If you ask a tourist board what Skipton is famous for, they’ll almost certainly drop the line “The Gateway to the Dales” within the first ten seconds. And while it is the perfect springboard for a weekend in Wharfedale, flattening this brilliant market town down to a glorified traffic junction does it a massive disservice.
Skipton doesn’t just sit on the edge of history, it’s entirely built on it. From medieval sieges to retail empires, here is what makes this corner of North Yorkshire genuinely famous.
A 900-Year-Old Castle That Refused to Break
You can’t talk about Skipton without starting at the top of the High Street. Skipton Castle is one of the most complete, flawlessly preserved medieval castles in the entire country.
Built by the Normans around 1090, it spent over 400 years in the hands of the powerful Clifford family. Its biggest claim to fame? During the English Civil War, it was the absolute last Royalist stronghold in the North. A fiercely stubborn garrison inside withstood a brutal three-year siege before finally surrendering under honourable terms in 1645.
Oliver Cromwell ordered it to be partially dismantled as punishment, but the formidable Lady Anne Clifford defied the odds, rebuilt the roof using local timber, and saved the fortress for generations to come. Today, you can still explore everything from its deep, dark dungeons right up to the top storey of the watchtowers.
A Proper, Traditional Street Market (Since 1204)
A lot of modern towns have a “market day” that consists of a solitary van selling phone cases. Not Skipton.
The town’s entire identity is rooted in its trade, even the name “Skipton” literally translates from Anglo-Saxon as “Sheep Town”. King John granted the town its official market charter all the way back in 1204, and more than 800 years later, the traders still set up their stalls on the High Street four days a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays).
Because there are no fixed stalls, the traders set up on the historic cobbled areas known locally as “setts”. It’s busy, unapologetically traditional, and serves up the very best local cheeses, meats, and Yorkshire grit.
One of the Oldest Schools in Britain
Skipton is home to Ermysted’s Grammar School, a historic state boys’ grammar school boasting a staggering heritage that dates back to around 1492. Founded by Peter Toller, the Rector of Linton-in-Craven, it stands as one of the oldest schools in the entire country. The school was later re-founded in 1548 by William Ermysted, a prominent priest who served as the Master of the Temple in London.
Over its centuries-long history, Ermysted’s has built a formidable academic reputation and has produced some incredibly famous alumni. Notable “Old Boys” include Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy (the mastermind behind The Full Monty and Slumdog Millionaire), former Chancellor of the Exchequer Iain Macleod, and BBC political journalist Chris Mason.
The Leeds-Liverpool Canal Basin
In the late 18th century, the industrial revolution transformed Skipton from a quiet trading hub into a booming economic powerhouse. The arrival of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, Britain’s longest inland waterway, cut right through the spine of the town.
The lock-free stretch connecting Skipton to Bingley was actually the very first section of the canal to open in 1773. Today, the heavy industrial barges carrying wool and limestone have been replaced by colourful narrowboats, independent waterside cafés, and the brilliant annual Waterways Festival. A walk along the Springs Canal towpath, which skirts right under the towering cliffs of the castle, is easily one of the most scenic short walks in the county.
A Hidden Literary Holy Grail
This is a quirky bit of trivia that even some locals manage to miss. Tucked away inside the brilliant Craven Museum (housed within the newly refurbished Skipton Town Hall) sits an item of global historical significance: a rare Shakespeare First Folio.
Dating back to 1623, there are only about 235 surviving copies of this book left in the world. What makes Skipton’s copy so famous is that it is one of only a tiny handful of First Folios on permanent, public display anywhere on earth. If this book didn’t exist, legendary plays like Macbeth, The Tempest, and Twelfth Night would have been lost to history entirely.
The Co-Founder of Marks & Spencer
While Leeds gets all the credit for the famous M&S Penny Bazaar, the retail giant’s DNA is firmly tied to Skipton. Thomas Spencer, the brilliant bookkeeper who partnered with Michael Marks in 1894 to form Marks & Spencer, was born right here in Skipton on November 7th, 1851. You can actually spot a historic memorial plaque dedicated to him right in Caroline Square near the canal basin.
Its Incredible Trophy Cabinet (The Accolades)
Skipton isn’t just loved by locals; it is officially one of the most decorated towns in the UK. In March 2026, The Sunday Times officially crowned Skipton the Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast of England. Judges heavily praised its fiercely independent high street, top-tier schools, incredibly low crime rate, and powerful community volunteering culture, which follows its previous win where it was crowned the absolute best place to live in the entire UK back in 2014.
Additionally, The Academy of Urbanism previously awarded Skipton the title of Britain’s best high street, beating out major city streets across the country for its unique layout and thriving independent trade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Skipton called the Sheep Town?
The name comes from the old Anglo-Saxon words sceap (sheep) and tun (town or enclosure). Long before the castle or canal were built, the area was founded by 7th-century Christian farmers who used the fertile valley plains for sheep farming.
When are the Skipton Market days?
Skipton’s outdoor market runs four days a week on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Stalls line both sides of the main High Street from early morning until late afternoon.
Was Skipton voted the best place to live?
Yes! Skipton took the definitive number one spot in The Sunday Times “Best Places to Live in Britain” report for the North and Northeast region. It was highly praised for its thriving independent businesses, affordable housing, and beautiful proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Planning a visit to Skipton? Check out our guides to the best things to do in Skipton and the best restaurants in Skipton!
