Hollywood in the Dales: A Humorous Tour of Skipton’s Cinematic Hotspots

9th August 2024

Skipton, a charming market town nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, might not be the first place you’d expect to see Hollywood magic at work. But this quaint little spot has played host to some seriously big names. If you’ve ever found yourself watching a film or TV show and thought, “Wait a minute, that looks like Skipton or another location in the Yorkshire Dales!” you’re probably right. Let’s take a tongue-in-cheek tour through some of the most iconic scenes filmed in and around Skipton, featuring everything from grumpy vets to surprisingly saucy calendars, and even a sprinkle of witchcraft and wizardry.

1. Calendar Girls: Skipton’s Saucy Side

When the good ladies of the Rylstone Women’s Institute decided to bare all (well, almost) for a charity calendar in “Calendar Girls,” Kettlewell got its moment in the spotlight. Imagine the bewilderment of the local sheep when their peaceful Dales life was interrupted by Helen Mirren and Julie Walters strategically covering themselves with baked goods and knitting supplies.

2. All Creatures Great & Small: Sheep, Tea, and Yorkshire Sass

James Herriot’s world of country vets in “All Creatures Great & Small” paints a picture of bucolic bliss… if you overlook the constant sheep emergencies. Grassington doubles as Darrowby, where James, Siegfried, and Tristan are often seen dashing about in their vintage cars, tending to cows, dogs, and grumpy farmers. The local pub, the Drover’s Arms (known as the Devonshire Arms in real life), is where the trio often sought solace after a particularly trying bovine encounter. Just picture a typical evening: the barmaid pulls pints, while James and Tristan discuss the best way to remove a cow from a particularly awkward position. It’s basically a documentary on rural Yorkshire life, just with more charming accents and a lot more rain.

3. Harry Potter: Skipton’s Wizarding Wonders

Now, you might be scratching your head thinking, “Harry Potter? In Skipton?” While the main Hogwarts action took place elsewhere, parts of “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone” were filmed at Malham Cove, just a stone’s throw from Skipton. This is where Harry and Hermione set up camp in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” to brood over their life choices (and where we all wondered how on earth Hermione kept her hair looking so good in the wild). Rumour has it that the sheep in the background tried to audition for the role of Buckbeak but were rejected for being too fluffy.

4. Last Tango in Halifax: Love, Laughter, and Yorkshire Tea

Skipton plays a quiet yet picturesque role in the romantic drama “Last Tango in Halifax,” where childhood sweethearts Alan and Celia rekindle their romance. While the drama unfolds, Skipton’s canal-side walk makes a few appearances, offering a peaceful backdrop to the series’ many emotional moments. The locals, of course, took it all in stride, only pausing their daily routines to mutter, “Eh, more cameras. Must be t’actors again.” You can almost hear the off-screen commentary: “Aye, it’s lovely here, but tha’ better not take t’last biscuit.”

5. The Witcher: Skipton Goes Dark and Magical

If you thought the Dales was all about tea and sheep, think again. Enter “The Witcher,” where the Dales transformed into the Continent, a land of magic, monsters, and Henry Cavill’s impressive jawline. Fountains Abbey, Plumpton Rocks and Gordale Scar became the perfect setting for a bit of monster-hunting. You can just imagine the locals’ reactions when Geralt of Rivia strolled through town, sword in hand. “Is he one o’ them LARPers?” they might have whispered, nodding sagely as if the sight of a White Wolf wandering down Skipton High Street was just another Tuesday occurrence.

Conclusion: Skipton – The Hollywood of Yorkshire

Skipton may not have the glitz of Los Angeles or the grandeur of London, but when it comes to cinematic charm, it punches well above its weight. From cheeky calendars to grumpy vets, wizards, witches, and lovesick pensioners, this little town has seen it all. Next time you’re wandering through Skipton’s cobbled streets, keep an eye out – you never know when you might stumble upon the next blockbuster being filmed, or at least a sheep auditioning for a role in the sequel.