Skipton Canal: Afternoon Tea Cruise with Scones & Bar

Summary

Afternoon tea cruise skipton canal scones desserts bar onboard

You’ll float through Yorkshire’s canal history on this Skipton afternoon tea cruise, sharing sandwiches and scones as local stories drift by your window. Expect warm laughter, gentle scenery, and a pace that lets you breathe in every detail — plus a fully stocked bar if tea isn’t quite enough.

What’s the experience like?

“You know you’re in Yorkshire when the first thing you smell as you step onto the boat is that mix of damp stone and fresh bread. I was still laughing about how I nearly tripped on the old cobbles outside the ticket office — apparently it used to be stables for horses towing barges, which our guide Tom mentioned while pouring us tea. He had this way of making even the cranes outside sound like old friends, not just rusty bits of history. We set off from Skipton Wharf without much fuss, and right away it felt slower than I expected — in a good way.”

The afternoon tea itself was classic: little sandwiches (I went straight for the egg mayo), warm scones with clotted cream and jam, and these tiny cakes that looked too pretty to eat but didn’t last long anyway. The boat glided past Snaygill — Tom pointed out where the Copper Beeches pub used to stand, now a nursing home. He told us about carucates (it’s land an ox can plough, who knew?), and someone at our table tried to guess how many acres that really is. Honestly, I’d never thought much about medieval farming before but there’s something about being gently rocked on the water that makes you listen differently.

I kept catching glimpses of willow branches brushing the surface, and every so often you’d hear laughter from inside mixed with ducks squabbling outside. The bar was open if you fancied something stronger than tea (I did), and somehow everything tasted better with that slow-moving view out the window. There was this moment when sunlight hit the water just right — gold on green — and I stopped talking mid-sentence because it felt like time paused for a second. Not sure anyone else noticed but I still think about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Afternoon tea cruise and sightseeing

• Arrive at historic ticket office
• Board boat for two-hour cruise
• Enjoy sandwiches, scones, desserts, and drinks
• Pass winding hole at Snaygill
• View Craven Nursing Home site

Top questions

How long does the Skipton afternoon tea cruise last?

The cruise lasts two hours along Skipton’s canal.

Is lunch included on the afternoon tea cruise?

Yes, lunch is included with sandwiches, scones, desserts, coffee or tea.

Is there a bar onboard during the Skipton canal cruise?

Yes, there is a fully licensed bar available onboard.

Are children allowed on the afternoon tea cruise?

Yes, children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the Skipton canal afternoon tea cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Skipton Wharf; ticket office is in a historic canal building.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the cruise.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available close to departure point.

What historical sites are seen during the cruise?

You’ll pass areas like Snaygill and learn about old warehouses and manors near Skipton Wharf.

What’s included

Your two-hour day trip includes pickup at Skipton Wharf’s historic ticket office, classic afternoon tea with sandwiches, scones, desserts plus coffee or tea served onboard — all while cruising Yorkshire’s canals at an easy pace. There’s also a fully licensed bar if you want something extra during your journey.