Welcome aboard the best 60 minutes of historic escapism you can find in Skipton. Enjoy a lively canal trip that proves you don't have to let planning or nasty weather get in the way of a good time. Keep your camera ready to capture the picturesque countryside scenery.  Your guide for the canal tour is award-winning comedian Dave Spikey of “Phoenix Nights” and “8 out of 10 Cats” fame. With his characteristic Northern patter, Dave takes you on a whistle-stop tour of Skipton and shares canal history that’s refreshingly different from your average commentary. Above the jokes and laughter, hear points of interest and fascinating stories of how the Leeds and Liverpool Canal delivered the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution through Yorkshire. Food and drink are available onboard too for a fun twist on your lunchtime break.

Climb aboard a luxury canal boat and enjoy a relaxing afternoon cruise. Start your cruise at the wharf, then sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside your window. There is a fully-licensed bar onboard, serving alcoholic and soft drinks, including local beers. During the 2-hour cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool canal, afternoon tea will be served at your table. Savor delicious selection of sandwiches, fruit scones with strawberry jam and cream, and decadent desserts. Enjoy unlimited tea and coffee along with your food.

Take a trip back in time on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway. Your ticket is for passengers travelling standard class in one of our historic carriages, as it is hauled by a beautifully restored steam train. Enjoy a one hour round trip starting at either Embsay Station near Skipton or Bolton Abbey Station, which is one and a half miles from the famous Abbey ruins. Breathe in the evocative smells of a real steam railway, while your eyes and ears thrill to the puffing and hissing of the steam engine. Have your camera ready for some great photo opportunities along the way, including Embsay Crag and the beautiful scenery of the Yorkshire Dales. You may even be fortunate enough to see Deer, Hare and the majestic Red Kite. We have a cafe and gift shop at both stations for you to enjoy. The cafe at Bolton Abbey is larger and serves a wider variety of food and drink. Well behaved dogs are allowed on the trains (not dining carriages), but we request they not be allowed on to the seats. Make more of your day out with a visit to Bolton Abbey with its historic priory and beautiful walks by the river, including the famous 'Strid'. The market town of Skipton is known as the 'Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales' where you can also visit the Castle or join our friends at Skipton Boat Trips for a cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.