ornaments, beautiful handmade silver jewellery and various non-fiction books.
The relaxing atmosphere will hit you as you walk through the doors. It’s a truly unique little shop in a lovely part of town.
Food and Drink
Drake and Macefield
11 Otley Street, Skipton BD23 1DY
A visit to Skipton wouldn’t be complete without purchasing some exceptional Yorkshire produce. Drake and Macefield has shops in Skipton, Settle and Crosshills and it’s the longest-established independent butchers in the area.
The shop has won countless awards over the years for great, locally sourced meats and many of the local pubs and restaurants use their products. The sausages are particularly tasty and you can’t go wrong with one of their perfect pork pies.
Sutcliffe’s of Skipton
5 Otley Street, Skipton BD23 1DY
Another excellent butcher shop in Skipton is Sutcliffe’s. The locals are incredibly lucky to have such excellent places to purchase locally sourced meats from and this one is also incredibly popular.
Head in before you leave the town and pick up some succulent steaks or perhaps, some of their award-winning dry-cured bacon.
If you’re not entirely sure what you want, the friendly, experienced butchers here are always happy to make recommendations and share recipe ideas.
Sarsaparillas
1 Mill Bridge, Skipton BD23 1NJ
Sarsaparillas on Mill Bridge (head to the top of the High Street) has been serving sweets to the people of Skipton since 1920. Their shelves are filled with hundreds, if not thousands, of delicious sweets and confectionery products.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional favourites served straight from the jar or have a penchant for a particular retro classic, Sarsaparillas will have something to satisfy your sweet tooth.
You’ll travel back in time and revisit your childhood when you step inside Skipton’s oldest and most traditional sweet shop. More contemporary confectionery items are also stocked, including a small range of American candy plus novelty sweets that kids will love.
Tarbett’s Fishmongers
76 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JJ
Locals were thrilled when Yorkshire’s largest independent fishmongers opened a shop in Skipton town centre last year. Tarbett’s have won countless awards including a prestigious Great British Food Award in 2020 so it’s safe to say the fish and seafood on offer here is exceptional quality!
With everything from beautiful fillets of fresh salmon, cod, haddock and more to sensational seafood such as scallops, prawns and lobster available, you’re bound to find the perfect ingredient for your next culinary creation.
Home and Lifestyle
The Home Company
High Corn Mill, Chapel Hill, Skipton BD23 1NL
Located in the historic High Corn Mill, The Home Company was originally established during 1881 as Pottery & Pine. Over the years, they have evolved and expanded to keep up with trends in home furnishings and maintain an excellent reputation for quality products and excellent customer service.
In 2015, they added a new showroom, increasing their floor space to a whopping 4,000 square feet, to showcase sofas, chairs, beds, tables, dressers and more for those hoping to transform or upgrade their living spaces. Whether you’re looking for a quality piece of furniture that will last for years to come, or a statement accessory to liven up a corner, The Home Company is well worth browsing.
Beks Electrical
Beks Electrical and Hardware is a family-run business with stores in Skipton and Harrogate. Their Skipton shop on the High Street has only been open a few years but the company has been successfully trading since 1979.
They sell everything from large appliances like cookers, washing machines and fridges to hardware items essential for your next DIY project.
They actually specialise in vacuum repairs so if you have a problem with yours, it’s worth popping in to ask their advice.
Skipton Bed & Sofa Centre
17 Water Street, Skipton BD23 1PQ
Skipton Bed & Sofa Centre are an independent family-run business selling a wide range of furniture. They’ve been trading for an impressive 48 years and boast a superb reputation in the area.
Most of their product lines, including all their beds and divans, come from Yorkshire manufacturers as they are passionate about supporting the local economy.
Between them, the team running Skipton Bed & Sofa Centre have 100 years of experience in the industry so they’re the ideal people to help you choose that perfect bed or stylish sofa.
Scented Creations
6 Keighley Road, Skipton BD23 2NS
This gorgeous little shop is just round the corner from the bus station and can’t miss it with its stunning floral display. Scented Creations is one of Skipton’s newer shops, having only been trading from this premises for a few years, but it’s certainly one of the most popular.
As its name suggests, this shop sells all things scented so it’s the place to go for candles, wax melts, diffusers, burners, toiletries and fragrances. The shop smells absolutely divine inside and the products sold are superb quality.
Other Excellent Shops in Skipton
Teddy Boutique
5 Mill Bridge, Skipton BD23 1NJ
Every child needs a special teddy and this wonderful little shop is bursting with quality bears, adorable bunnies, pretty dolls and a huge assortment of other loveable characters. They vary drastically in price with new friends to suit every budget whether you’re after a pocket money treat or a new bear for your Steiff or Jellycat collection, you’re well catered to at Teddy Boutique. Regardless, of budget, it’s a wonderful little shop that’s a joy to browse.
Teddy Boutique also offers a build-a-bear experience so little ones can create their own character to take home!
Strange Games
Craven Court Shopping Centre, High Street, Skipton BD23 1DG
Strange Games is an excellent shop for those with a ‘geeky’ side. Previously located on Belmont Bridge, you’ll now find them on the upper floor of Craven Court.
In addition to stocking board games, card games, tabletop RPG games and gaming accessories, the owner also provides a fun, non-competitive environment for game playing.
Gemology Holistic & Wellbeing
Craven Court, Skipton BD23 1DG
Gemology is another excellent shop located in Craven Court Shopping Centre. Having previously stocked her goods at Out of The ORDinary, owner Annette now sells a larger and more diverse selection of goods from her own shop.
Specialising in gems and crystals, here you will find all manner of beautiful stones alongside lots of other items related to holistic therapy and crystal healing.
Annette is very experienced and is always happy to share her wealth of knowledge to help customers choose the right products.
EZI-VAPE
25 High Street, Skipton BD23 1DT
EZI-VAPE is a family-run business at the top of Skipton High Street, selling everything you could possibly need to make the switch from cigarette smoking to vaping.
If you’re new to vaping and not sure what you should be buying then this is the place to visit. The guys here are clued up on all things vape-related and will advise you on the most suitable system.
If you’ve been vaping for a while then it’s a great place to pop into for spare coils, batteries, atomisers and liquids.
Craven Stationery
22-24 Coach Street, Skipton BD23 1LH
Craven Stationery on Coach Street has been trading since 1991. They stock a vast range of stationery products and offer several “while you wait” services.
You’ll find everything from printer ink cartridges and printing paper to attractive journals and high-quality writing instruments. They also offer copying, printing, laminating, faxing and binding – all of which they will do for you whilst you peruse their super popular stationery products.
They’re a family-run business with a huge number of loyal, local customers who rely on them for both their individual and business stationery requirements.
The Art Shop
22 Newmarket Street, Skipton BD23 2JB
A must-visit for those with creative hobbies, The Art Shop on Newmarket Street stocks practically everything an art pro or newbie enthusiast could possibly need to create their next masterpiece.
If you fancy yourself as the next Picasso, be sure to take a stroll up Newmarket Street to The Art Shop and browse the excellent ranges of quality brand paper, pencils, pastels, paints and other craft essentials.
Dogsbody & Friends
30 Victoria Street, Skipton BD23 1JE
Dogsbody & Friends is a family-run business selling pet food, treats, toys and accessories.
Owned by husband and wife team, Andrew and Emma Stead, they sell all kinds of reasonably priced goodies for your pampered pet, whether they be a cat, dog, rabbit or reptile! The range of natural dog treats is particularly good with lots of rawhide-free chews included. There’s a selection of raw food on offer too.
