Skipton

Skipton is a market town in North Yorkshire, England, situated on the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. Streets are lined with stone buildings housing independent shops, cafes and workshops, while the medieval castle towers above the town center.

The castle was built in 1090 by Robert de Romille as a Norman fortress and played an important role during the English Civil War in the 17th century. The town grew during the medieval period as an important trading center for wool and textiles from the surrounding region.

The name comes from Old English words meaning sheep-town, reflecting centuries of tradition as a trading center for wool. Today this history shows in the stone buildings along the main street, where the traditional market runs four days a week offering local produce and crafts.

The railway station offers regular direct connections to Leeds, Bradford and London, making it easy to reach from larger cities. The center is compact and easy to explore on foot, with most points of interest close together.

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal running through town is the longest man-made waterway in Britain at 127 miles (204 kilometers). Along its banks today stand restored warehouses converted into apartments and small businesses.