Skipton Castle stands as one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. Built in 1090 by Robert de Romille, a wealthy landowner associated with the Bolton Abbey Estates, the original structure was a simple motte and bailey. After Henry I granted him additional lands in Upper Wharfedale and Upper Airedale, the castle's significance grew—just like Skipton's status as a key location for trade and accommodation in North Yorkshire.
To withstand northern raids from Scotland, Skipton Castle was rebuilt in stone. With the Eller Beck forming a natural moat and a sheer cliff behind, the site became a formidable fortress. It’s this strategic advantage that makes it a key attraction for those seeking places to stay in Skipton town centre and explore the area’s rich history.
Skipton Castle played a dramatic role during the English Civil War. Loyal to the monarchy, the castle withstood Cromwell's siege for three years. After running out of food, the defenders surrendered on December 20, 1645. To prevent future use, Cromwell's troops removed the castle roofs. Local legend says sheep pelts were hung on the walls to absorb cannon fire—an origin story for the fleece on Skipton's coat of arms. Tourists staying in hotels in Skipton town centre often hear this story on local tours.
Lady Anne Clifford, the last of her family to own the castle, planted a yew tree in the courtyard as a symbol of the castle’s repair. The estate then passed through the Tufton and Hothfield families. Since 1956, the Fattorini family—Bradford-based jewellers—have privately owned the castle. Today, many who search for bed and breakfast in Skipton town centre also visit this historic landmark, which hosts re-enactments, local events, and even weddings.
Skipton’s name is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words “sceap” meaning sheep, and “tun” meaning town. It was recorded in the Domesday Book as “Scepeton.” Historically, Skipton has been the economic heart of Craven and the Southern Yorkshire Dales.
Today, Skipton serves as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park and is a popular choice for visitors seeking Skipton accommodation and places to stay in Skipton town centre. Its rich history and scenic beauty attract travelers from all over.
By 1204, Skipton was granted a charter to hold weekly street markets selling livestock, mainly sheep, and woollen goods. These markets still operate four days a week—Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday—and also hold special markets on bank holidays and during festivals.
These markets contribute greatly to the local economy and make Skipton a vibrant destination for those interested in fresh produce and traditional goods.
Skipton town centre is home to many independent shops, historic sites such as Skipton Castle, and a picturesque canal. Visitors can enjoy cozy pubs, restaurants offering homecooked meals, and various entertainment venues.
If you’re looking for hotels in Skipton town centre or cheap hotels in Skipton, you’ll find a range of options to make your stay comfortable while enjoying the town’s charm.
Behind Skipton Castle, you will find Skipton Castle Woods, an ancient woodland cared for by the National Trust. This peaceful area offers scenic walking trails with wildlife and art installations.
For nature lovers seeking Skipton accommodation nearby, Skipton Castle Woods provides a perfect escape into history and tranquility.
The Birtwhistle family is commemorated on a large plaque on the southern wall of the aisle in Skipton Holy Trinity Parish Church, located at the top of Skipton High Street. Installed in 1827 by a grandson of John Birtwhistle (1725–1787), the plaque celebrates a family known as drovers, industrialists, poets, and spies—detailed in Tony Stephens’ book “The Birtwhistles of Craven and Galloway.”
Droving cattle—safely moving them from one place to another—was a lucrative profession in the late 18th century and significantly influenced the Craven district’s landscape. Many of the dry-stone walls throughout the area were built to accommodate cattle drives from Scotland southwards.
John Birtwhistle, a Skipton resident around the mid-1880s, was a prominent drover. He arranged for approximately 20,000 cattle a year to be brought from the Hibernian Highland hills to fairs near Malham Close. Drovers were charged for the grass their cattle grazed during fairs, so timing the drives for efficiency was critical.
John’s success allowed him to purchase a substantial freehold property at the bottom end of Skipton High Street—its yard is still known today as Birtwhistles Yard. He also acquired estates in Craven and other key locations along cattle routes, enabling efficient movement through Lincolnshire and East Anglia to London markets.
Owning land made excellent business sense, as fattened cattle could increase in value by up to 300%. According to Tony Stephens, John and his three sons—who joined the business—were among the most successful British drovers, sustaining their enterprise for nearly 75 years.
Profits from droving were reinvested in various ventures, cementing the Birtwhistles as influential industrialists during the early Industrial Revolution. By the 1760s, John was wealthy and considered a gentleman. He heavily invested in the Leeds to Liverpool Canal, financing its construction.
Before his death, John commissioned a large cotton mill at Gatehouse of Fleet, where workers lived in mill cottages on Birtwhistle Street. Though the mill no longer operates, it now serves as a visitor centre attracting tourists.
John’s sons owned several properties across England and Scotland: Alexander lived in Gatehouse of Fleet; Robert at Crakemoor Farm, Long Preston; and William in a newly built house at the top of Skipton High Street, completed in 1792 on a 40-year lease from the Skipton Castle estate.
John Vardill, who married John Birtwhistle’s daughter Agnes in 1778, was rewarded by King George III for his espionage work during Britain’s wars with France and America. Their daughter, Anna Jane Vardill (1771–1852), inherited much of the estate and became a prolific London author.
Anna Jane Vardill wrote a clever feminist piece published in the European Magazine while visiting a terminally ill William Birtwhistle at their Skipton High Street home in 1819. Her literary work adds another layer to the family’s rich history beyond droving and industry.
Today, Birtwhistles Yard is home to Town House Bed & Breakfast and Central Bed & Breakfast, continuing the family’s legacy of hospitality by offering comfort and respite to modern travelers visiting Skipton.
Thomas Spencer was born in Skipton on 7 November 1851. At 21, he moved to Leeds to work as a bookkeeper for wholesaler Isaac Jowitt Dewhirst. It was there he met Michael Marks, an immigrant who had recently started a market stall in Leeds Kirkgate Market.
Persuaded by Marks, Spencer invested £300 to buy a 50% stake in the business—a significant amount at the time. With financial support from his employer Dewhirst, Spencer’s investment helped launch what would become the iconic Marks & Spencer brand.
Spencer’s bookkeeping and organizational skills managed the office and warehouse, while Marks focused on running the market stalls. Spencer’s valuable contacts from his time at Dewhirst enabled them to source goods directly from manufacturers, securing the best prices and building a strong foundation for their growing business.
The canal wends its way through the centre of Skipton as it meanders gently along its way and proves a huge tourist attraction. There are regular boat trips from the centre of town organised by Pennine Cruises and Skipton Boat Trips. You can also hire a narrow boat from Snaygill Boats, who are based in Bradley, just outside of Skipton.
It is the starting point of the Lady Anne’s Way, which is a 100-mile long-distance walk to Penrith in Cumbria. The route takes in the castles that she owned and did her best to restore.
There are many areas of natural beauty surrounding Skipton which includes the likes of Bolton Abbey, Appletreewick, Burnsall, Malham, Aysgarth and many more. If you enjoy walking, photography, or just communing with the natural world, there are an abundance of places to visit and enjoy.
Townhouse B&B hotel is a self-certified 3-star guest house with a perfect location next to Skipton town centre. It has 11 ensuite bedrooms of various types, all at highly competitive prices. There is a free car park for guests, making it a perfect base for exploring Skipton, Craven, and the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
The B&B offers easy access to Skipton High Street via a short footpath from the car park — just a 30-second walk! It can also be reached by car from Keighley Road (A6131), opposite the bus station entrance near the new “Sound Bar.”
All prices include a continental-style breakfast served in the rooms. Guests can also add a cooked breakfast for a small supplement by ordering in advance during their stay. Rooms are fully featured and comfortable, offered on a “No frills” basis. Although the property does not have views, the desirable location and surrounding beauty make this a popular choice.
Under the same family ownership for the last 12 years, Townhouse B&B has grown from 3 to 11 rooms. Guests receive a warm welcome and can benefit from the local knowledge of the owner and staff to enhance their visit to Skipton.
