The Perfect Skipton Getaway: A Retired Couple’s Search for the Ideal Holiday Cottage

15th February 2025

Now that we’re retired, we have the luxury of time. Time to travel at our own pace, avoid the weekend rush, and enjoy the places we visit without the crowds. When we decided to book a holiday in Skipton—the Gateway to the Dales—we knew exactly what we wanted from a holiday cottage.

Comfort Over Chaos

Gone are the days when we were happy squeezing into a tiny run down rental just because it was cheap and cheerful. These days, comfort is key. A cosy cottage with a well-equipped kitchen (because we enjoy a quiet night in with a home-cooked meal), and a bed that won’t leave us needing a chiropractor.

Location, Location, Location

We like a good walk, but we don’t want to trek miles just to reach the town centre. Ideally, we want to be within a short stroll of a nice café for our morning coffee, a good pub for an evening drink, and of course, Skipton’s famous market. It’s a bonus if there’s easy parking, but if we can leave the car behind and explore on foot, even better.

A Touch of Character

Skipton is a historic town, so we don’t want to stay somewhere that feels like a generic, soulless box. A charming stone cottage with a welcoming feel, that’s what makes a holiday memorable.

Dog-Friendly (Because We’re Not Leaving Her Behind!)

We might be empty nesters, but we do have one very important travel companion—our little spaniel, Millie. A pet-friendly cottage is a must, and not just one that allows dogs but actually welcomes them. We’re looking for somewhere with a safe place to dry off after a walk and no long list of ‘don’t let your dog do this’ rules. Bonus points if there’s a good dog-friendly pub nearby!

Skipton: The Perfect Base

We love Skipton for so many reasons—the scenic canal walks, the stunning countryside of the Yorkshire Dales, and of course, the fantastic independent shops. A trip to the famous pie shop is non-negotiable, and we can’t resist a good rummage in the market. A day out at Bolton Abbey or Malham Cove is also on the cards, but we want a cottage that makes it just as tempting to stay in with a glass of wine and a good book.

What We Found…

After much searching, we came across Thisledo Holiday Cottage—exactly what we’d been looking for. A traditional stone cottage, tastefully furnished, and just a short walk from the centre of Skipton. It ticks all our boxes: cosy, well-equipped, dog-friendly, and full of character. If you’re a retired couple like us, looking for a peaceful yet well-located base to enjoy the best of Skipton and the Dales, this little cottage might just be the perfect fit.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’re off to find Millie’s lead—it’s time for a canal-side stroll before heading to the Woolly Sheep for a pint. Retirement isn’t so bad after all!