Skipton Ghost Cruise

Welcome aboard the Skipton Ghost Cruise

 – a collaboration between two award-winning Skipton attractions, Skipton Boat Trips and Yorkshire Ghost Tours.

There are plenty of ghost stories hidden among Skipton’s old streets, yards and buildings.

But what happens when you take those stories onto the water?

Your journey begins in Skipton’s historic canal basin before Cobbydale slips away along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. At the front of the boat, your professional character guide will take you into a very different side of Skipton’s past.

Expect an entertaining mix of local folklore, gruesome history, unexplained happenings and tales of some of the characters who have called this part of Yorkshire home over the centuries.

This isn’t a pre-recorded commentary. Your storyteller is there with you throughout the cruise, bringing the stories to life as the scenery passes outside.

There’s atmosphere, history and plenty of dark Yorkshire humour along the way. Some stories may make you laugh. Others might have you looking twice at the reflection in the canal beside you.

And unlike a traditional ghost walk, you can enjoy the whole thing from your seat.
The cruise lasts approximately one hour before returning you safely – we hope – to Skipton.

Itinerary

Skipton Canal Basin
Meet at the Skipton Boat Trips wharf in the heart of Skipton’s historic canal basin, where your crew will welcome you aboard Cobbydale.

Depart Skipton
Settle into your seat as the boat leaves the basin and begins its journey along the Leeds & Liverpool Canal.

Meet your ghostly guide
Once underway, your live character guide from Yorkshire Ghost Tours begins uncovering Skipton’s more sinister side.

Ghosts, legends and gruesome history
Hear stories inspired by local history, folklore, hauntings and some of the characters connected with Skipton and the surrounding area.

Your guide performs throughout the journey, so this is as much live theatre as traditional sightseeing.

Return to Skipton
After approximately one hour on the canal, Cobbydale returns to our wharf in Skipton.
Whether everybody who left with us comes back is another matter…

Highlights

Experience Skipton’s ghost stories from the unusual setting of a traditional canal boat.

Enjoy a live performance from a professional Yorkshire Ghost Tours character guide rather than a recorded commentary.

Discover some of the darker stories, legends and folklore surrounding Skipton and its past.

Cruise peacefully along the historic Leeds & Liverpool Canal while somebody at the front of the boat does their very best to make it feel considerably less peaceful.

Enjoy a unique collaboration between two established Skipton visitor attractions.

 Check in details

Please arrive at the Skipton Boat Trips ticket office approximately 15 minutes before departure.

Our address is:
Skipton Boat Trips
3 Coach Street
Skipton
North Yorkshire
BD23 1LH

Please bring your booking confirmation or e-ticket with you.

All cruises depart promptly, and unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that the boat can wait for late arrivals.

Special Requirements

If you have accessibility requirements or require additional assistance, please contact Skipton Boat Trips before booking.

There are four steps down into Cobbydale with handrails on either side. Wheelchairs and walking aids cannot be stored aboard but can be safely left at our wharf during the cruise.

Large-print and written safety information can be made available where required.

restrictions: Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Guests must remain seated or follow crew instructions when requested for safety reasons.

Smoking and vaping are not permitted aboard the vessel.

Anyone behaving in a way that could endanger themselves, other passengers, performers or crew may be refused travel.

Extras

Halloween sailings
Things become a little more sinister around Halloween.

On selected Halloween Ghost Cruises, children will also receive a small bag of sweets as part of their experience.

Halloween extras apply only to specifically advertised sailings.

Private Ghost Cruises
Planning a birthday, family gathering, club outing or something slightly more unusual?

Private Ghost Cruises may be available for groups, subject to availability. Contact Skipton Boat Trips to discuss dates and options.

Disclaimers

The Skipton Ghost Cruise combines historical storytelling, folklore and theatrical entertainment. Some stories feature ghosts, death, crime and darker elements of local history.

The experience is designed to be entertaining rather than a horror attraction, but parents and guardians should consider whether younger or particularly sensitive children will enjoy the subject matter.

Ghost sightings cannot be guaranteed.
Any paranormal activity occurring during your cruise is entirely beyond the control of Skipton Boat Trips, Yorkshire Ghost Tours, the skipper and probably everybody else.