The historic North Yorkshire market town of Skipton was recently named the “happiest town to live in the UK” by property website Rightmove. It’s not the first accolade the town has received either – its popular market and its high street have both received national recognition in recent years.
I’ve lived in Skipton for most of my life, moving up from Cambridgeshire at the age of just two when my father’s work required us to relocate. Despite the current economic climate, the town remains as popular as ever with tourists who visit not just for its 900-year-old castle, picturesque canal basin and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales, but also for its charming array of independent businesses.
In 2026, Skipton is welcoming a range of new independent businesses, expanding both its retail and hospitality offerings. Highlights include the arrival of The Kit Vault for sustainable vintage apparel, Yorkies on Sheep Street for traditional fish and chips, and the highly anticipated Sorella Italian restaurant. In this round-up, I’m sharing some of the new openings I’m most excited about as a resident of the town. (If you’re planning a full day out, don’t forget to check out my complete guide to the best things to do in Skipton.)
Exploring What’s New in Skipton for 2026
The Kit Vault: Sustainable Style for the Dales
51 High Street, Skipton BD23 1DH
This isn’t your typical retail shop; it specialises in high-quality, sustainable vintage outdoor gear from iconic brands like Patagonia and The North Face. With locations in Wyresdale and Ingleton, I’m thrilled they’ve now brought their expertise to Skipton. It perfectly captures that “active Dales” aesthetic and is a must-visit for anyone looking for authentic, pre-loved mountain wear that doesn’t cost the earth.
Beyond just clothing, they offer refurbished watersports equipment, making it a true hub for local adventurers. What I find most impressive is their commitment to a circular economy. Nearly 1,000 outdoor items pass through their hands every month, and they have a brilliant solution for gear that is beyond repair: they strip it for parts. Whether it’s salvaging hoods, zips, or patches, they use every possible component to fix other items, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
As one local shopper put it:
“Fantastic shop and such a great concept, giving pre-loved kit a new lease of life. The trade-in option for store credit is very generous, and the staff are incredibly enthusiastic about the kit they’re selling.”
If you have old gear gathering dust, their trade-in option for store credit is a fantastic way to refresh your wardrobe while supporting a business that truly cares about its environmental footprint.
Yorkies: A Proper Yorkshire Welcome
86 High Street, Skipton BD23 1JJ
Next on the list is a classic staple with a fresh, vibrant feel. Yorkies has recently landed on Sheep Street, taking over the prominent site formerly occupied by Hector’s House (though many of us locals still remember it best as the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill).
If you’re looking for crispy, golden fish and perfectly fluffy chips served with a “proper” Yorkshire welcome, this is the place. It’s their second venue following a successful start in Harrogate, and they’ve truly hit the ground running. One of the best things about Yorkies is their versatility; they’re open for coffee from 9:30 am every day, making it a handy spot for a caffeine fix before the high street gets busy.
What really sets this apart is the setup. It’s incredibly spacious with plenty of indoor seating, which is a total game-changer for families. They’ve even included a dedicated play area for children, allowing parents actually to finish a meal while the little ones are entertained.
Prices are very reasonable for a prime tourist spot in the heart of town. Whether you’re grabbing a takeaway to eat by the canal or settling in for a full family meal, Yorkies is a fantastic addition to the Sheep Street lineup.
Sorella: Sophisticated Social Dining
10 Mill Bridge, Skipton BD23 1NJ
Another highly anticipated addition to the town is Sorella, and I’m personally very excited about this one. The owners have clearly identified a gap in the market, offering exactly the high-end “date night” atmosphere that the town centre has been calling for.
Located at High Corn Mill, Sorella is a sophisticated boost to Skipton’s evening economy. Their 2026 menu focuses on simple, authentic Italian flavours and seasonal ingredients. The layout is thoughtfully designed: the ground floor features a beautiful new bar area with high tables and seating, while the upstairs dining room offers a newly renovated open kitchen with a more intimate, traditional dining feel.
If you’re visiting, there are a few standouts you should look for on the menu:
- The Beef Brisket Lasagne: This has quickly become their best-seller, and for good reason – it’s rich, comforting, and perfectly executed.
- Crispy Wild Mushroom Gnocchi: A fantastic option, especially when accompanied by their flame-roasted La Ratte potatoes and charred tenderstem broccoli.
What makes the experience feel even more “Skipton” is their commitment to local collaboration. Their wine list has been expertly selected by their neighbours at The Wright Wine and Whisky Company, ensuring the pairings are just as impressive as the food. With its impeccable service and intimate atmosphere, Sorella is already establishing itself as a must-visit for a special evening out.
Pixel Games: A Retro Revival
7 Court Lane, Skipton BD23 1DD
Skipton’s newest spot for gamers is Pixel Games, and you’ll find it tucked away on Court Lane (just off Newmarket Street). It focuses on buying, selling, and trading both retro and modern video games and consoles, but the main attraction for many will be the dedicated space they’ve created for players.
The shop is split into two distinct areas:
- Downstairs: The retail hub, where they operate a buy-sell-trade system for everything from the latest releases to rare vintage cartridges.
- Upstairs: The newly opened Retro Gaming Lounge.
The lounge boasts a fantastic setup with four gaming stations featuring classic consoles like the OG Xbox, PlayStation 2, Mega Drive, SNES, and N64. For the purists, there’s also a dedicated PlayStation 1 setup paired with a traditional CRT TV – essential for light-gun classics like Time Crisis, Point Blank, and Area 51.
Access to the lounge is £6 per person, per hour. I have a feeling my other half is going to be a regular here; it’s exactly the kind of place that appeals to anyone who grew up with these iconic systems and wants to jump back into the games of their childhood.
Sweet Cloud by Barbara: Fresh Homemade Treats
Central Building 5 Keighley Road, Skipton, United Kingdom, BD232NS
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to visit Sweet Cloud by Barbara. This is a fantastic new independent cake shop that I can already tell will be my new favourite spot for picking up weekend treats for the family. I popped in briefly on Saturday and was blown away by the variety on offer. While the selection changes all the time, they have some incredible options like Black Forest cake, Blueberry cheesecake, and a Tiramisu cake that I’ll be inhaling a slice of later this week. Most of these generous slices are priced around £4.50.
They also offer smaller patisseries such as croissants, éclairs, and authentic Italian cannoli, with prices starting from £3.00. One of the best things about Sweet Cloud is the flexibility; you can pop into the shop to browse the counter or order your chosen goodies over the phone. They even offer a local delivery service for just £2.50, which is perfect if you’re hosting or just fancy a high-quality dessert brought straight to your door. I mean, who doesn’t?
It is so exciting to see Skipton’s independent scene growing like this. If you’re a local business owner with a new opening or an exciting update planned for 2026, I’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch so we can help spread the word!
