Eda at Skipton Castle

We’ve had a super day out.
Just one post breakfast activity before heading out - a Shark’s Head hand puppet!

Eda didn’t think she’d been to a castle before and Skipton, at over 900 years old, is one of the most complete and best preserved castles in England. Held by the Clifford family, of Norman origin, most notably George Earl of Cumberland and Lord of Skipton and Lady Anne Clifford his daughter.

To the right in the main picture is the area of the castle that remains private and is still lived in. The rest, behind Eda, is open to look around, it’s been a while since I was there and was surprised just how much there is to see. The most memorable bit I suppose is the inner Conduit courtyard where a full size tree grows (bottom left) but Eda got a bit frustrated with the one way system that prevented us from getting there straight away. It is a Yew tree planted by Lady Anne Clifford in 1659.

Some bits scared her slightly but she was interested in the arrow slit windows used by the archers and completely bemused by the garderobe or long drop (privy) off the kitchen high above the stream below. ( Middle bottom picture - we also saw it from below on the Skipton Woods walk which passes under the back of the castle.)

Bottom right - we had a coffee at the cafe when we arrived and Eda enjoyed one of her GF caterpillar cookies made yesterday with Boppa.

After looking around we found the picnic area and had our lunch before going down to Skipton Woods. Very different from when we visit in Spring. A bit far for Eda really but she had her new bat to accompany her which helped. 

We’ve had fun and a sunny and dry day, amazing!