Pictures of England
 Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England..

Pictures of Skipton Castle

a Castle in the town of Skipton, in the county of North Yorkshire

Skipton Castle, North Yorkshire

About Skipton Castle

Apart from it's historic church, Skipton Castle is the town's premier attraction. This is located where the High Street fans out at the top.

The first castle to be built in Skipton was put up by Robert de Romille, but only one gateway of this remains. The castle that we see today is mostly from the time the Clifford family took possession of it in the 14th century. Lady Anne Clifford was the last of the Clifford's to own the castle, at the time she inherited it, the castle had been partially demolished and she had it completely reconstructed, with additions. One of her additions was the balustrade over the gatehouse incorporating the Clifford family motto "Desormais" meaning "Henceforth".

Today, the massive twin towers of Skipton Castle dominate the town just as they have done for over nine hundred years. This is without doubt one of the finest medieval castles remaining in the land. It is a place where visitors can revel in an enchanting Tudor courtyard and marvel at the magnificent gatehouse, both of which give little clue to the splendour yet to come.

The castle lay-out is breathtakingly beautiful, set as it is around green lawns it is easy to give let your mind drift back to the days when bold knights would have rode on horse-back over the moat to pass under the great portcullis, before reaching the main doors and the inner courtyard of the castle. The grooves of the portcullis and the opening for the drawbar of Skipton Castle entrance door can still be seen. Also to be seen are mason's marks in the stonework of the main entrance and the Conduit Court. Marking stone is an ancient tradition. Stone-mason's throughout the ages have marked any stone they dressed to ensure the receipt of proper payment for their work. It is also through this method that we have been able to identify the most remarkable stone-mason's of medieval times.

The Banqueting Hall is the place where our bold knight would have dined with his fair lady in company with numerous guests. In medieval days feasting was a major social activity, tables were heavily laden with every conceivable delicacy for a feast which would last for several hours. Such an event would usually be followed by a jollification, jesters, musicians or dancing.

Every part of Skipton Castle is open for public view from the lowly kitchen with its adjacent outside privy to the mighty towers and the superb Banqueting Hall and romantic Bedchamber. You can explore daunting Dungeons below ground and then climb to the top of the Watch Tower to enjoy magnificent views of the town. While here you will quickly realise the strength of the castle and how it was that this was one of the few places to withstand a three year siege during the Civil War.

Skipton Castle offers an exciting experience for everyone; visitors can picnic within the castle grounds or enjoy a snack in the tea-room. There is a shop for souvenirs and information - each visitor is provided with a comprehensive information sheet, and friendly guides are willing to answer any questions you may have.

Skipton is the gateway to the Dales - after visiting the castle why not take time out to enjoy a walk around what is a very pleasant country town?
Please see below for other recommended attractions and towns to visit near Skipton Castle.

Planning a visit? Please help support this website by booking your hotels near Skipton Castle and uploading your pictures.
Distances and directions shown below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Skipton Castle

Bolton Priory(5.8 miles, 9.3 km, direction E)Pictures
Upper Wharfedale(6.8 miles, 11.0 km, direction N)Pictures
Cliffe Castle Museum(7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction SE)Pictures
East Riddlesden Hall(8.2 miles, 13.2 km, direction SE)Pictures
Wycoller Country Park(8.7 miles, 14.1 km, direction S)Pictures
Janet's Foss(8.8 miles, 14.2 km, direction NW)Pictures
Gordale Scar(8.9 miles, 14.3 km, direction NW)Pictures
Cow and Calf Rocks(9.2 miles, 14.9 km, direction E)Pictures
Malham Cove(9.6 miles, 15.5 km, direction NW)Pictures
Malham Tarn(11.1 miles, 17.8 km, direction NW)Pictures

All attractions in North Yorkshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Skipton Castle

Skipton, a Historic Market Town in the county of North Yorkshire (0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
Long considered "The Gateway to the Dales" which lye to the north, moors extend southwards, and the tranquil countryside of the Ribble Valley is to the west.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Bolton Abbey, in the county of North Yorkshire (5.4 miles, 8.7 km, direction E)
The Bolton Abbey Estate covers 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside in the Yorkshire Dales.There are medieval buildings to explore and 80 miles of moorland, woodland and riverside footpaths.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Burnsall, in the county of North Yorkshire (6.5 miles, 10.4 km, direction N)
Viewed from the surrounding grassy fells, this gorgeous stone village with its striking walls softened by rich green foliage, presents a picture of timeless charm.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Grassington, in the county of North Yorkshire (7.4 miles, 11.8 km, direction N)
This is Upper Wharfdale's principle village. It is a place of quiet charm with a lovely old bridge spanning the River Wharfe and cobbled lanes with pretty stone cottages descending towards the attractive village square.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Keighley, in the county of West Yorkshire (7.8 miles, 12.6 km, direction SE)
This is an industrial town in West Yorkshire. It lies in a fold between the fine countryside of Airdale and Keighley Moors.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Ilkley, in the county of West Yorkshire (8.3 miles, 13.3 km, direction E)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Malham, in the county of North Yorkshire (8.7 miles, 14.0 km, direction NW)
High on the moors and dales of Yorshire, lies the wild and desolate place of Malham..
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Haworth, in the county of West Yorkshire (9.6 miles, 15.4 km, direction S)
Haworth is famous the world over for its connections with the Bronte sisters, the famous novelists.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Harden, in the county of West Yorkshire (10.2 miles, 16.4 km, direction SE)
Harden lies in the famous countryside area between Cullingworth and Bingley surrounded by rivers and meadows. It is a favoured commuter base for those working in nearby Bradford.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Kettlewell, in the county of North Yorkshire (12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction N)
The spectacular limestone beauty of Kettlewell has been appreciated by travellers for decades. It has a series of delightful cottages clustered around the little Cam Beck, a tributary of the River Wharfe as it plunges from Great Whernside.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in North Yorkshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Skipton Station(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
Cononley Station(3.2 miles, 5.1 km, direction S)
M65 Junction 14(10.3 miles, 16.6 km, direction SW)
M65 Junction 13(11.6 miles, 18.7 km, direction SW)
Leeds Bradford International Airport(15.8 miles, 25.4 km, direction SE)
Manchester Airport(43.1 miles, 69.4 km, direction S)
Skipton Castle to London(187.3 miles, 301.4 km, direction SE)

Accommodation & Hotels near Skipton Castle

Hotel Name
Herriots Hotel(0.5 miles, 0.8 km)
Rendez-vous At Skipton(1.3 miles, 2.1 km, direction S)
Red Lion Hotel(6.3 miles, 10.2 km, direction NE)
Dalesgate Hotel(6.9 miles, 11.1 km, direction SE)
Gamekeeper's Inn(8.1 miles, 13.0 km, direction N)
Craiglands Hotel(8.8 miles, 14.2 km, direction E)
Woodlands Grange(9.7 miles, 15.6 km, direction S)
The Plough Inn at Wigglesworth(11.7 miles, 18.8 km, direction W)
Ramada Bradford / Leeds(12.0 miles, 19.4 km, direction SE)
Falcon Manor Hotel(12.8 miles, 20.6 km, direction NW)
All of our hotels are available to book online & with special discounts


User Login

UK Hotel Search

Please support this site by booking your England hotels..

Enter destination:

(town, attraction, airport, postcode or hotel name)
Select date:
Nights:
Rooms:
Up to 70% OFF hotel room prices in association with Laterooms.com

Picture Tours

More


Day Sightseeing Tours with the London Pass

England Hotels
Discount hotels in
England and the
UK. Find UK
Accommodation..