A Surprise Afternoon in Aireville Park – We Found the Circus!

31st July 2026

One of the things we love most about staying in Skipton is that you never quite know what you’ll discover on an afternoon stroll.

A walk from Thisledo Holiday Cottage into Aireville Park is always enjoyable. It’s only around a 15-minute walk away and is one of Skipton’s most popular green spaces, with wide open lawns, woodland paths and plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by.

On our latest visit, we noticed something a little different as we approached the park – colourful big tops rising above the trees. The Yorkshire Circus had arrived!

Although the audience was mainly made up of young families enjoying the school holidays, we quickly realised that great entertainment really has no age limit. Looking around the tent, we were probably amongst the oldest people there, but that didn’t matter in the slightest. We laughed just as much as everyone else.

From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. The staff were exceptionally friendly, well organised and clearly passionate about making sure everyone had a wonderful time.

The show itself was a spectacular showcase of jaw-dropping acrobatics, daring feats and enchanting performances, all brought to life by a cast of incredibly talented performers. From breathtaking aerial displays and gravity-defying balancing acts to hilarious comedy and audience participation, there was never a dull moment. The skill, strength and precision on display were genuinely impressive, with several performances leaving the entire audience holding their breath before erupting into enthusiastic applause.

What struck us most was how traditional the experience felt. It was wholesome, live entertainment that brought generations together for a couple of hours away from phones and televisions. Children were laughing throughout, parents were joining in, and even as a couple without young children in tow, we thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

It’s these unexpected discoveries that make a stay in Skipton so enjoyable. You might set off for nothing more than a leisurely walk through the park and end up spending the afternoon at the circus!

If you’re staying at Thisledo and see that The Yorkshire Circus (or another travelling circus) is visiting Aireville Park during your holiday, we’d certainly recommend going along. While it’s understandably popular with young families, don’t let that put you off if you’re visiting as a couple. We certainly didn’t feel out of place, and the quality of the performances, the humour and the friendly atmosphere made it an unexpectedly memorable afternoon.

After the show, it’s an easy walk back into Skipton town centre for a coffee, an ice cream or an evening meal before heading back to Thisledo to relax.

Sometimes the best holiday memories aren’t the ones you plan—they’re the ones you stumble across by chance.

So, if you spot the big top in Aireville Park during your stay, why not take a chance and book a ticket? You may just find yourself enjoying one of the highlights of your visit to Skipton.