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UK / Yorkshire and the Humber / North Yorkshire

Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1AW

Castle jewel of the North & Guardian of the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales for over 900 years, Skipton Castle is one of the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England.

Fully roofed it is a fascinating and delightful place for all to explore whatever the weather. The Castle stands at the head of the bustling award winning High Street of this unspoilt market town. Facing the gatehouse there is a large tower, originally the watchtower – the most important feature of the castle’s defences. To its left is the present entrance to the inner core of the stronghold. For family events and medieval re-enactments see our events pages below or visit the website.

Self-guide tour sheets are available in 10 languages. There is a shop within the castle grounds selling souvenirs and refreshments. The shop specialises in books relating to the castle's history and also has an attractive choice of prints, cards, souvenirs and gifts.

Visit Website

Opening Times

Open daily from 10am. Last admissions 17.00 (Oct - March 16.00)

Closed 23-25 December.

Prices

Adults

£12.00

Child (5-17)

£8.00

Under 3's

FREE

Over 65's

£11.00

Family ticket (x2 adults & up to 3 children over 5)

£39.00 (saves up to £9.00)

Guides are available for pre-booked parties at no extra cost (reduced rate of £11.00 per head for adult parties of 15 or more).

 

Please note that there is no wheelchair access to the ancient castle ~ grounds, tearoom & shop accessible over a cobbled surface. Full access details here

 

Dogs are allowed on a short lead within the Castle. The only exceptions are the Tearoom & Shop. Please make sure you clean up if there are any accidents and please make sure they do not pee inside the Castle or on the grass. Dogs are also allowed within Skipton Castle Woods but please keep them on a lead

Facilities

Baby Changing

Café

Car Parking

Dog Friendly

Picnic Site

Toilets

Other things to do nearby

12th - 15th Jun

Annual Diesel Gala at North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Join us for four fantastic days celebrating the sights, sounds and sheer power of heritage diesel locomotives, all set against the breath-taking backdrop of the North York Moors National Park.

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3rd - 4th May

Meet Paddington™ at North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Join us on Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th May at Pickering Station, where the beloved Paddington™ will be making special appearances throughout the day.

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27th Sep

Theakstons Beer Festival and Harvest Festival at Ripon Races

On this day we are supporting Ripon Community House with our Harvest Festival Initiative.

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26th Aug

Afternoon Racing at Ripon Races

This is a perfect day out for all the family and as always we welcome junior racegoers, with FREE admission for accompanied under 18′s.

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25th Aug

Bank Holiday Family Day at Ripon Races

Not only do we have our final family fun day of the season, on our Bank Holiday showdown on Monday 25th August we look forward to our only listed race of the season.

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16th Aug

William Hill Great St Wilfrid at Ripon Races

Our most valuable race day of the season on Saturday 16th August which last year had over £144,000 of prize money on offer including a total pot of £75,000 for our feature race.

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19th Jul

Go Racing in Yorkshire Festival at Ripon Races

Go Racing in Yorkshire Summer Festival – Afternoon meeting.

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7th Jul

Evening Racing at Ripon Races

2025 we will again offer reduced price entry to our evening meetings.

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4th Aug

Teddy Bear’s Picnic at Ripon Races

Teddy Bear’s Picnic & Afternoon Racing.

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