Skipton Town Hall is an impressive Grade 11 listed building, dating from 1862.It houses the Tourist Information Office, The Craven Museum, and many events such as concerts (One of my favourite groups Limehouse Lizzy, had played there the night before -Hmm, if only I'd have known), Record Fairs, Zumba classes, blood doning sessions etc etc
During our visit there was a craft market held in one of the rooms with very ornate ceilings
(pic 3).So it is very much a building for the local community and visitors alike. In November 2012, a series of events were held to celebrate the Town Halls 150th Anniversary.
The Tourist Information Office Is housed on the ground floor, and has lots of useful information,as well as a good range of post cards and gifts in the Craven Museum and Gallery Gift Shop located in this TI Office.
+44 01756 792809
skipton@ytbtic.co.uk
Closed Sundays except First Sunday of each Month 10:00 - 16:00
Open Monday to Saturday
April to October 09:30 - 16:30
November to March 09:30 - 16:00
Craven Museum and Gallery
The Gallery is located on the ground floor, while the museum is on the first floor. Free entrance.I browsed through the galleries exhibits, which mainly depict the social history and heritage of the area.. I didn't get to visit the museum at this visit, but will make the effort next time. The museum is very much 'hands on' for children, where they are encouraged to dress up and try various activities. For the adults, there is the chance to see exhibits relating to Cravens Social History, Archeological finds and costumes.
This small museum surprisingly holds one of only four Shakespeare First Folios on permanent display in the world!
Closed Tuesdays and Sundays except for the first Sunday in the month April to December 10.00-16.00
Monday, Wednesday to Saturday 10.00 - 16.00
Tel: 01756 706407
Email: museum@cravendc.gov.uk
Written May 22, 2013
Address: High Street Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 1AH
Phone: +44 1756 794357
Website: http://www.cravendc.gov.uk/article/2124/Skipton-Town-Hall
Skipton holds an Annual Sheep Day Festival (in 2012 it was on 1st July and 2013 will be Sunday 7th July). This event remembers the sheep market that was held for centuries after a charter was granted in 1204 for a weekly market, where the High Street stands today.
The High Street is closed to traffic, so that events such as Sheep Racing, Sheep herding, Sheep Shearing and even a Sheep Disco are held. Traditional crafts such as Spinning wool and dry stone walling are demonstrated.
A food market with two lines of stalls offers enticing locally produced goods to eat there or take home. The grilled meat stall had me drooling! Cheeses, pickles, Ales and ciders, pies, Delicious calorie laden cakes and buns etc etc.
The shops and cafes etc around the town have Sheep Themed displays. Last year the Town Hall/Tourist Info had a Sheep tombola. Each year, new attractions and events are added. 2012 saw Medieval knights fighting and dancing! 2013 I understand that a 'petting zoo' and a 30ft 'Sleeping Pig' will feature.See the link to Sheep Day website for more info.
Most of the shops are open, so there is chance to bag some bargains, especially in the Outdoors and Camping shops.
Or you can just relax and enjoy one of the Brass Bands or groups playing on the stage near the Town Hall.
As this is such a popular event, accommodation quickly gets booked and the pubs, cafes and restaurants are generally very busy. Parking can be difficult too.CAR PARKS IN SKIPTON There are good Public Transport links by bus and train
Written May 22, 2013
Address: High Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire
Phone: 01756 794357
Website: http://www.sheepday.co.uk/#
THE COCK AND BOTTLE VERY NICE SKIPTON LOCAL PUB ,WITH A GOOD CHOICE OF REAL ALES[6],THIS PUB IS A BEER DRINKERS PUB NO FRILLS SERVEING GOOD FOOD AND REAL ENGLISH ALES.THE INSIDE IS BASIC AND ONLY ONE LONG ROOM,WITH A BEER GARDEN/YARD TO THE REAR OF THE PUB
Updated Aug 21, 2012
Address: 30 SWADFORD STREET SKIPTON BD23 1RD
Phone: 01756794734
THE SPRINGS BRANCH IS A HALF MILE LONG CANAL OF THE MAIN LEEDS TO LIVERPOOL CANAL IN SKIPTON.IT TAKES YOU FROM THE JUNCTION OF THE MAIN LINE TO THE REAR OF THE WALLS OF SKIPTON CASTLE.THEN IF YOU SO WISH YOU CAN WALK ON INTO SKIPTON WOODS WHICH IS FILLED WITH THE SENT OF WILD GARLIC,COMMING BACK ROUND TO THE ENTERANCE OF SKIPTON CASTLE.
A VERY PLESANT STROLL TAKEING APROX ONE HR.
Written Aug 20, 2012
Address: COACH STREET SKIPTON
Generally, whenever I have been to Skipton - there have been many times - there has always been something going on in the Town Hall (at the weekends).
Most of the time it is a craft fair.
This is where local people (not companies) come and sell their handmade crafts and the products needed to make those crafts. The prices are reasonable and most of the time CHEAP compaired to specialist shops.
Usually there is a fee (50p ish £0.50) to get in, but that goes either to charity or the Town Hall fund. There is always a little fund raising going on (completely optional of course), a novel idea I saw this time was 'Shear the sheep'. It's a different way of doing a tombola.
A sheep is made using a metal net for the body. Winning raffle tickets are placed randomly in pieces of white paper which are rolled up and slid into the holes of the net body. Pull out a winning ticket and collect your prize! As you take the white paper out of the holes in the net, the sheep looks like it's being sheared! Excellent idea!!
Written Jul 20, 2012
Address: High Street. Skipton
The farmers market is on the majority of Saturdays in Skipton, with a large one on Sheep Day.
First of all, markets are always worth a look! Even if you don't buy anything, you may learn something you didn't know, like how many different types of meat you can make sausages out of, or that you are able to buy certain things so readily.
The stall holders come from all over the area to sells their meats, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods, fudge, ice cream, desserts, oils, sauces, dips, chutneys, cider and much more.
It's a great tradition that needs to be kept alive by your support.
Written Jul 20, 2012
Address: High Street. Skipton
This show travelled to Skipton's Sheep Day 2012 (it is not a permanent fixture in Skipton).
They guy who does the show travels around England showing his sheep and what he has trained them to do. His has different breeds of sheep for you to look at, and as part of his show, introduces you to all of his sheep saying and showing you what their talents are.
I'm not going to explain in detail what exactly happens as I don't want to spoil it if you ever get the chance to see it!!
It's worth a giggle and it really pulls in the crowds! So if you see it advertised anywhere, be sure to get their early to enjoy a good view!
Updated Jul 20, 2012
Website: www.thesheepshow.co.uk
This is an annual event held in Skipton, and in 2012, it fell on Sunday 1st July.
There is so much going on along High Street on Sheep day! There is a sheep show (see separate page), small fair ground for the children, live music, a big farmers market, face painting, food and drink to sample (free), demonstrations of geese herding (then getting the children involved too!), sheep racing (place your bets!!), a demonstration of dry-stone walling and modern tractors on display.
There is so much to do and see in one day as all of the shops, pubs and cafes are open too, and some shops get really involved by creating their own 'Sheep Day display'!!
Sheep Day is completely free or charge.
The only things you would have to pay for is the parking (if necessary) and what you decide to buy!
Written Jul 20, 2012
Address: High Street. Skipton
There are many companies that boast 'the best cruise' is Skipton. From my experience, none have let me down.
No matter which company you choose to have your narrow boat experience with, you will mostly be in the company of like-minded travellers, see the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, learn lots about the countryside and most propably, enjoy the whole experience.
Obviously, the experience is heightened with good weather. I have travelled on a barge in 'typical English weather' aka rain and wind! And also in the sunshine. I have enjoyed both experiences.
It's great to watch how you get through the gates along the canals and if anyone is about on land having a walk - give them a wave! The Yorkshire Dales as a whole is a friendly place.
The barge ride itself is slow, these boats cannot travel fast at all; not even at a medium pace!! A lot of the trips offered at Skipton will last a good few hours. Different companies offer different experiences i.e all day cruises, half day cruises and 2 hour cruises.
It is possible to go to the canal and see what takes your fancy on the day you are there, or, if you type in 'Canal barge trips Skipton' (or words to that effect) in your internet search, then you will get a list of companies with websites that you are able to book with online.
There are also companies that will teach you 'the ropes', that give tuition on 'manning a boat'.
Written Jul 20, 2012
Address: Skipton canal
The Craven Museum and Gallery is located within the Town Hall building in Skipton.
The museum gives a unique insight for visitors to the area and tells the history of the district.
There are changing exhibitions as well as workshops and family events.
Admission is free.
Written Jul 19, 2012
Address: Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton, BD23 1AH
Phone: 01756 706 407
Website: http://www.cravenmuseum.org/
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