Skipton Town Hall and Craven Museum
A modern, interactive museum in Skipton Town Hall, offering free entry and engaging exhibits on local history for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Skipton Town Hall and Craven Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern, interactive museum in Skipton Town Hall, offering free entry and engaging exhibits on local history for all ages.
"A super little museum, a lot packed into a small space, really interesting and enjoyable!"
🎯 Free Entry & Donations
Entry is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to support the museum's exhibits and programs. :heart:
👨👩👧👦 Kids' Quizzes Available
Grab free quiz sheets for different age groups to make the visit extra engaging for children. :pencil2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Interactive Exhibits
Engage with history through hands-on displays and quizzes designed for all ages. Fun for kids and adults alike!
Changing Upstairs Exhibit
Discover fresh perspectives with rotating displays that offer new insights into local heritage and culture.
Museum Phone Box
A quirky and unique photo opportunity outside the Town Hall, adding a touch of charm to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
A Gem in Skipton's Heart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry & Donations
Entry is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to support the museum's exhibits and programs. :heart:
👨👩👧👦 Kids' Quizzes Available
Grab free quiz sheets for different age groups to make the visit extra engaging for children. :pencil2:
📍 Near Skipton Castle
Perfectly located for a combined visit with Skipton Castle, offering a full day of exploration. :castle:
📸 Unique Photo Ops
Don't miss the museum phone box outside the Town Hall for a fun photo. :iphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry & Donations
Entry is free, but donations are gratefully accepted to support the museum's exhibits and programs. :heart:
👨👩👧👦 Kids' Quizzes Available
Grab free quiz sheets for different age groups to make the visit extra engaging for children. :pencil2:
📍 Near Skipton Castle
Perfectly located for a combined visit with Skipton Castle, offering a full day of exploration. :castle:
📸 Unique Photo Ops
Don't miss the museum phone box outside the Town Hall for a fun photo. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Craven Museum to be a delightful and surprisingly engaging free attraction in Skipton. Many highlight the modern, interactive exhibits and the fun quizzes for children, making it a hit with families. While some note minor issues like occasional strong smells or differing views on historical timelines, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, praising its value and accessibility.
"Lovely free (donations accepted) museum in Skipton. It looks really modern now to how it looked years ago when I last went. My nieces enjoyed the interactive displays and the free quiz sheets as you enter (different ones for different ages). There's an exhibit upstairs that changes every so often.
There's some old boundary type stones outside the museum, and a museum phone box out front of the town hall that's worth a look.
There's also a gift shop too.
Go visit and have a wander round if you're in Skipton!"
Donna W
"very interesting museum very close to the castle. more interesting than the castle itself 😅 free entry. my children did not want to leave it so much they liked it there. many interesting exhibits."
lasica696
"Small library, but interesting. Some collections are interactive for children"
Qory dr
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Skipton Town Hall, home to the Craven Museum, is centrally located in Skipton. It's easily accessible on foot from the town center and close to public transport links. If driving, there are several car parks nearby, though they can get busy.
Yes, there are several car parks within walking distance of Skipton Town Hall. Some are pay-and-display. Consider parking slightly further out if you're visiting during peak times to avoid congestion.
Skipton Train Station is a short walk from the Town Hall, making it very accessible by train. Local bus services also stop frequently in the town center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Craven Museum is free! While donations are very welcome and help support the museum, there's no mandatory admission fee.
Opening hours can vary, so it's always best to check the official Skipton Town Hall website or their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
No, advance booking is typically not required for general entry to the Craven Museum as it's free. However, for special events, booking might be necessary.
Yes, Craven Museum at Skipton Town Hall is committed to accessibility and inclusivity, with features designed to welcome all visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum showcases Skipton's rich history through interactive exhibits, covering different eras. There's also a regularly changing exhibit upstairs.
Absolutely! Children can enjoy interactive displays and free quiz sheets available for different age groups, making learning fun.
Yes, there is a gift shop at the museum where you can purchase souvenirs and local crafts.
Outside the Town Hall, you'll find a unique 'museum phone box' which serves as a quirky photo opportunity and a point of interest.
Most visitors find 1-2 hours is sufficient to explore the exhibits and enjoy the interactive elements, especially if doing the quizzes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Town Hall itself may not have a dedicated cafe, Skipton town center offers numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants just a short walk away.
It's generally best to consume your own food and drinks outside the museum exhibits to help preserve them. There are often picnic spots nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is usually permitted, but it's always wise to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or certain exhibits.
The interactive displays offer great opportunities for candid shots. Don't forget the unique museum phone box outside for a memorable photo.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The museum's focus on community and inclusivity means it's a welcoming space for everyone. Its location near Skipton Castle also makes it easy to plan a day packed with activities without too much travel time. The changing upstairs exhibit means there's always something new to discover, even if you've visited before.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with exploring Skipton Castle (which has an admission fee) or simply enjoying the town's atmosphere. The museum offers a rich and engaging experience that rivals paid attractions, providing great value for your time and curiosity.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Modern Take on Local History
+1Visitors consistently praise the interactive displays and the free quiz sheets available for children, which make learning enjoyable for all ages. The museum effectively balances historical information with hands-on activities, ensuring that even younger visitors remain captivated. The upstairs exhibit, which changes periodically, adds an element of surprise and encourages repeat visits.
Beyond the exhibits, the museum's location within the Town Hall and its proximity to Skipton Castle make it a perfect addition to a day of sightseeing. The quirky 'museum phone box' outside offers a unique photo opportunity, adding a touch of local character to your visit.
Community and Inclusivity
This ethos translates into a welcoming and inclusive environment for all visitors. The museum actively promotes accessibility and inclusivity in its design and programming, ensuring that everyone can enjoy and learn from its collections. This commitment to community is reflected in the positive feedback from visitors, who often mention the friendly staff and the engaging nature of the exhibits for families. The free entry policy further underscores its role as a community hub, making local history accessible to everyone in Skipton and beyond.
Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, the museum offers a valuable insight into the heritage of the Craven district, presented in a way that is both educational and entertaining. It stands as a testament to how a local museum can achieve national recognition through dedication to its community and innovative presentation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit