Where to Roar for the British Lions Tour in Skipton (Without Getting the Look from Your Partner)
19th July 2025
Ah, the British & Irish Lions tour – that magical time when four nations unite, rugby shirts are dug out from the bottom drawer, and grown-ups suddenly believe they’re tactical masterminds after two pints. If you’re lucky enough to be staying in Skipton during the tour (perhaps at a delightful little holiday cottage with comfy sofas and a smart TV… ahem Thisledo, anyone?), you’ll no doubt want to catch the action without risking a full-blown domestic over how much rugby is too much rugby.
But where to watch the games? And more importantly… how to keep the peace with your partner, who may not see three consecutive Saturdays of rugby as the romantic Dales getaway they had in mind?
Let’s tackle this head-on – here’s a Skipton-based guide for Lions lovers and long-suffering non-fans alike.
🦁 For the Rugby Fan: Where to Plant Yourself
1. The Red Lion
This central pub is rugby-friendly and has screens in the bar area. Expect a decent pint, plenty of locals offering their opinions on scrum resets, and a hearty pub meal that may or may not come with a side of shouting at the telly.
2. Venue Sports Bar
If you want the full-on, big-screen, all-the-commentary, proper-fan atmosphere — Venue Sports Bar is your top pick in Skipton. It’s made for watching sport. Multiple screens, plenty of seating, and a bar fully stocked with all the essentials (crisps and beer). You won’t miss a single conversion, and no one will look at you funny when you leap off your chair yelling “TRY!”
3. One of Skipton’s Micropubs (Ask Nicely!)
Skipton’s buzzing with quirky little micropubs, and while they’re not technically sports bars, don’t write them off. Places like Early Doors, Beer Engine, or The Mess Room are run by real characters — and if you happen to ask sweetly (perhaps while ordering a second pint of something hoppy and local), you might just find the game on in the corner. It’s rugby with real ale and rustic charm. Just don’t expect a Jumbotron screen… or a packet of pork scratchings after 8pm.
4. Stay In and Watch on the Cottage Smart TV
Yes – Thisledo Holiday Cottage has a big comfy sofa, fast Wi-Fi, and a Smart TV. Which means you can watch the match with your feet up, a cold beer from the fridge, and no queuing for the loo. Bliss. And if you’re really clever, you can turn it into “a cosy afternoon in” (see below).
👀 For the Non-Rugby Fan Partner
Let’s be honest – if your other half isn’t quite as passionate about tackles, scrums, and breakdowns as you are, they may have imagined long walks, local markets, maybe a cream tea… and not you shouting “GET IT WIDE!” at a television in the middle of the day.
But don’t panic – with a bit of strategic planning, everyone’s a winner.
1. A Spa Session at the Coniston Hotel
You go full roar, they go full relax. The Coniston Hotel spa is just a short drive away between Gargrave and Settle and offers treatments that’ll make them forget they’re being temporarily abandoned for 80 minutes.
2. Market Day Meandering
Skipton’s famous market runs on Saturdays – perfect timing! While you’re glued to the test match, they can potter around picking up Yorkshire chutney, handmade crafts, and a new scarf they’ll ask your opinion on later (just say it’s lovely).
3. A Solo Stroll Along the Canal
Give them a flask, a book, and suggest a peaceful wander by the Leeds-Liverpool Canal while you “stay back to sort lunch.” They’ll return refreshed and you’ll be updated on whether Farrell’s finally found his kicking boots.
4. Afternoon Tea at The Cake’ole
They get a pink teapot full of prosecco and a plate stacked with cake. You get to shout at the TV. We call that a balanced relationship.
🏉 A Peaceful Post-Match Plan
Now, here’s the golden rule: if you’re claiming a Lions game as “sacred time,” then after the match, it’s your partner’s turn. Suggest a romantic walk up to Skipton Castle or even a cheeky late lunch at Le Caveau. And for extra credit? Pop into M&S Food afterwards and pretend you planned a romantic cottage supper all along.
Final Word:
Skipton has something for every Lions fan and every patient partner. Whether you’re cheering on the boys in red or politely tolerating your other half’s passionate match commentary, there’s no better place to enjoy it all than this charming corner of the Yorkshire Dales.
Just remember: when they say, “Are they still playing?”, the correct answer is not “It’s a best-of-three test series.” It’s “Not for much longer, love – fancy a walk?” 😉