Key facts
- Operator
- Fattorini family
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 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 |
One of the most complete medieval castles in England, held by the Fattorini family after centuries of continuous occupation by earlier owners. The rooms are unfurnished, which some visitors find bare, but it leaves the fabric of the building - spiral stairs, thick walls, the conduit court - doing all the talking.
Worth the trip
The conduit court, where a yew tree planted after the castle's Civil War siege still grows in the middle of the stone circle.
Before you go
Ignore your satnav's last-mile directions - reviewers warn it can route you down a narrow lane that's hard to turn around in; aim for parking near the shops and cafes instead, and note the shop is pitched mainly at children.
Reviewers consistently praise the friendly, welcoming staff at Skipton Castle and describe it as good value, with most spending around one to two hours exploring. Several mention plenty of steps and some narrow, uneven, dark sections, noting it may not suit visitors unsteady on their feet. The clean toilets and well-stocked gift shop are also mentioned positively more than once.
One of England's best-preserved medieval castles
“Had a lovely trip into Skipton when staying at a nearby Shepherd's hut. Decided to visit the castle while there.”— Kellie Cockcroft, visitor review
