Discover Skipton on Foot: Explore the History of Skipton with Hike Yorkshire
4th September 2026
If you’re staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton and fancy seeing the town from a different perspective, there’s now a great new way to discover Skipton’s fascinating history.
Hike Yorkshire has launched a guided walking tour of Skipton, taking visitors through the historic heart of the town while uncovering the stories, buildings and waterways that have helped shape Skipton over hundreds of years.
And at just one hour, it’s an easy addition to a day exploring Skipton and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales.
A walk through nearly 1,000 years of history
Skipton is often described as the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, but it is much more than simply a convenient base for exploring the countryside.
The town has a history stretching back centuries, developing around its magnificent medieval castle and becoming an important market and trading centre.
The Hike Yorkshire walking tour brings that history to life, beginning at Skipton Town Hall before heading along the historic High Street towards Skipton Castle.
Along the way, your guide explains how Skipton developed and reveals some of the stories behind the buildings and streets that you might otherwise simply walk past.
From the castle to the canal
The tour doesn’t stop at the obvious landmarks.
After exploring the castle area, the route continues to Holy Trinity Church, before heading down towards High Corn Mill on Eller Beck.
From there, walkers follow the Springs Canal towards the famous Leeds & Liverpool Canal basin.
The canal is one of Skipton’s most attractive areas today, with colourful narrowboats, waterside walks and plenty of opportunities to stop for a coffee or something to eat.
But the canal was once an important part of Skipton’s industrial and commercial life, helping goods and materials move through the town and contributing to its growth.
It’s this combination of history, architecture, industry and local stories that makes the tour more than just a stroll around the town.
There’s plenty you probably don’t know about Skipton
One of the great things about exploring somewhere with a knowledgeable local guide is discovering the stories that aren’t necessarily obvious.
The tour covers Skipton Castle and its role in medieval defence, the development of the town’s famous market, the history behind the name Skipton and the wider Craven area, as well as the importance of the canal and the town’s industrial heritage.
There are also stories of local folklore and the history hidden amongst Skipton’s streets and buildings.
In other words, it’s the sort of tour that might make you look at familiar parts of Skipton quite differently afterwards.
Meet Andy – your Skipton guide
The tour is led by Andy, an experienced walking tour guide and archaeologist.
Andy has a degree in archaeology from University College London and an MA in the historic built environment from the University of York. He has worked on archaeological sites across Britain, Spain and Romania and has considerable experience bringing history and archaeology to life for visitors.
That background is particularly useful in Skipton, where centuries of history are quite literally built into the streets around you.
How much does the Skipton walking tour cost?
The guided Skipton walking tour lasts approximately one hour and currently costs £15 per person.
Tours start at Skipton Town Hall and provide an enjoyable introduction to the town’s history without taking up a whole day.
For guests staying at Thisledo, it’s particularly easy to combine the tour with some time exploring Skipton’s independent shops, the market, cafés and restaurants.
And, of course, you can always finish your walk with a wander along the canal or a drink in one of Skipton’s welcoming pubs.
Staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage?
One of the great advantages of staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage is having Skipton right on your doorstep.
The cottage is within easy walking distance of Skipton town centre, making it an ideal base for exploring the town without having to worry about parking.
You can spend the morning discovering Skipton’s history with Hike Yorkshire, enjoy lunch in town, browse the market and independent shops, then perhaps head out into the Yorkshire Dales for a countryside walk in the afternoon.
If you’re visiting with your dog, there are also plenty of opportunities to enjoy Skipton’s surrounding countryside and canal paths together.
Explore Skipton – and then explore the Dales
The Hike Yorkshire Skipton tour is also a great reminder that you don’t always need to head into the countryside to discover Yorkshire’s history.
Sometimes the most interesting stories are right under your nose.
Once you’ve explored Skipton, there are plenty of opportunities to venture further afield, with walks around Skipton Castle Woods, Embsay, Bolton Abbey, Malham and the wider Yorkshire Dales all within easy reach.
So whether you’re a first-time visitor to Skipton or have been coming here for years, why not spend an hour discovering a side of the town you may never have noticed before?
Book a Skipton Walking Tour
Hike Yorkshire’s guided Skipton walking tour costs £15 per person and lasts approximately one hour.
You can find full details and booking information on the Hike Yorkshire website.
View the Hike Yorkshire Skipton Walking Tour
Stay at Thisledo Holiday Cottage
If you’re planning a walking break in the Yorkshire Dales, Thisledo Holiday Cottage makes a comfortable base for exploring Skipton and the surrounding countryside.
Our cosy one-bedroom cottage sleeps two and is dog friendly, with Skipton town centre only a short walk away.
After a day exploring the Dales, you can return to the cottage, put your feet up and enjoy a relaxing evening in Skipton.
Why not make Skipton your base for your next Yorkshire walking holiday?