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

In the 12th century William le Gros strengthened it with a stone keep to repel attacks from the Kingdom of Scotland to the north,[12] the castle elevated Skipton from a poor dependent village to a burgh administered by a reeve.

The protection offered by Skipton Castle during the Middle Ages encouraged the urbanisation of the surrounding area, and during times of war and disorder the town attracted an influx of families.

During the 20th century Skipton's economy shifted to tourism, aided by its historic architecture and proximity to the Yorkshire Dales.

In 2007, proposals to make North Yorkshire County Council a unitary authority, removing the layer of government represented by Craven District, were rejected.

Skipton has its own town council consisting of 16 councillors, formed by 4 members from each of the four wards within the parish boundaries, North, East, South and West.

As Skipton is the nearest and largest town to a significant area of the Dales, it attracts numerous visitors, particularly on market days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday).

[19] Owing to the town's many independent shops and national chains, Skipton has received praise for its enduring individuality and character.

[4] Additionally, the town was twice listed in the UK's top ten happiest places to live in Rightmove's 'Happy at Home Index' in 2020 and 2023.

The event takes place on the high street and features a petting zoo, educational shows and a variety of food and drink stalls.

The gala begins with a procession through the town centre featuring decorated floats, a marching band and classic cars.

The procession ends in Aireville Park with live music performances, a firework display and a variety of stalls.

The event features entertainment, live music, a brass band, funfair and the switch-on of the town's Christmas lights.

The free show sees hundreds of classic, vintage rare and exotic vehicles exhibited on the town's closed high street.

[26] Skipton Town Hall holds craft fairs and special events and houses the Craven Museum & Gallery as well as a tourist information centre.

The organisation also operates a small shop, on Otley Street, selling works from local artists.

[35] Skipton has a hospitality sector, with around 85 public houses, cafés, coffee shops, bars and restaurants.

These establishments serve a wide range of food and drink in various settings, from restaurants specialising in world cuisines to traditional Yorkshire pubs.

[47] Skipton lies close to the junction of the A65 road (from Leeds to the Lake District) and the A59 (from York to Liverpool).

The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through Skipton and is a popular destination for tourists, with walking and boat hire.

[51] The Coulthurst Craven Sports Centre is adjacent to the rugby club, with facilities including all-weather football pitches and squash courts.

[58] Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill's personal physician during the Second World War, Charles Wilson, the first Baron Moran, was born in Skipton in 1882.