Giggleswick in North Yorkshire is an ancient village and a lovely one, settled thanks to its geographical advantages – it lies at a relatively easy place to cross the Pennines, safer too than the moors to the north and what used to be much marshier ground to the south. It also offered a ford across the Ribble. In the Domesday Book it was noted as Giggelesvvic, that is the place belonging to Giggel or Gikel, a Saxon name. When St Alkelda’s church was restored towards the end of the 19th century the remains of a Norman church were discovered with elements of Saxon stonework incorporated in it. The current church of St Alkelda (a Saxon princess martyred by the Danes for her faith – they strangled her) was built in early Tudor times, and is rather imposing for what is now a village of 1,410 residents, but then Giggleswick was once a market town. As Settle grew over the other side of the Ribble so Giggleswick became less commercially significant. Giggleswick is best known for its public school, rooted in a Grammar School founded in 1512, and the school can claim to be one of the oldest public schools in the country. The School Chapel is a distinctive structure with a copper dome, built through the generosity of one Walter Morrison, marking the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria. Described by some as magnificent it is certainly intriguing, requiring little imagination to turn it into a spacecraft in a Flash Gordon film. The village itself has retained a wonderful rustic charm, with mullioned windows and carved lintels in many of the old cottages, little stone bridges and a market cross. And beyond the village there is also much to visit: most notably Giggleswick Scar, the long limestone cliffs that can be seen alongside the A65, with the great hills of Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough to the north of the settlement.
Pub and Bar
Black Horse Hotel
Craven Arms
Harts Head Inn
School
Giggleswick Primary School
Giggleswick School
Places to Stay near Giggleswick
Craven Arms (0.43 miles)
The Craven Arms is nestled on the edges of the North Yorkshire Dales. Our family-friendly hotel, pub and restaurant is a great place to visit whilst exploring the beautiful countryside. ... More
Harts Head Hotel (0.53 miles)
18th Century Country Inn providing excellent service on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Listed in Camra Good Beer Guide for the last 6 years. Great value food. ... More
Falcon Manor Hotel (0.60 miles)
King William The Fourth Guest House (0.82 miles)
Set in the midst of Settle, King William The Fourth Guest House is ideally suited for those wanting to be centrally based and within walking distance of all the local facilities.Having been completely renovated and ... More | visit website
The Craven Heifer (2.50 miles)
Maypole Inn (3.45 miles)
The Maypole Inn is a lovely, 1600’s Dales Country Inn with cosy en-suite rooms, open log fires, and lots of character. It is located in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, only ... More
Boars Head (3.67 miles)
Eldon Country Hotel (3.74 miles)
In 1842 The Country House was built as one of the Grand Vicarages of the Craven Area.It now combines the elegance and charm of Victorian Country House with all the requirements of a modern hotel.Sauna ... More | visit website
Dalesbridge House (3.80 miles)
Dalesbridge House is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Forest of Bowland. A warm welcome awaits you and our comfortable rooms have wonderful views over the surrounding fields and fells. ... More | visit website
Dalesbridge B&B (3.80 miles)
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