Living in Skipton

The ‘Gateway to the Dales,’ blending heritage with natural beauty.

About Skipton

The Craven District and Yorkshire Dales offer a stunning blend of natural beauty, historic charm and vibrant community life - ideal for those seeking tranquillity with access to modern amenities. Nestled in North Yorkshire, the Craven District forms part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a region famed for its dramatic limestone landscapes, rolling hills and picturesque villages. Craven includes towns like Skipton, Settle and Grassington and is consistently ranked among the happiest places to live in the UK. The area is rich in heritage and outdoor adventure, with iconic sites like Malham Cove, Bolton Abbey and the Three Peaks of Whernside, Pen-y-ghent and Ingleborough.

Architecture & Property

The architecture in Craven and the Dales is distinctly Yorkshire vernacular, dominated by limestone cottages, stone-built farmhouses and Georgian townhouses. Villages like Eastby and Grassington showcase historic buildings, including 12th-century churches and Victorian terraces, often surrounded by sheep-grazed greens and dry stone walls. Property here ranges from quaint village homes to rural estates, with a strong emphasis on character and natural integration.

Going out

Craven is a haven for food lovers and pub-goers, with highlights including The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey for fine dining with countryside views, The Fleece Inn in Addingham for a cozy, traditional pub experience, The Angel at Hetton offering award-winning dining and Grassington House, an acclaimed restaurant in a charming market town. Skipton’s High Street adds to the appeal with its bustling cafés, bakeries and independent eateries. For activities, the area offers walking and hiking in the Dales, caving adventures at White Scar and Stump Cross Caverns, vibrant local markets in Skipton and Settle and seasonal events such as the Grassington Arts Festival.

Local Amenities 

Despite its rural charm, Craven offers modern conveniences, with gyms and fitness centres found in Skipton and Settle, the Plaza Cinema in Skipton for entertainment and a variety of shopping options, including independent stores, supermarkets like Tesco and Morrisons and weekly markets in Skipton. Healthcare needs are well covered by local GP practices and Skipton General Hospital, ensuring residents have access to essential services close to home.

Green Spaces

The region is defined by its expansive green landscapes, including the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which boasts endless trails, waterfalls and diverse wildlife; the Bolton Abbey Estate, offering picturesque woodland walks and riverside picnics and dramatic natural landmarks such as Malham Tarn and Gordale Scar, perfect for exploration. For those seeking a challenge, the iconic Yorkshire Three Peaks provide breathtaking views and a true test of endurance, making this area a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Education

Offering quality education options, including Skipton Girls’ High School, a highly rated secondary school and Ermysted’s Grammar School, a historic boys’ grammar with a strong academic reputation. Settle College provides comprehensive secondary education, while numerous village primary schools across the region maintain strong community ties and supportive learning environments.

Transport

Transport links are solid for a rural area, with Skipton station offering direct trains to Leeds, Bradford and even London, while Settle station sits on the scenic Settle–Carlisle line for breathtaking journeys through the countryside. Regular bus services connect villages and towns across Craven and into the Yorkshire Dales, making travel convenient even without a car. For road users, the A65 and A59 provide excellent routes to Leeds, Harrogate and the Lake District, ensuring easy access to both urban centres and stunning rural escapes.

Council Tax

Source - Council tax data from 

Nearest Branch

Skipton
01756 630555
skipton@hardistyestateagents.co.uk

19 Sheep Street Skipton North Yorkshire BD23 1JH

Properties for sale in Skipton

Mulberry Lane, Steeton, Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK, BD20Mulberry Lane, Steeton, Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK, BD20
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11

Mulberry Lane, Steeton, Keighley, West Yorkshire, UK, BD20

£0 Avg. Rental Price0% Avg. Rental Yield
Apartment
2
2

TO BE SOLD VIA THE MODERN METHOD OF AUCTION - STARTING BID £100,000

A well-presented two-bedroom first-floor apartment set within the sought-after Woodlands Mill development. Offering bright open-plan living, modern fittings and character mill charm, the property is ideal for first-time buyers, downsizers or investors. Conveniently located close to transport links, amenities and countryside walks.

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Colin Street, Barnoldswick, Lancashire, BB18Colin Street, Barnoldswick, Lancashire, BB18
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16

Colin Street, Barnoldswick, Lancashire, BB18

Terraced House
2
1
1

Offered to the market ahead of the final finishing touches, this beautifully renovated two-bedroom terraced home presents an exciting opportunity to secure a property before the works are fully complete. Finished to an excellent standard throughout, the property boasts a newly fitted kitchen, freshly decorated interiors, new carpets and a modern shower room, making it an ideal first-time purchase or investment. To the rear is a sunny enclosed patio with two useful storage sheds, providing excellent outdoor space and practical storage.

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Carleton Road, Skipton, UK, BD23Carleton Road, Skipton, UK, BD23
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10

Carleton Road, Skipton, UK, BD23

Apartment
2
1
1

Burnside House is a beautifully presented first-floor apartment forming part of this highly regarded retirement development exclusively for the over 55s. Ideally situated just a short and mostly level walk from Skipton town centre via a convenient pedestrian footpath connecting to Carleton Road, the development offers an excellent balance of independent living and a welcoming community atmosphere. Residents benefit from a range of superb on-site facilities including attractive well-maintained communal gardens, a comfortable residents’ lounge, library area, refreshment facilities, laundrette, and the support of a visiting Manager/Handyman once a week.

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