Skipton Castle, North Yorkshire

Skipton Castle was first built as a wooden motte and bailey castle in 1090 by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron.

The wooden castle was replaced with a stone keep to enable it withstand attacks from the Scots to the north.

In 1310, Edward II granted the castle to Robert Clifford who ordered many improvements to the fortifications but died in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 before the improvements were complete. During the English Civil War the castle endured a three year siege, a surrender was negotiated in 1645 between Oliver Cromwell and the Royalists. Oliver Cromwell ordered the removal of the castle roofs. Lady Anne Clifford (1590-1676) was the last Clifford to own it. After the three year siege, she ordered repairs and as a commemoration she planted a yew tree in the central courtyard to mark its repair after the English Civil War.
Today Skipton Castle stands as a well preserved medieval castle and still functions as a private residence.

(Photographs courtesy of Trish & Chris Seymour).

Opening Times

Daily 10am (Sunday 12 noon), except for 25 December. Last admission is at 6pm (October - February 4pm).

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Ticket Prices

Adults: £6.50
Children (5-17): £3.90
Children under 5: free
Over 60s and students: £5.90
Family Ticket for two adults and up to 3 children over 5: £20.50

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Disabled Facilities

Please note that there is no wheelchair access to the ancient castle.
Grounds, tearoom & shop accessible over a cobbled surface.

Dogs are allowed within the Castle and grounds but must be kept on a lead.

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More Information

Telephone: 01756 792 442

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