Skipton has a lot to offer: a vast network of canals, solid local pubs and of course the Yorkshire Dales right on your doorstep.
It’s no wonder it has been voted the happiest place to live in Britain, based on data analyzing more than 200 locations.
Rightmoves The Happy at Home survey asked locals what they like (and don’t like) about their community, including factors such as how friendly their neighbors are, what the job opportunities are like and the access they have to green spaces.
The data, located in the depths of Yorkshire and the Humber, shows that, in the case of Skipton, locals here have a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing, and, importantly, that access to green spaces can equally influence our levels of happiness.
The data showed, on average, that those who live closer to a national park or an Area of Outstanding Beauty are happier than those who live in a concrete jungle – and Skipton residents are lucky to have both: the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Nidderdale National Landscape.
More generally, the research shows that happiness with a particular area increases with age. Those between the ages of 18 and 24 were the least likely of all age groups to feel happy in their environment, while residents aged 65 and over were the most likely to be completely satisfied with their digs.
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Why are Skiptonians so happy? And how can we get a piece of that magic for ourselves?
“The combination of community, countryside and communication – Skipton has it all,” says Patrick McCutcheon, head of residential at Dacre Son & Hartley in Yorkshire.
‘A highly desirable living environment with direct access to The Dales and beautiful surroundings amid some of the region’s most beautiful scenery, and only just over an hour from the Lake District.’
Things to do in Skipton
Skipton is known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’ as it lies just south of the National Park and is the nearest and largest market town to most of the Yorkshire Dales.
In 2008, Skipton was named Britain’s best shopping street by the Academy of Urbanism. Thanks to its community spirit, quiet charm, independent retailers and lack of modern developments, the cobbled high street scored above average Portobello Road in London.
Perhaps Skipton’s biggest attraction is the castle, which sits at the top of the main street. It is one of the best preserved medieval castles in England, built in 1090. During the Civil War it even withstood a three-year siege.
For £12.40 (or cheaper if you book online) you can step back in time and explore almost every inch of the estate.
From the banquet hall, kitchen, bedroom and private room you can also climb to the watchtower from the depths of the dungeon.
Finally, before heading deeper into the Yorkshire Dales, grab a bite to eat in the Cock & Bottle, a traditional pub with a stone fireplace and beamed ceiling. Everything on their menu is made in-house from local suppliers. Seriously, even the chips are made in Yorkshire.
How do you get to Skipton?
If you drive from London, the journey to Skipton takes just under five hours. For those who take the train, the journey time is slightly shorter, averaging between 3 hours and 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Prices also vary depending on how far in advance you book. But for a one-way ticket with a change in Leeds you will have to pay roughly between £36 and £55.
Housing in Skipton
According to figures from Rightmove, the average house in Skipton costs £326,093 – which is significantly higher than the national average (Zoopla currently places this at £270,000).
When it comes to renting, the going rate is currently £1,038, which is still a pretty penny.
The happiest places to live in Britain according to Rightmove
- Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Richmond-upon-Thames, Greater London
- Camden, Greater London
- Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Woodbridge, East England
- Altrincham, North West
- Macclesfield, North West
- Stirling, Scotland
- Cirencester, South West
- Hexham, North East.
What the locals say about Skipton
Post to the r/Yorkshire Subreddit@Upbeat-Excitement-46 described Skipton as ‘lively’, with ‘lots of bars and pubs, as well as independent businesses in the Craven Court shopping centre.’
“An utterly beautiful town, one of my favorite parts of the country,” @ibnQoheleth added, noting that there’s “plenty to do in terms of walking too – Bolton Abbey is close by and the Strid Woods walk is beautiful.”
@Choice-question-3884 says it is a ‘beautiful town in a perfect location’; Valleys on one side, cities on the other.’
“In the 80s it had a reputation for being a bit rough on a night out, which now seems unbelievable,” they added, while @No_Summer_1838 said: ‘The thing about Skipton is you don’t really have to travel to get out. Along the canal, the forest and the heath are all on your doorstep.’
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