About Skipton Castle
Step back nine centuries at this impressive North Yorkshire fortress, where families can wander medieval chambers and watch thrilling knight combat displays. Picnic-friendly grounds include a restaurant and full facilities.
What's nearby
- Holy Trinity Church next door
- Sarsaparilla's next door
- Skipton Town Hall next door
- Craven Museum & Gallery next door
- Skipton Market 150m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Parking
- ✓Free car park
- ✓Paid car park
- ✓Free street
- ✓Paid street
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
Payment
- ✓Credit cards
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
Opening hours
- Monday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday
- 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What visitors say
On holiday in the area so decided to visit here. Well worth it (£11.80 for seniors). Plenty of steps to walk to unfurnished rooms but don’t let that put you off. Benches around the lovely grounds (picnic on a nice day ?). Very friendly employees. Shop mainly aimed at kids. Park in the Bridge Street car park (£5.10 for 3 hours). Allow 2 hours say in castle. Follow it by looking in Town Hall museum (free !) …. WELL worth a visit for an hour or so. Take in a boat trip ?. Plenty of shops. Still quite busy even on a non-market day. Loads of cafes and eating places. Did this then went to Cliffe Castle at Keighley (brilliant and free parking and entrance)…..don’t miss it.
· via Google
Originally built in the 11th century and extended ever since this is a gorgeous stone castle you can explore on your own or in a guided tour. From the Dungeon via kitchen to watch tower the one way tour will give you an insight into live back in those days. You have a be able to climb up narrow stairs to enjoy all the panoramic views. There is a tearoom with tables outside were you can rest and let it all sink in.
· via Google
Really enjoyed our couple of hours walking round this castle. Although quite empty, in terms of its not being 'dressed' it was very evocative and notes doted about the place gave enough information to be interesting without overly long details. The guy at the front who welcomed us in was very welcoming and pleasant. The views of the surrounding areas were great to photograph. The toilets were clean and there was plenty of parking at a reasonable all day rate. Not great if you're not steady on your feet but we had a great time.
· via Google
Cool place Went for a recy visit before taking my class on a school trip. Easy to find but we aware the SatNav might take you past the castle to a narrow lane where it's VERY difficult to get turned around and go back. When you see the castle, park up near the shops/ cafes or go right of the castle to a car park, not left. Lots of steps to explore which might be worth being aware of Clean, tidy, onsite toilets and cafe. To be aware: uneven steps and some are really narrow and dark but totally accessible
· via Google
Visitors say this castle offers a well-preserved medieval experience with plenty of rooms to explore, a tea room serving delicious cream scones, and dog-friendly grounds perfect for picnics. They also highlight the friendly and helpful staff, the well-maintained grounds, and the fascinating history of the castle.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- The Bailey, Skipton, BD23 1AW Get directions
- Category
- Castles & Palaces
- Guest rating
- 4.5 / 5 (5,563 reviews)
- Suitable for
- All Ages
- Setting
- Indoor & outdoor
- Good for children
- Yes
- Destination
- Skipton