Welcome to ‘Sheep Town’ – Skipton, the Gateway to the Yorkshire Dales! The name ‘Skipton’ really does mean ‘Sheep Town’! For hundreds of years sheep from all over the Dales were bought and sold on Skipton High Street every week. Today, our wonderful Market Town still holds a regular market on the High Street on four days each week – but you’d struggle to buy a sheep there (although you certainly can buy one at the Auction Mart on the edge of the Town)! Once a year, though, we like to pay tribute to our heritage and bring sheep back onto the High Street - and that’s where Sheep Day comes from! But it isn’t just about Sheep. It’s about the rich heritage of Skipton and the Yorkshire Dales. It’s about countryside crafts and skills, it’s about bringing the countryside into town – and it’s about having a great family day out! This year, Sheep Day takes place on Sunday 7th July. It’s a full day of shows, entertainment and demonstrations – and this website tells you everything you need to know.