A sprawling network of canals, hearty local pubs, and the Yorkshire Dales right on the doorstep are just a few things associated with Skipton.
With this in mind, it’s little wonder that the North Yorkshire town was named the happiest place to live in Britain.
Analysing more than 200 locations, Rightmove’s latest Happy at Home study asked locals what they love (and equally, don’t) about their community, including factors like how friendly their neighbours are, what the job opportunities are like, and the access they have to green spaces.
Based right in the depths of Yorkshire and the Humber, the data finds that, in Skipton’s case, the locals here have a strong sense of belonging and wellbeing, and, importantly, that access to green spaces can equally shape our happiness levels.
On average, the data found that those who live closer to a national park or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are happier than those who live in a concrete jungle – and Skipton locals are lucky enough to have both: the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale National Landscape.
More broadly, the research finds that happiness with an area grows with age. Those aged between 18 and 24 were the least likely of any age group to feel happy in their surroundings, while residents aged 65 and over were the most likely to be completely content with their digs.
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So, why are Skiptonians so happy? And how can we get a slice of that magic for ourselves?
‘Combining 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 immediate access to The Dales and a beautiful setting amidst some of the region’s finest countryside, and only a little more than an hour from the Lake District.’
Things to do in Skipton
Skipton is known as the ‘Gateway to the Dales,’ as it’s located just south of the National Park, and is the closest and largest market town to most of the Yorkshire Dales.
Back in 2008, Skipton was named the best high street in Britain by the Academy of Urbanism. Thanks to its community spirit, quiet charm, independent retailers and lack of modern development, its cobbled high street scored higher than London’s Portobello Road.
Perhaps Skipton’s biggest attraction is its castle, which sits at the top of the high street. It’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in England, built in 1090. During the Civil War, it even withstood a three-year siege.
For £12.80, step back in time and explore almost every inch of the estate.
From the banqueting hall, kitchen, bedchamber and privy, you can also climb from the depths of the dungeon to the watch tower.
Finally, before heading deeper into the Yorkshire Dales, grab a bite to eat at the Cock & Bottle, a traditional pub with a stone fireplace and wood-beamed ceiling. Everything on their menu is made in-house from locally sourced suppliers. Seriously, even the crisps are made in Yorkshire.
How to get to Skipton
If you’re driving from London, the journey to Skipton takes just under five hours. For those taking the train, the journey time is a little less, averaging between 3 hours and 3 hours and 45 minutes.
Prices also vary depending on how far in advance you book. But roughly, for a one-way ticket with a change at Leeds, expect to pay between £29 and about £130.
Housing in Skipton
According to Rightmove’s figures, the average house in Skipton will set you back £288,353 – which is actually under the current national average (£371,042, if we’re talking new seller asking prices).
When it comes to renting, the going rate is currently £1,038, which is still, arguably, a pretty penny.
The happiest places to live in Great Britain, according to Rightmove
- Skipton, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Richmond-upon-Thames, Greater London
- Camden, Greater London
- Harrogate, Yorkshire and the Humber
- Woodbridge, East of England
- Altrincham, North West
- Macclesfield, North West
- Stirling, Scotland
- Cirencester, South West
- Hexham, North East.
What locals are saying about Skipton
Posting over on 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.’
‘Utterly gorgeous little town, one of my favourite parts of the country,’ @ibnQoheleth added, noting that there’s ‘plenty to do in terms of walking, too — Bolton Abbey is nearby and the walk through Strid Woods is lovely.’
@Choice-Demand-3884 says it’s a ‘lovely little town in a perfect location; Dales one way, cities the other.’
‘Back in the 80s, it had a rep for being a bit rough for a night out, which seems incredible now,’ they added, while @No_Summer_1838 said: ‘The thing with Skipton is you don’t actually need to travel to get outside. Along the canal, the woods, and the moors are all on your doorstep.’
This article was first published on December 8, 2025.
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