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5-star hotels in Skipton
A shortlist of every 5-star property we cover in and around Skipton, from canal-side rooms on Chapel Hill to lodges and cottages in Gargrave, Cowling, Arncliffe, Starbotton and Kettlewell — for travellers who want the top class and don't mind being a short drive from the market town.
Staying in Skipton
Skipton is the last proper town before the southern Dales, and it still works as a town: a broad market High Street that was built for livestock, an intact medieval castle at the top of it, and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at the bottom. Market stalls run down both sides of the street on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and Stanforth's pork pie shop on Mill Bridge sells out by mid-afternoon. It is the practical gateway to Malham, Bolton Abbey, Grassington and Wharfedale, and the station puts Leeds about 45 minutes away and Settle 25.
These 5-star addresses sit mostly outside the town centre rather than on it: The Curious Fox on Chapel Hill and Chinthurst B&B Guest house on Otley Road are the closest to Skipton itself, while Lock View, Wren Lodge and Otter Lodge are at Gargrave, Meadow Cottage at Cowling, Croft Cottage at Arncliffe, Hilltop Barn at Starbotton and Prospect House at Kettlewell. The rest — Hayton Way, Ash Grove, River View Cottage and Dick 'N' Liddy's, Honey Cottage — are self-catering houses with kitchens and gardens. That mix suits couples on a short break, families who want space and a washing machine, and anyone driving who wants a base for walking rather than a room above a bar.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
Lock View
5 Lock View Gargrave, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Pool and spa
- Sauna
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereA 5-star cottage at 5 Lock View Gargrave with a rare 5.0 guest rating from 3 reviews. The private jacuzzi and sauna make it a standout for couples or small groups who want to unwind after days on the surrounding golf course or fishing spots. A fireplace, full kitchen and dishwasher suit longer self-catering stays, and the garden, free car parking and pet-friendly policy keep the whole trip easy.
See Lock ViewThe Curious Fox
Chapel Hill, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereSet on Chapel Hill, The Curious Fox pairs a 5-star guest house setting with an on-site restaurant and bar, so dinner and a nightcap need no planning. Free wifi and free car parking cover the practical side, while the terrace and garden-facing grounds give you somewhere to sit outdoors.
See The Curious FoxMeadow Cottage
Beaushaw Well Farm Cowling, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereMeadow Cottage at Beaushaw Well Farm Cowling is a 5-star countryside base built for families and self-caterers. The kitchen with oven and refrigerator, washing machine and high chairs let you settle in for a proper stay, and the garden gives children space to run. Free car parking, non-smoking rooms and a TV in the cottage round it off for anyone touring the Skipton area by car.
See Meadow CottageChinthurst B&B Guest house
Otley Road, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
Why stay hereChinthurst B&B Guest house on Otley Road keeps things simple: a 5-star guest house with a bar on site, free internet access in the lounge and a free newspaper each day. Hairdryer and iron and board are provided, so light packing works well. Non-smoking rooms throughout and free car parking suit couples or solo travellers who want a quiet, well-run base for exploring Skipton.
See Chinthurst B&B Guest houseCroft Cottage
Croft Cottage Arncliffe, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereCroft Cottage in Arncliffe is a 5-star stone cottage for guests who want fishing and walking on the doorstep. A fireplace, fitted kitchen with oven, microwave and dishwasher, plus a washing machine, make longer stays comfortable, while the garden offers outdoor space. Non-smoking rooms and parking complete the setup for couples or small families holidaying in the dales.
See Croft CottageWren Lodge
Milton Park Marton Road Gargrave, Skipton, United Kingdom
- Kitchen
Why stay hereWren Lodge at Milton Park, Marton Road in Gargrave is a 5-star lodge aimed at self-catering groups. The kitchen includes a dishwasher, microwave, oven and toaster, and there is a washing machine and high chairs for young children. A garden, fishing nearby and non-smoking rooms make it a practical pick for families or friends who want space and a settle-in feel rather than a hotel routine.
See Wren LodgeOtter Lodge
Milton Park Marton Road Gargrave, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
Why stay hereOtter Lodge shares the Milton Park, Marton Road setting in Gargrave and adds a golf course to its 5-star offering, alongside fishing. The kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and oven plus a washing machine handles longer self-catering stays, and the garden is somewhere to relax afterwards. Free car parking, non-smoking rooms and a TV suit couples or friends touring the area by car.
See Otter LodgeHayton Way
31 Hayton Way, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereHayton Way, 31 Hayton Way in Skipton, is a 5-star house with free wifi, a garage and free car parking, useful for guests arriving with a vehicle. The kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine, plus towels and a garden, make it feel like a home rather than a stopover. Pets are allowed and rooms are non-smoking, so it works for families or pet owners staying a few nights.
See Hayton WayHilltop Barn
Hilltop Barn Starbotton, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereHilltop Barn at Starbotton is a 5-star barn conversion with free wifi, a garage and free car parking. The kitchen with dishwasher, a washing machine, cot and garden cater to families who want to self-cater, and pets are welcome. Non-smoking rooms, towels and a TV keep the essentials covered for guests touring the Skipton countryside with their own transport.
See Hilltop BarnAsh Grove
Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereAsh Grove in Skipton is a 5-star property with free wifi, a garage and free car parking. Inside there is a fireplace, a kitchen with dishwasher and a washing machine, plus a cot for families travelling with a baby. The garden gives outdoor space, pets are allowed and rooms are non-smoking, making it a good fit for households wanting a relaxed, self-contained stay.
See Ash GroveDick 'N' Liddy's
32 Church Streetgargrave, Gargrave, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
Why stay hereDick 'N' Liddy's on 32 Church Street in Gargrave combines 5-star comfort with a fireplace, kitchen and dishwasher for self-catering guests. Free wifi, a garden and towels are provided, and pets are allowed, which helps if you travel with a dog. Non-smoking rooms and parking keep the stay straightforward for couples or small groups exploring the area.
See Dick 'N' Liddy'sHoney Cottage
Honey Cottage_X000d_18 Beckside_X000d_Calrton In Craven_X000d_, Gargrave, United Kingdom
Best for: Travelling with pets
- Pets allowed
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereHoney Cottage on Beckside in Carlton in Craven is a 5-star cottage with a fireplace, fishing and a garden. The kitchen with dishwasher and washing machine covers longer stays, and free wifi keeps you connected. Pets are allowed and rooms are non-smoking, suiting couples or families who want a quiet village base and their own cooking and laundry arrangements.
See Honey CottageRiver View Cottage
Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereRiver View Cottage in Skipton is a 5-star cottage whose riverside setting is the draw, with a fireplace and kitchen including a dishwasher and washing machine for self-catering. Free wifi and towels are provided, and rooms are non-smoking. Parking is available, so it works well for couples or small families who want a waterside base and the freedom to cook and do laundry during their stay.
See River View CottageProspect House
Far Lane_X000d_Kettlewell_X000d_, Skipton, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereProspect House at Far Lane, Kettlewell is a 5-star house with free wifi, a garage and free car parking. A fireplace, kitchen with dishwasher, washing machine and garden make it comfortable for longer stays, while towels and a TV cover the essentials. Non-smoking rooms and a quiet village location suit couples or families exploring the surrounding countryside by car.
See Prospect House
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lock View | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| The Curious Fox | ★★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Meadow Cottage | ★★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Chinthurst B&B Guest house | ★★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Croft Cottage | ★★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Wren Lodge | ★★★★★ | – | – |
| Otter Lodge | ★★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Hayton Way | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Hilltop Barn | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Ash Grove | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Dick 'N' Liddy's | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes |
| Honey Cottage | ★★★★★ | – | Yes |
| River View Cottage | ★★★★★ | Yes | – |
| Prospect House | ★★★★★ | Yes | – |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For families
Houses with kitchens and gardens do the heavy lifting here. Lock View adds a Jacuzzi and sauna, Meadow Cottage and Wren Lodge provide high chairs, and Hilltop Barn, Ash Grove and Prospect House each have a cot, a dishwasher and a garden. Space to spread out, parking for the car, and no restaurant timetable to hit.
Lock View · Meadow Cottage · Hayton Way · Hilltop Barn · Ash Grove · Prospect House
For couples
The Curious Fox has a bar, a restaurant and a terrace on Chapel Hill, and Chinthurst B&B Guest house on Otley Road keeps things simple with free parking and a lounge. River View Cottage puts the river in the name, and Honey Cottage in Carlton in Craven pairs a fireplace with a garden.
The Curious Fox · Chinthurst B&B Guest house · River View Cottage · Honey Cottage
For pets
All are non smoking rooms, so the garden matters.
Lock View · Hayton Way · Hilltop Barn · Ash Grove · Dick 'N' Liddy's · Honey Cottage
For walkers and fishing
Fishing appears at Lock View, Croft Cottage, Wren Lodge, Otter Lodge and Honey Cottage, and several are set in the villages rather than the town — Gargrave, Arncliffe, Carlton in Craven. Croft Cottage and Wren Lodge also have dishwashers and full kitchens, which matters when the nearest pub is a drive away.
Lock View · Croft Cottage · Wren Lodge · Otter Lodge · Honey Cottage
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Skipton station is a ten-minute walk from the High Street. Northern and electric services run to Leeds in 45 minutes, roughly four an hour at peak, and to Bradford Forster Square in 40. The Leeds–Settle–Carlisle line calls here, putting Settle 25 minutes away and Carlisle around 2h15. Leeds Bradford Airport is a 40-minute drive; Manchester Airport is about 1h50 by train via Leeds. Buses from the bus station on Keighley Road serve Grassington (72), Malham in season, and Bolton Abbey. For Malham Cove and upper Wharfedale a car saves hours.
When to go
The market decides a lot of it: stalls line the High Street on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from about 9am to 4pm, with Saturday the biggest and most crowded and parking gone by 9.30am. Tuesdays and Thursdays the street is empty and the town feels noticeably quieter, which some people prefer. In general terms, spring and early autumn give the best walking, and the Leeds–Settle–Carlisle ride is worth checking against the timetable whenever you come, as there are only a handful of services a day.
Things to do near Skipton
- Car-Free in the Yorkshire Dales: Skipton, Settle and the October Rail-Bus Links
- New Year's Eve in the Yorkshire Dales: Grassington, Skipton and Where to Actually Sleep
- Romantic Stays in Skipton: A Couples' Guide to the Yorkshire Dales in 2026
- Skipton for Couples: Where to Stay, Eat and Wander in October 2026
- Skipton in October: Markets, Dales Walks and the Best Bases for Couples
- Skipton with Kids: A Practical Base for a Family Break in North Yorkshire
- Where to stay in Skipton: the Dales gateway base, honestly assessed
- Day trip to Skipton from North Yorkshire
Questions, answered
Do these hotels have parking?
Most do. Lock View, The Curious Fox, Meadow Cottage, Chinthurst B&B Guest house, Otter Lodge, Hayton Way, Hilltop Barn, Ash Grove and Prospect House all list free car parking. Croft Cottage, Wren Lodge, Dick 'N' Liddy's and River View Cottage list parking; Honey Cottage lists parking but not free car parking, so check before you book.
Are pets allowed?
Lock View, Hayton Way, Hilltop Barn, Ash Grove, Dick 'N' Liddy's and Honey Cottage all state pets allowed. The remaining properties on this list do not list pets, and every one of them is non smoking rooms, so plan around the garden where one is provided.
Which is best for families?
Meadow Cottage and Wren Lodge provide high chairs, and Hilltop Barn, Ash Grove and Prospect House each have a cot. Add a kitchen, a dishwasher and a garden and you have a workable self-catering base. Lock View goes further with a Jacuzzi and sauna, though it sleeps a group rather than a small family.
Is there a pool or a spa?
No property on this list lists a pool. Lock View lists a Jacuzzi and a sauna, and that is as close as it gets. For a pool you would need to look outside the properties we cover here.
Where can I get breakfast?
The Curious Fox lists a restaurant and bars, and Chinthurst B&B Guest house is the other address with a breakfast-friendly setup, offering a free newspaper and free internet access in the lounge. Everything else on this list is self-catering with a kitchen or kitchen facilities, so you provide your own.
Which is closest to the centre of Skipton?
The Curious Fox on Chapel Hill and Chinthurst B&B Guest house on Otley Road are both addressed in Skipton itself. Hayton Way, Ash Grove and River View Cottage are also Skipton addresses. The Gargrave, Cowling, Arncliffe, Starbotton and Kettlewell properties are village addresses and need a car.
Which is the top-rated pick?
Lock View in Gargrave carries a guest rating of 5.0 out of 5 from 3 reviews, the only property on this list with a guest rating in the data. It is a 5-star house with a Jacuzzi, sauna, fireplace, garden, fishing and free car parking, and it allows pets.
Can I stay here without a car?
Skipton station is a ten-minute walk from the High Street and trains reach Leeds in 45 minutes and Settle in 25, so the Skipton addresses work on foot and by rail. For the village properties — Gargrave, Cowling, Arncliffe, Starbotton, Kettlewell — the site notes that for Malham Cove and upper Wharfedale a car saves hours.