Skipton Town Hall

Skipton Town Hall stands on the High Street of Skipton, North Yorkshire, in the heart of the market town often called the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. It is a Grade II listed building, and today it works as a small cultural hub: it houses the Craven Museum & Gallery, a Concert Hall with its own events and performance programme, and the Skipton Tourist Information Centre.

What is Skipton Town Hall?

Despite the name, the building did not begin life as a council chamber. It dates from the early 1860s, and sources give either 1862 or 1863 for its completion. It was originally put up as a function and reading room on the site of the former vicarage belonging to Holy Trinity Church, and the builder is recorded as a Mr Jee of Liverpool. In other words, it started as a place for public gatherings and reading, not for local government.

How did it become a town hall?

In 1875-78 the architects Lockwood and Mawson reworked the building and gave the Concert Hall a more impressive interior. The hall passed into public hands in 1895, when it was sold by the Skipton Building Company to the newly formed Skipton Urban District Council. From that point it served as the town hall, a role that gave it its present name.

What can you see inside?

The main reason to step inside is the Craven Museum & Gallery. The museum grew out of an initiative by the Craven Naturalists and Scientific Association, which appointed a committee in 1927 to create a local museum. It opened on 7 July 1928 and later found its home in the Town Hall. The collections tell the story of the Craven district, the area of the southern Yorkshire Dales around Skipton, and the gallery space hosts changing displays.

The Concert Hall is still used for performances and community events, so the building is not only a museum but also a living venue. The programme changes through the year, so it is worth checking what is on before you go.

Is there tourist information?

Yes. The Skipton Tourist Information Centre is located in the building, which makes the Town Hall a practical first stop. You can ask about walks, local sights and events in the town and the surrounding Dales, then browse the museum on the same visit.

Where is it and how do you find it?

The Town Hall is on the High Street, the main thoroughfare of Skipton, which is lined with shops, cafes and historic buildings. It is easy to combine with a walk through the town centre. Skipton Castle, one of the best known sights in the town, lies at the top of the High Street, so a visit here fits naturally into a short walking route.

Frequently asked questions

Is Skipton Town Hall worth visiting? Yes, if you like local history and want a quick, compact stop. The museum, the historic hall and the information centre are all in one place on the High Street.

What is inside the building? The Craven Museum & Gallery, a Concert Hall with a events programme, and the Skipton Tourist Information Centre.

Is the building listed? Yes, it has Grade II listed status.

When was it built? In the early 1860s; sources differ between 1862 and 1863. It became the town hall in 1895.