Dales, Dogs & M&S Dinners: The Joy of the Whim Trip

21st May 2025

Every now and again, a post comes along on Facebook that makes you want to put the kettle on, pour a large cuppa (or something stronger), and raise a toast to the art of Doing Exactly What You Like.

One such post popped up recently on the Epic Retirement Club group, and it deserves a bit of a fanfare—or at the very least, a short blog with a few chuckles and some Yorkshire charm.

Our heroine (who we’ll call The Spontaneous Adventurer) glanced at the weather forecast one Sunday and saw nothing but golden sunshine ahead. Lesser mortals would have merely put the washing out. Not her. She grabbed her dog, her M&S meal deal, and her freedom, and did what many dream of: she booked a last-minute road trip to the Yorkshire Dales.

Enter Skipton: Gateway to Bliss

Where did she land? Skipton, of course. A charming market town where sheep outnumber people (probably), the castle looks like it could still repel an invasion, and the locals are friendlier than a Labrador in a sausage factory. She found herself a studio apartment for the night—no faffing, no spreadsheets, no “we’ll think about it and book it next week.” Just a quick click and off she went.

First stop: Fountains Abbey. Ruins that are quite possibly the most beautiful place to reflect on life, love, and whether or not you remembered the dog’s chew toy.

Then a gentle stroll around Skipton, a meander by the canal (where the ducks are very well-fed), and back to her temporary haven for a night of vino, ready meal indulgence, and quality time with the only travel companion who doesn’t question your driving—her four-legged best friend.

Tuesday Was for Grassington

Tuesday morning rolled around and she did what all self-respecting adventurers do: found a charming café in Grassington and tucked into a proper breakfast. No rush. No conference calls. Just bacon, birdsong, and probably a nice flat white.

Then, by early afternoon, she was back home—refreshed, recharged, and glowing from the inside out. Not from the sun, mind you, but from the satisfaction of doing something simply because she could.

Answerable Only to the Dog

This wasn’t the trip of a lifetime. It was better—it was a trip of the moment. A small, unplanned act of joy. A rebellion against timetables. And while life hadn’t unfolded exactly how she and her late husband had planned, she’s finding beauty and contentment on her own terms—with paws by her side and snacks in the glove box.

As she wisely said: “It’s not the life we’d planned, but nevertheless it’s a good life.”

Amen to that. Here’s to the spontaneous, the dog-led detours, and the power of saying, “Sod it, I’m off to Skipton.”

If you’re inspired to follow in her footsteps (or pawprints), why not take a little break yourself? There’s always a kettle on in Yorkshire.

Milestone Madness: How We Celebrated a Big Birthday (or Was It an Anniversary?) in Skipton Without Falling in the Canal

16th May 2025

There comes a time in every adult’s life when you have to face the facts: the candles no longer fit on the cake, and the balloons are more of a choking hazard than a decoration. Whether you’re turning 40, 50, 60 or hitting a significant anniversary that includes the phrase “long-suffering spouse,” it’s time to treat yourself — ideally somewhere you won’t be expected to wash up.

Enter Skipton. The gateway to the Dales, the land of rolling hills, ancient pubs, market stalls selling things you didn’t know you needed, and crucially — Thisledo Holiday Cottage, which sounded like a quaint pun and turned out to be a stroke of genius.

Friday: The Arrival

We arrived on a Friday with high expectations, low luggage (we forgot the suitcase with the nice clothes), and a bottle of prosecco that had been rolling around in the car boot since Christmas. Thisledo greeted us like a warm hug from an old friend — if your old friend has a charming interior, comfy sofa, and doesn’t judge you for immediately putting on pyjamas at 4:30pm.

We popped the prosecco, toasted “to us!” and promptly fell asleep halfway through an episode of Midsomer Murders. Living the dream.

Saturday: Celebrating Like Royalty (But with Fewer Corgis)

Saturday was the day. The Big Celebration. We began with a full English breakfast that could’ve easily fed a rugby team. Then we wandered into town where the market was in full swing — you’ve not truly celebrated a milestone until you’ve bought an artisan chutney and a pair of socks with sheep on them.

We took a canal boat tour (because nothing says “romance” like a diesel-powered drift past ducks), and even waved regally at passersby like we were in Bridgerton, minus the corsets.

For lunch, we dined at one of Skipton’s many historic pubs. The staff were lovely, the portions were generous, and we only mildly embarrassed ourselves trying to discreetly rearrange our trousers after the sticky toffee pudding.

Then came the surprise: a “pamper treatment” at a local spa. My partner was expecting a gentle back rub and possibly a herbal tea. What they got was a very determined woman named Carol who kneaded their shoulders like a pizza base and told them they had “very tight energy.” We’re still not sure what that meant, but the birthday boy/girl hasn’t moved their neck since.

Saturday Night: The Big Toast

Back at Thisledo, we lit some candles (not 60 of them — we don’t want to set of the fire alarm), opened another bottle, and made a toast to love, laughter, and not having to share a bathroom with the kids for a whole weekend.

There was cake. There was a rather suspect rendition of Happy Birthday or Congratulations (depending on the occasion), and there may have been dancing in slippers to 1980s power ballads.

And honestly? It was perfect.

Sunday: Farewell, Skipton. Hello, Digestive Guilt.

Sunday morning arrived like a hungover pigeon: a bit wobbly, slightly confused, and craving toast. We packed our things (remembered the toothbrushes this time), and said a fond farewell to Thisledo Holiday Cottage. The kind of farewell where you look around, sigh wistfully, and say, “Can we just live here?”

We left with a car full of market goodies, slightly tighter waistbands, and the smug glow of people who celebrated something special — and didn’t fall into the canal even once.

Would we come back? Absolutely. Same time next year. Anniversary or birthday — we’ll find something to celebrate.

The Night I Was Heckled by a Herdwick at the Pub Quiz Or: How I learned that in Yorkshire, trivia is a full-contact sport.

10th May 2025

One of the joys of staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage is that you’re just a short stroll from a proper Yorkshire pub — the kind with low beams, roaring fires, and at least one dog that clearly thinks it owns the place.

It was a Wednesday night, and the chalkboard outside the door read:
QUIZ NIGHT – 8PM
£1 to enter | Winner takes the pot | No Googling – we’ll know.

Well, what’s a solo traveller to do but throw themselves into the cultural deep end?

I ordered a pint, found a table, and was immediately adopted by a team called The Sheepish Smugglers, who welcomed me with the slightly suspicious air of people who’d had a reliable fourth member until last week, when Sheila left for Benidorm and took the sports knowledge with her.

“Don’t worry,” they said. “You can do the picture round. You’ve got a fresh face. Bet you know pop stars.”

Reader, I do not know pop stars. I know cheese. And possibly obscure shipping routes. But I digress.

The quizmaster — a man called Trevor with a voice like gravel and the ability to silence a room just by raising an eyebrow — kicked things off with Round 1: Yorkshire. The room collectively sat up straighter. A hush fell, broken only by the sound of someone rustling a packet of Scampi Fries and being immediately shushed.

“Question 3,” Trevor boomed. “Which Dales village was once known as ‘Little Paris’ because of its bustling textile trade and love of strong coffee?”

Our team huddled. Someone whispered “Settle?” Another said “Grassington, definitely, they’ve got an art festival.” I suggested “Paris-by-the-Dales,” which was not helpful.

But it was Round 4 that undid us: The Cheese Round.

Trevor, barely concealing his glee, announced: “You’ll each receive a wrapped sample of five cheeses. One point for each correct ID. Bonus point if you can name the region.”

It was like MasterChef meets Countdown, with more chutney.

Chaos erupted. Tables groaned under the weight of cheddar. A woman from the next team dramatically sniffed a wedge and whispered, “That’s a Red Leicester if I ever tasted one.” Someone else was clearly trying to Google “soft cheese with existential crisis flavour” under the table.

We did surprisingly well — until one of the Smugglers swore blind that Wensleydale was French. French. Trevor nearly choked.

And then came the final round: General Knowledge. Or, as it turns out in Yorkshire pubs, Local Knowledge That Outsiders Will Never Know.

“What was the name of the butcher’s ferret that escaped during the 1992 village fête?”

Silence.

Except from one table — The Herdwicks — who erupted in smug laughter.

“It were Colin!” they shouted, raising their pints. “Best day of that fête, he bit the vicar!”

They won, of course. By two points. We came fourth, narrowly beaten by Quiz Akabaar and Tequila Mockingbird.

I left with a warm glow, a free pickled egg, and the knowledge that even if you don’t win the pub quiz, you’re guaranteed a good story and at least three cheese samples.

Back at Thisledo Holiday Cottage, I reflected that there’s something glorious about a community that can turn trivia into theatre.

Next time, I’m bringing a ringer. Or at least someone who knows their Camembert from their Coverdale.

The Stubborn Stone Wall (and the Slightly More Stubborn Human)Spoiler: the wall wins.

9th May 2025

One of the joys of staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage is the abundance of footpaths that criss-cross the countryside like a patchwork of green adventure. Armed with a map, a flapjack, and a frankly misplaced sense of direction, I set off to explore “a nice easy loop” as described by the man in the outdoor shop who had very kind eyes but a cruel streak.

It all started well. Birds chirping. Sunshine dappling through leaves. One sheep gave me the side-eye, but I’d just come off the high of spotting #EpicEric last week, so I let it slide.

Then I met it.

The wall.

Not just any wall. Oh no. This was a Yorkshire dry stone wall, built sometime in the late Jurassic period (probably), and maintained by a proud local who uses pure stubbornness and the occasional hard stare to keep it standing.

The stile was… shall we say… “unwelcoming.” A sort of half-step, half-limp piece of wood wedged into the wall at an angle that defied both gravity and knees.

I approached with optimism.

Big mistake.

First attempt: foot on the bottom stone, knee in the air like I was auditioning for Riverdance, and — nope. Slipped straight back down with all the grace of a startled goose.

Second attempt: backpack off, motivational speech whispered to self, tried to swing a leg over. Got halfway before realising I was stuck in the “undignified wobble” position, unable to go forward or back. Somewhere in the distance, a sheep laughed. Probably Eric.

Eventually — using a manoeuvre that would have shamed a gymnast and definitely impressed the nearby cows — I tumbled over the wall and landed face-first in a patch of heather. Triumphant. Bruised. Smelling faintly of wet moss.

As I lay there, trying to work out if I’d strained something important, I heard footsteps.

Two elderly walkers appeared, positively bounding along the path. The first, a sprightly lady in a bobble hat, took one glance at the wall and said, “Oh, this one’s a bit of a bugger, isn’t it?”

Then — with the grace of a mountain goat and the flexibility of a yoga instructor — she was over it and on her way.

I blinked. Still horizontal. Mildly betrayed by my own knees.

Eventually, I limped back to Thisledo Holiday Cottage, where the sofa was soft, the tea was hot, and the only walls were vertical and came with doors.

So, what did I learn?

1. Yorkshire stone walls are not to be underestimated.
2. Never trust a loop described as “easy” by someone wearing hiking sandals in February.
3. Always pack biscuits for morale.

And most importantly…

In the battle of human vs. centuries-old wall, the wall always wins.

The Sheep Who Thought He Was Famous(And to be fair… he kind of was.)

9th May 2025

There’s a certain quiet majesty to the Yorkshire Dales: the rolling hills, the soft bleating of sheep in the distance, and the way time slows down — usually around the moment you realise you’re lost and mildly regretting the second helping of Wensleydale cheese.

I’d set out from Thisledo Holiday Cottage on a gentle ramble. Nothing too ambitious. Just a circular walk, a flask of tea, and the vague idea that I might “connect with nature” or at least spot a curlew. What I wasn’t expecting was to cross paths with… him.

He was standing on a drystone wall like he owned it — which, to be fair, he probably did in sheep terms. Broad shoulders, sturdy stance, eyes that said, “I’ve seen some things, mate.”

“Alright there?” I said, because apparently I talk to sheep now.

He blinked slowly and turned his head — dramatically, I might add — to present his best side. And that’s when it happened.

A group of walkers appeared from the other direction, and what did they do? Whip out their phones.

“Oh look! It’s Eric!” one of them exclaimed.

Eric.

The sheep had a name.

Another walker, positively giddy, added: “He’s all over Instagram! He’s got his own hashtag: #EpicEric.”

Before I could process this ovine celebrity moment, the group was positioning themselves for selfies. Eric posed like a pro — chin slightly lifted, hooves hidden, that kind of mysterious “you can’t touch me, I’m feral but fabulous” energy.

One woman even said, “I follow his fan page. Did you see the reel of him headbutting a Land Rover? Iconic.”

At this point, I began to wonder if I’d wandered into some sort of rural reality show. “The Real Sheep of the Yorkshire Dales,” perhaps?

Eventually, the fans moved on, and Eric gave me a look. Not just a look. A look that said, “They’ll be back. They always come back.”

I nodded respectfully and continued on my way, humbled by the presence of a creature who understood his own brand better than most people I know.

Back at Thisledo Holiday Cottage, I Googled him.

Reader… he is on Instagram.

Turns out Eric was once in a BBC documentary about farming, and ever since, he’s been something of a local legend. He has merch. Someone knitted him in miniature and sells keyrings. I don’t know how to feel about that.

So if you’re ever wandering the Dales and come across a sheep who’s working the camera and looks mildly annoyed you didn’t recognise him — it might just be Eric.

Take a selfie.

Tag him.

And remember — in the Dales, even the sheep have star quality.

Holiday Cottage Showdown: The Classic Stone Cottage vs. The Hipster Hideaway

9th May 2025

When it comes to choosing a holiday cottage, there’s more to think about than just the location (though the stunning Yorkshire Dales can’t be beaten). What’s really important is the vibe. Are you after something that feels like a centuries-old retreat, or are you more of a “bottle of kombucha and upcycled furniture” kind of person?

Let’s kick things off with Thisledo Holiday Cottage, a traditional stone beauty nestled in the heart of Skipton, and see how it stacks up against its more modern counterpart, the “Hipster Hideaway.”

The Exterior:

Thisledo:
A charming, dog-friendly stone cottage that looks like it could tell stories — mostly “I’ve been here for generations, and I’m still going strong, thank you very much.”

Hipster Hideaway:
Sleek. Modern. Could be mistaken for a coffee shop that hasn’t opened yet. Clean lines, eco-friendly materials, and plenty of reclaimed wood. No stone in sight — except for the Instagrammable rock garden out front. This one would fit right into a Pinterest board labelled “Minimalist with a Touch of Indie Vibes.”

The Living Room:

Thisledo:
A place to put your feet up, sip some Yorkshire Tea, and lose track of time while watching the real flame gas fire from a comfy sofas. It’s warm, inviting, and the kind of space where you’ll find yourself sinking into relaxation without even trying.

Hipster Hideaway:
Open plan, with more Scandinavian-style furniture than you thought was possible. You’ll find a minimalist sofa with throw pillows in hues you’ve never heard of (but they’re probably in some colour theory book). There’s a record player on the side, but let’s be honest — you’ll just put on a Spotify playlist and tell everyone you’re listening to the vinyl. Oh, and there’s a beanbag chair that’s been placed strategically next to a massive window overlooking… well, nature, probably.

The Kitchen:

Thisledo:
Old meets new with a modern kitchen tucked inside this beautiful cottage. It’s got all the appliances you need to cook up a Yorkshire feast, but it still feels like you’re in a home that’s been passed down for generations. You can’t help but think that it’s the kind of kitchen where people have sat down for a cup of tea after a hard day’s work in the textile mills.

Hipster Hideaway:
The kitchen here is more about style than substance — but don’t worry, you’ll have everything you need. Retro-style fridge, bespoke open shelving, and a collection of ceramic mugs you’ll feel the urge to Instagram. Bonus points if there’s a milk frother, even though you’ll probably just use it to make oat lattes that taste way better than your homebrew.

The Bathroom:

Thisledo:
Aspacious bathroom with a large shower that’ll ease away the aches and pains of dales walking

Hipster Hideaway:
Now this is where things get interesting. You’ll find a rain shower, of course, but it’s the giant copper bathtub in the middle of the room that steals the show. Perfect for those who enjoy a good soak while contemplating the existential meaning of tub time. It’s the sort of bathroom where you’ll snap 12 photos just to capture the vibe.

The Ambience:

Thisledo:
Warm, welcoming, and full of character. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time — but with a Wi-Fi connection. The perfect mix of cosy and practical, where you can curl up with a book by the gas fire or enjoy a hearty meal in the well equipped kitchen.

Hipster Hideaway:
A cool, almost clinical vibe, with clean lines and open spaces that feel perfect for a weekend of quiet reflection. The vibe here says, “I’m on a journey to find myself, but first, I need to do some yoga in the living room.” Everything is carefully curated, from the plants in the corner to the lighting that just so happens to make every evening feel like a low-budget indie movie.

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Final Verdict:

If you’re after a true taste of Skipton, Thisledo Holiday Cottage is your best bet. It’s cosy, charming, and full of character, perfect for a relaxing escape where you can really embrace the charm of the town. But, if you want to try something different — maybe experience Skipton with a side of upcycled furniture and minimalist chic — the Hipster Hideaway is the place to be.

At the end of the day, it’s all about what you’re looking for. Whether you want a traditional escape or something more on the modern side, Skipton has a holiday cottage for every taste.

The Know-It-All Walker and the Great Dales Debate

4th May 2025

If you’ve ever wandered the Yorkshire Dales, you’ll know that the air is filled with the scent of fresh grass, the sound of babbling brooks, and the occasional unsolicited opinion from a passerby. And on this particular day, I was about to receive one in spades.

I was doing what any sensible person would do when staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage: taking a leisurely walk through the picturesque countryside, admiring the rolling hills, and occasionally pretending I knew which way I was going.

It was then I encountered him — a seasoned walker, dressed head to toe in gear that made me feel like I’d forgotten something… like, say, a map, a compass, and a reasonable amount of self-respect.

“Lovely day for a walk, isn’t it?” I said, trying to make small talk as I passed him by on a narrow path.

“Oh, it’s more than just lovely,” he replied, eyes lighting up like I’d just complimented his extensive collection of walking sticks. “This is the kind of weather that truly reveals the heart of the Dales.”

Now, I’m no poet, but I’m pretty sure the “heart of the Dales” involves sheep, dry stone walls, and the occasional cow that looks a bit judgmental.

I smiled politely, which I’m pretty sure he took as an invitation to launch into a monologue on everything he knew about the Dales — and let me tell you, it was everything.

He started with the geology, detailing how the rocks in this part of the Dales were formed over millions of years, and how the sedimentary layers were a testament to ancient seas… I was beginning to wonder if I’d accidentally joined a university lecture.

Then came the flora. “You see that flower?” he asked, pointing dramatically at a humble daisy. “That’s the rare Yorkshire Dales Cow Parsley, often confused with the much more common… erm… parsley.”

I nodded enthusiastically, trying to look engaged, even though I was just thinking about the fact that I hadn’t had a proper meal in three hours and was now considering whether or not to nibble on some of this “rare” greenery.

“And those sheep over there,” he said, squinting at a group of very unbothered sheep in the distance. “Those aren’t just any sheep. No, no. Those are Swaledales, the true masters of the hills. They’ve been bred for their resilience and their ability to withstand the harshest weather conditions.”

At this point, I was seriously considering whether I could just tiptoe away and pretend I’d never met him. But before I could make my escape, he gestured at the hills behind him.

“See those hills?” he said, as if I hadn’t already noticed them. “They were carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age. But, of course, the real history is in the human story. The Dales have been shaped by thousands of years of human habitation, and…”

I zoned out.

Dales history, yes, fascinating, but I need to find some food or I’m going to eat my own rucksack.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity of what can only be described as a walking, talking Wikipedia entry, he paused.

“Well, you should really come back next year,” he said, patting me on the shoulder as if I’d been privy to some great revelation. “The Dales are always changing. You won’t want to miss the real beauty in spring, when the actual rare species bloom.”

I nodded. “Of course, I’ll mark it on my calendar.” In truth, I was just planning to mark it on the nearest pub’s dartboard.

With that, the know-it-all walker continued on his merry way, likely off to lecture a group of confused tourists about how the weather is too perfect for this time of year.

And as I walked off in the opposite direction, I couldn’t help but smile. Because while I may not have remembered every geological detail or botanical fact, I did take one thing away from that encounter:

I now know the secret to surviving a walk in the Dales — pack a picnic, and be ready to nod and smile. And if all else fails, just look like you know exactly what you’re doing. Trust me, the Dales will welcome you.

Royals in the Dales? What If William and Kate Stayed at Thisledo?

29th April 2025

So, word on the street today is that William and Kate are enjoying a serene stay in a holiday cottage on the Isle of Mull. No palace guards, no tiaras at breakfast – just a fire, a view, and hopefully someone remembered the teabags.

Naturally, this got us thinking… what would happen if the royal couple booked a cheeky getaway to Skipton and chose our own Thisledo Holiday Cottage as their retreat?

First of all: security.

We imagine the street would suddenly be teeming with chaps in sunglasses pretending not to look suspicious. Our neighbours might wonder why a black Range Rover with tinted windows keeps doing laps around the block, and local dogs would take a sudden interest in all the new smells.

Arrival at Thisledo

A royal knock on the cottage door (we’re assuming a polite tap-tap rather than a full Windsor rap) and in they come – William ducking slightly under the old Yorkshire lintel, and Kate immediately cooing at the tasteful cushions. She’d approve of the soft throws, the sparkling clean kitchen, and the fact there’s a teapot that pours properly.

William might be tempted to try out the sofa for a royal snooze – and who could blame him? After all, even future kings need a proper nap.

Royal Walkies

Being dog-friendly, we’d of course be delighted if they brought their cocker spaniel along. Picture Kate casually strolling down to Skipton Woods, poo bag in one hand, latte in the other, stopping only to politely decline yet another selfie request from an over-excited rambler in Gore-Tex.

Fish and chips, of course

A discreet takeaway from Bizzie Lizzie’s would be in order (we’re fairly sure they’d go for the haddock – they strike us as haddock people). They’d bring it back to Thisledo, eat it on proper plates like civilised people, and argue gently over who gets the last chip. Kate wins, obviously.

Day trips with a difference

You just know William would love a go on the Embsay Steam Railway, ideally in the driver’s seat, waving regally at small children as the whistle blows. Kate might prefer a mooch around Skipton’s Monday market – incognito in sunglasses and a flat cap, browsing socks and chutney like a local.

A discreet exit

When the time came to leave, we imagine they’d quietly pack up, leave a thank-you note (with a subtle royal monogram, naturally), and possibly even sign the guest book:

“A most delightful stay in Skipton. Cosy cottage, close to the town centre, and not a paparazzi in sight. 10/10 – would royal again. Love, William & Kate.”

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While we can’t guarantee a royal visit, we can assure you that Thisledo Holiday Cottage is fit for your own little reign of relaxation – no crown required. Come and live like royalty (or at least like someone who appreciates a proper Yorkshire brew and a comfy bed).

“Ey Up! The Day I Met a Proper Yorkshire Farmer”A (mostly true) tale from Thisledo Holiday Cottage

25th April 2025

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They say a holiday in the Yorkshire Dales offers peace, tranquillity and a chance to reconnect with nature. What they don’t mention is that nature sometimes wears a flat cap, smells faintly of silage, and drives a quad bike like he’s auditioning for the next Fast & Furious film.

We’d booked into Thisledo Holiday Cottage in Skipton for a relaxing few days of fresh air, hearty food, and mild smugness at escaping the chaos of city life. The cottage, I must say, was idyllic — cosy, dog-friendly, and just a short stroll to the shops should one need emergency Wensleydale.

On day two, I decided to “go for a wander” — the sort of phrase that feels very outdoorsy but generally involves following a signpost, getting lost, and ending up in someone’s field. Which is exactly what happened.

Enter Farmer Ted.

He appeared like a mist rolling in from the moors — except with more tweed. One minute I was negotiating a stile with all the grace of an uncoordinated goat, and the next, I was being given the kind of squint normally reserved for suspicious behaviour in crime dramas.

“Tha’s not from round ‘ere, are ya?”
I resisted the urge to blurt out something stupid like “How could you tell?” while holding a reusable coffee cup and wearing trainers whiter than snow on Pen-y-Ghent.

Farmer Ted leaned on his stick (which may have doubled as a sheep prodder, walking aid or lie detector — unclear) and gave me the once over.

“I’m just having a walk,” I said, as casually as I could while tangled in brambles and slowly sinking into what I hoped was just mud.

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s my walk. And that’s my cowpat you’re wearing.”

In the end, Ted was friendly in that uniquely Yorkshire way: somewhere between a warm welcome and a subtle threat. He pointed me back towards the footpath (turns out I’d mistaken a tractor rut for a bridleway) and even offered me a lift back to Skipton on the back of his quad bike.

Reader, I accepted.

There is nothing quite like clinging to the back of a quad, flying past startled sheep, with the wind in your face and a farmer chuckling as he hits every bump in the county. It was like Go Ape, but with cow-themed obstacles and a higher chance of landing in something squelchy.

Back at Thisledo, I removed my boots (and possibly some of Ted’s field) and sank into the sofa. A mug of Yorkshire Tea in hand, I reflected on my unexpected encounter.

Would I recommend meeting a real Dales farmer? Absolutely.
Would I recommend wearing white trainers while doing so? Absolutely not.

So, if you’re staying at Thisledo Holiday Cottage, keep your eyes peeled, stick to the path, and if you hear the sound of a quad bike approaching — smile, wave, and make sure you’re not standing on anything sacred.

Easter in Skipton 2025: A Family-Friendly Celebration in the Heart of Yorkshire

18th April 2025

Easter in Skipton is a delightful blend of tradition, community spirit, and springtime fun. This charming market town in North Yorkshire comes alive with a variety of events that cater to families, couples, and visitors of all ages. From egg hunts to petting zoos, Skipton offers a memorable Easter experience.

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🐣 Skipton’s Easter Event at the Canal Basin

On Saturday, 19th April 2025, the Skipton Canal Basin transforms into a hub of Easter festivities. Running from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM, this free event features a petting zoo, circus skills workshops, beeswax candle making, and live performances from local community groupsIt’s a perfect day out for families looking to immerse themselves in the Easter spirit.

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🥚 Giant Easter Egg Hunt

From 5th to 21st April, the Skipton BID Giant Easter Egg Hunt invites participants to explore the town in search of six giant, colorful egg. Each egg contains a letter; collect them all to reveal a secret Easter wor. Trail leaflets are available at Craven Court Shopping Centre and Skipton Town Hal. Completed entries can be submitted for a chance to win an Easter hamper filled with local goodie.

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🐾 Dogs’ Dales Easter Egg Hun

From 18th to 21st April, the Dogs’ Dales Easter Egg Hunt offers a unique, tech-savvy experience. Using the Dogs’ Dales AR Trail App, families can embark on an augmented reality Easter egg hunt throughout Skipton. This interactive adventure combines traditional egg hunting with modern technology, providing fun for all ages

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🐇 Carleton Big Easter Egg Hut

Just a short distance from Skipton, the village of Carleton hosts its Big Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, 19th April, from 10:30 AM to 5:00P. Participants can follow clues to find 10 hidden eggs around the village. Tickets are £5 per child, and each participant receives a treat at the end.

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🌳 Easter Trail at Bolton Abey

From 5th to 21st April, Bolton Abbey offers a scenic Easter Trail suitable for all ages. Collect a free trail sheet from the Riverside car park kiosk and follow the path through the esae. Participants can also enter a ‘Design a Bunny’ competition, with the winning design featured in the 2026 tail.

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🍽️ Easter Sunday Lunch at The Gamekeeper’sInn

On Sunday, 20th April, The Gamekeeper’s Inn in Threshfield serves a traditional Easter Sunday lunch, featuring seasonal dishes and warm Yorkshire hospitality. It’s an ideal setting for families to gather and celebrate the hoiday.

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Plan Your Vist

Skipton’s Easter events offer something for everyone, from interactive hunts to relaxing countryside meals. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, the town’s festive atmosphere and community-driven activities make it a perfect destination for Easter celebrations.

For more information on events and planning your visit, check out Welcome to Skipton.

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