I find it incredible that Skipton Castle was built 900 years ago, so strong, so magnificent that it's still standing today. It's described as one of the most complete, best preserved medieval castles in England, but that doesn't do it justice. It's not just maintained, it feels loved and cherished. Friendly guides welcome visitors, and have that unusual gift of being able to judge which visitors might value a few anecdotes and which would rather be left alone.
The castle stands proudly at the entrance to Skipton. Walking through the imposing main gate set between defensive towers, you immediately have the sense of entering a safe haven. I
The castle stands proudly at the entrance to Skipton. Walking through the imposing main gate set between defensive towers, you immediately have the sense of entering a safe haven. I
t's quite easy to imagine how Skipton Castle stood strong during the Civil War, under siege for three years until 1645. It's said that sheep fleeces were hung over the walls to lesson the impact of the bombardment.
Much has been written about the role Lady Anne Clifford played in the Castle's history. She was responsible for repairing the castle after the Civil War and then planted the yew tree in the courtyard which you can still see.
Skipton Castle is a picture-perfect replica of the castles in any child's traditional story book.
If you're looking for a family outing that's guaranteed to get children off their phones and fill their imagination with stories of the past, this is the place.
Much has been written about the role Lady Anne Clifford played in the Castle's history. She was responsible for repairing the castle after the Civil War and then planted the yew tree in the courtyard which you can still see.
Skipton Castle is a picture-perfect replica of the castles in any child's traditional story book.
If you're looking for a family outing that's guaranteed to get children off their phones and fill their imagination with stories of the past, this is the place.
The castle grounds are very well-kept. Overseas visitors no doubt exclaim in pleasure to see the beautifully maintained lawns, complete with careful stripes. I particularly love the varied textures and patterns side by side of the different styles of cobbles, tree roots, huge stones in the castle towers.
Out-buildings close to the former chapel are the only area that still look in need of some renovation. But that's a good thing: there's real beauty in the mix of stones and styles, the higgledy-piggledy doors and windows, the marks on the wall that show how the buildings have changed over time.
It's hard for owners of historic buildings to offer the right balance of information and guidance, without over-facing visitors. At Skipton Castle, they've got it exactly right.
There's a general direction of the visit, but it's free flow enough to enable children to play hide and seek and run ahead while their parents read the short pieces of information in each room or base their visit on the illustrated tour sheet which has short anecdotes and facts about each area of the Castle.
Out-buildings close to the former chapel are the only area that still look in need of some renovation. But that's a good thing: there's real beauty in the mix of stones and styles, the higgledy-piggledy doors and windows, the marks on the wall that show how the buildings have changed over time.
It's hard for owners of historic buildings to offer the right balance of information and guidance, without over-facing visitors. At Skipton Castle, they've got it exactly right.
There's a general direction of the visit, but it's free flow enough to enable children to play hide and seek and run ahead while their parents read the short pieces of information in each room or base their visit on the illustrated tour sheet which has short anecdotes and facts about each area of the Castle.
One of the lovely things about Skipton Castle is that even though its walls and towers are huge and dramatic, the inside actually feels almost like a domestic building. There are enough details within the rooms to immediately see their purpose, whether it's the fireplaces, or the area where beer was stored, or meat cured.
Every room is in a state of excellent repair, with whitewashed walls so it's easy to see the historic details and architecture. It's been years since I last visited and today felt like going back to see an old friend, a little older but just as valued. I couldn't help reaching out to feel some of the door hinges, coats of arms on the drains, and dressed stones and they felt strangely familiar. I don't think it was because I'd touched them so often before, but rather the shared tactile memory of hundreds of people reaching out over the years and doing exactly the same. Some will find that weird. I think it's comforting.
Every room is in a state of excellent repair, with whitewashed walls so it's easy to see the historic details and architecture. It's been years since I last visited and today felt like going back to see an old friend, a little older but just as valued. I couldn't help reaching out to feel some of the door hinges, coats of arms on the drains, and dressed stones and they felt strangely familiar. I don't think it was because I'd touched them so often before, but rather the shared tactile memory of hundreds of people reaching out over the years and doing exactly the same. Some will find that weird. I think it's comforting.
There are enough rooms open at Skipton for children (and adults) to feel they're on a real adventure, wandering from one room and level to another, sometimes down narrow corridors or up and down uneven steps, shaped by countless feet over time.
There are shrieks of delight as children spot the 'long drop' and realise that was the toilet. And some realise the meaning of "getting the wrong end of the stick" - when you pick up the stick covered in moss on one end which was the fore-runner of recycled toilet paper...
The dungeon isn't as dank or miserable as many might hope but it's still a pretty foreboding spot.
It's fun to look through the 'squints' and image firing at invaders, just as it's easy to conjure up visions of the huge feasts once held in the grander rooms - artists impressions on the walls help fire the imagination.
There are shrieks of delight as children spot the 'long drop' and realise that was the toilet. And some realise the meaning of "getting the wrong end of the stick" - when you pick up the stick covered in moss on one end which was the fore-runner of recycled toilet paper...
The dungeon isn't as dank or miserable as many might hope but it's still a pretty foreboding spot.
It's fun to look through the 'squints' and image firing at invaders, just as it's easy to conjure up visions of the huge feasts once held in the grander rooms - artists impressions on the walls help fire the imagination.
Even the gift shop is well-done, a really good combination of the predictable and traditional gifts you'll find in many similar shops, together with some interesting and more original castle-related merchandise and historical information.
I've spent many many years working in tourism, visiting castles and houses through-out the country, working with Historic Royal Palaces, English Heritage and the like so I'm afraid I'm become a bit immune to some historic buildings. Skipton Castle reminded me why I love to see the patina of age in buildings, the layers of stories hidden in their ancient fabric. The current owners, the Fattorini family bought the Castle in the 1950s, reputedly saving it from becoming a theme park. It's clearly been a labour of love to preserve and maintain it.
They also recognise that not everyone loves wandering around empty historic rooms, so have an excellent programme of events when the Castle comes alive to the sounds and sights of costumed historical recreations when you can learn about life during the English Civil War, and in medieval times. The only thing that you might find a little off-putting is their website, but when you've got a 900 year history, I don't suppose websites seem that crucial!
I've spent many many years working in tourism, visiting castles and houses through-out the country, working with Historic Royal Palaces, English Heritage and the like so I'm afraid I'm become a bit immune to some historic buildings. Skipton Castle reminded me why I love to see the patina of age in buildings, the layers of stories hidden in their ancient fabric. The current owners, the Fattorini family bought the Castle in the 1950s, reputedly saving it from becoming a theme park. It's clearly been a labour of love to preserve and maintain it.
They also recognise that not everyone loves wandering around empty historic rooms, so have an excellent programme of events when the Castle comes alive to the sounds and sights of costumed historical recreations when you can learn about life during the English Civil War, and in medieval times. The only thing that you might find a little off-putting is their website, but when you've got a 900 year history, I don't suppose websites seem that crucial!
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