A Pint-Sized Adventure: Discovering Timothy Taylor’s at The Woolly Sheep

14th March 2025

Skipton, the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, is full of treasures—an ancient castle, scenic walks, and more sheep than you can shake a walking stick at. But for those lucky enough to stay at Thisledo Holiday Cottage, there’s an even greater discovery waiting just a few cobbled streets away: Timothy Taylor’s beer at The Woolly Sheep Inn.

A Thirsty Arrival

Every guest arrives at Thisledo with a different plan. Some come for peaceful walks by the canal, others to explore Skipton Castle. But sooner or later, they all hear the call of the perfect pint—and find themselves wandering into The Woolly Sheep, drawn by a mysterious force (or maybe just the friendly sign featuring an overly enthusiastic sheep).

The Timothy Taylor’s Experience

Now, let’s talk beer. Timothy Taylor’s isn’t just any brewery—it’s a Yorkshire institution. Founded in 1858, it’s been perfecting the art of real ale longer than most of us have had hot dinners. The Woolly Sheep, one of its flagship pubs, serves some of the finest, freshest pints you’ll ever taste.

Here’s how it usually goes for our first-time guests:

The Hesitation Stage – They scan the pump clips, looking for something familiar. Someone whispers, “I usually just drink lager…”
The Brave Decision – A confident local (probably wearing a flat cap) nudges them toward a pint of Boltmaker, Landlord, or Knowle Spring Blonde.
The First Sip – A moment of silence. A slight widening of the eyes. The realisation that this is what beer should taste like.
The Second Sip – The pint disappears suspiciously fast. A second order is placed.
The Full Yorkshire Conversion – By the end of the night, they’re loudly debating whether Landlord is the best beer in Britain, promising to tell all their friends back home, and possibly considering moving to Yorkshire permanently.

Tales from the Bar

There’s always a moment of magic in The Woolly Sheep. A couple from down south asking, “Why does this taste better than any beer we’ve ever had?” (Answer: It’s the Yorkshire water.) A solo traveler chatting with the locals, slowly picking up phrases like “Now then” and “Ey up”. Or the moment when someone, feeling bold after a few pints, orders a pork pie and discovers it comes with a side of proper English mustard—a test of Yorkshire resilience they weren’t prepared for.

The Walk Back to Thisledo

Of course, all good things must come to an end, and after a few pints of Taylor’s finest, it’s time to wander back to Thisledo Holiday Cottage. The short stroll through Skipton’s charming streets is just long enough to sober up slightly and debate whether to book another night—because once you’ve had a proper pint at The Woolly Sheep, one visit is never enough.

So, next time you stay at Thisledo, do yourself a favour: stroll down to The Woolly Sheep, order a pint of Timothy Taylor’s finest, and let the magic of Skipton take over. Just be warned—you might end up staying longer than planned. 🍻