A Yorkshire Welcome: Your Guide to Skipton’s Local Charm

14th November 2024

Ah, Skipton! Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, where sheep outnumber people, and the local dialect is a language in itself. Here’s some stories of what happens when a visitors staying in Skipton and meets one of our friendly locals.

A Walk and a Talk in Skipton

Our visitor, let’s call him Terry, arrived in Skipton eager for some peaceful days in the countryside. Terry’s from London, where people say “hello” and “goodbye,” but it’s been a while since he heard “owd lad” and “by ‘eck.”

So, off Terry went for a wander, up past the castle, along the canal, and into town. He popped into the local butchers for a pork pie (as you do), and that’s when he met Ernest.

Ernest, if you don’t know, is a Skipton legend. Known for his thick Yorkshire dialect, he’s forgotten more words than most of us ever knew. Here’s how their exchange went:

The Conversation

Ernest: “Ey up, lad! Tha looks lost as a sheep in a tater field!”

Terry: “Uh… I’m just, um, exploring. What’s a good spot for a nice view?”

Ernest: “Well, if tha wants a reet grand view, get thaself up Ilkley Moor! But don’t go bar-footed, mind. Tha might end up with frostbite, an’ we don’t want ‘owt daft like that.”

Terry: “Ah, thanks. I…think?”

(Terry squints and tries to figure out if Ernest has told him to walk barefoot or to put on some serious footwear.)

Back at his holiday accommodation

Returning to the cosy comfort of his holiday home, Terry decided to Google some of what Ernest said. He found out that “reet grand” means really great and “owt daft” means anything silly. He also discovered a few more helpful translations. “Tha’s nowt so queer as folk.” – The people here are…let’s say unique.“Nobbut a few.” – Just a few. So if you ask a local how many tourists are in town, the answer’s likely, “Nobbut a few.” (This will likely be a lie.)“Ah’ll si’ thi!” – Means “I’ll see you!” Friendly and to the point.

The next day a Tea Shop Encounter with Bill the Farmer

Terry was sipping a pot of tea in one of Skipton’s quaint little tea shops when a broad-shouldered, flat-capped gentleman plops himself at the next table. Before you can say “cream or jam first,” he’s noticed Terry’s confusion over the local specialties menu.

Bill: “Aye, tha’s new ’round ‘ere, int tha?”

Terry: “Yes, just arrived! This tea is lovely.”

Bill (nodding approvingly): “Proper brew, that. None o’ this fancy coffee mucks ‘round here. Tha’ll be right sorted wi’ that n’ all.”

Terry: smiles politely, nodding along without really understanding

Bill: “So, where’s tha stayin’?”

Visitor: “Oh, we’re staying in a Holiday Cottage called Thisledo!”

Bill: “This’ll do, eh? Nay bad spot that, right bang in’t town. They got kettles and the like, aye?”

Terry: laughing “Yes, they’ve thought of everything, even for us townies!”

Bill: “Grand! Tha’ll sleep like a log. An’ if tha gets oop for a wander, watch out fer sheep – they’re daft as a brush, them.”

Directions to the Market (Or…Trying to Get Directions to the Market)

Determined to visit Skipton’s famous market, Terry approaches another local for directions.

Terry: “Excuse me, can you point me to the market?”

Local, named Betty: “Aye, yer’ goin’ down yon way till tha gets ter’t big red postbox. Tek a left theer, an’ tha’ll see a little cobbled ginnel. Don’t go down the ginnel – tha’s a dead-end, it is. Go right round’t ginnel, reet? Past ol’ Mavis’s stall, n’ tha’ll be dead smack in’t market.”

Terry: thoroughly confused but appreciative “Thank you… I think I got that!”

Betty (seeing the puzzled look): “Eh, tha’s like a rabbit lookin’ at a rabbit-snare! Just follow yer nose – tha’ll find it. An’ if tha don’t, tha’s always the pub, innit?”

Betty’s directions might be clear as mud, but she’s right. You end up finding the market, by way of “yer nose” – plus a friendly pub along the way.

Evening in the Pub

Later in the evening, Terry finds himself enjoying a pint at a cosy pub. A jovial local, clearly thrilled to have a fresh face to chat with, strikes up a conversation.

Bill: “Ey up! Tha back from’t big city?”

Terry: “Yes, visiting for a little peace and quiet.”

Bill (laughing): “Ey, peace an’ quiet? Tha’s come ter wrong place if tha wants peace! This’ll do, mind, but there’s allus summat goin’ on in’t town. Got a farmer’s market this week, parade next, an’ don’t get me started on t’ sheepdog trials!”

Terry: laughing along “Sounds like a busy little place.”

Bill: “Aye, Skipton’s no place for nowt to do. Tha’ll be reet busy wi’ folk askin’ tha all sorts.”

Each interaction is a little puzzle, but a delightful one – and by the end of your stay, you might even find yourself saying “Ey up!” like a true Yorkshire native.