A Jolly Jaunt Through North Yorkshire: From Vikings to Victoria Sponge (and Skipton, of Course!)

18th March 2025

Ah, North Yorkshire—the land of windswept moors, historic towns, and enough tea rooms to fuel even the most enthusiastic biscuit dunker. If you’re looking for a proper British getaway with a mix of history, nature, and the occasional stubborn sheep in the road, you’re in the right place. And yes, before you ask—Skipton is most definitely included.

Skipton: The Gateway to the Dales (and Home to the Best Market Bargains)

Skipton is the kind of town that instantly makes you want to put on a flat cap and declare, “Ey up!” to passersby. This charming market town is best known for Skipton Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England. Built over 900 years ago, it has withstood sieges, seen off Cromwell, and still manages to look majestic while keeping pigeons out.

But Skipton isn’t just about castles and history—it’s also a haven for shoppers. The famous Skipton Market, held four days a week, is the place to pick up everything from artisan cheeses to a tea towel embroidered with a sheep (because, why not?). After you’ve bagged a bargain, take a stroll down the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, where you can wave at narrowboats and contemplate a slower, more peaceful way of life.

And if you’re staying over? Well, I happen to know just the place. Thisledo Holiday Cottage (yes, that’s a shameless plug) is a dog-friendly retreat, perfect for couples, solo adventurers, and anyone who wants to experience Skipton’s charm with all the comforts of home.

York: Chocolate, Vikings, and Ghosts (Oh My!)

A trip to North Yorkshire wouldn’t be complete without a stop in York, where history oozes from every cobblestone. The Jorvik Viking Centre lets you experience the sights (and smells) of Viking-era York—just don’t breathe in too deeply. If you prefer sweeter scents, York’s Chocolate Story reveals how this city became the birthplace of the Kit Kat. And when night falls? Join a ghost tour and find out why York is one of the most haunted cities in England. (Hint: ghosts love a good medieval street.)

Harrogate: Tea, Spa Days, and Grandmother-Approved Elegance

Harrogate is where you go to feel posh. Take the waters at the Turkish Baths, then follow it up with a trip to Bettys Tea Room, where the scones are fluffier than a well-groomed poodle. And if you fancy a bit of greenery, the Valley Gardens is the perfect place to walk off all that clotted cream.

Malham: Nature’s Greatest Show-Off

If you’re feeling energetic, head to Malham and take on the famous Malham Cove. This limestone amphitheater is so dramatic it was used as a filming location in Harry Potter. Nearby, Janet’s Foss is a magical woodland waterfall that may or may not be home to fairies (locals say it is, and who am I to argue?).

Robin Hood’s Bay: Where Smugglers Once Roamed

This quaint seaside village is straight out of a storybook. With its narrow, winding streets and dramatic coastal views, it’s easy to see why smugglers once made this their playground. Today, it’s more about fossil hunting than contraband, but it’s still got an air of mystery—and some cracking fish and chips.

Final Thought: Why North Yorkshire?

Because where else can you start your day in a medieval castle, have lunch in a Victorian spa town, climb a Harry Potter-worthy cliff in the afternoon, and end up by the sea?

So pack your walking boots, bring a big appetite, and don’t forget to say hello to Skipton’s famous ducks. North Yorkshire is waiting, and trust me—it’s an adventure worth taking.