It’s always a good idea to go for an afternoon tea with friends and family in the picturesque market town of Skipton on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, but have you seen this one that comes with a bit of a twist?
Skipton Boat Trips offers a two-hour afternoon tea cruise onboard the Dalesman, as it sails along the Leeds and Liverpool canal.
Recent customers have praised the “absolutely fabulous” quirky experience, said to be “a perfect couple of hours of total relaxation”.
One passenger said they would “certainly recommend” while another enjoyed watching the “scenery and wildlife” while tucking into a selection of “mouth-watering “sandwiches, scones and other sweet treats such as cakes and macarons.
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Skipton afternoon tea with a twist that locals and visitors adore
The Skipton Boat Trips website explains: “Come aboard our luxury Dalesman canal boat and relax as we take care of everything for you.
“With a fully-stocked bar, you might want to start your cruise with a drink served by our friendly staff.
“We leave our wharf and for the next 2-hours, sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery outside your window.
“You will enjoy a 2-hour cruise on the Leeds and Liverpool canal with delicious food served at your table.
“Afternoon tea includes a delicious selection of sandwiches, fruit scone with strawberry jam and cream, and decadent desserts. All served with unlimited tea and coffee.
“There is a fully licensed bar onboard, serving alcoholic and soft drinks, including excellent local beers.”
Fancy an afternoon tea with a view? (Image: Tripadvisor)
If you fancy something a little different, there is also a new savoury afternoon tea that customers can tuck into, which includes the likes of “award-winning” pork pies and sausage rolls.
Skipton Boat Trips adds: “Savour the taste of our new savoury afternoon tea aboard the Dalesman.
“As you cruise along the picturesque Leeds & Liverpool canal, indulge in a mouth-watering selection of freshly-made sandwiches, a fruit scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream, and an award-winning pork pie and sausage roll from Stanforth Butchers – a delicious twist on the traditional afternoon tea.
“Come and experience the unique flavours of Yorkshire with us.”
Over on Tripadvisor, many guests have complimented the “fab” afternoon tea cruise in Skipton onboard the Dalesman.
Someone wrote in a review: “Absolutely fabulous afternoon tea on The Dalesman with a bottle of Prosecco.
“The afternoon tea itself was fresh and delicious and the boat trip was a perfect couple of hours of total relaxation.
“The guys working the cruise were lovely, very efficient and friendly.
“Would highly recommend this trip if you’re visiting Skipton.”
This person commented: “The trip itself was really good and the Dalesman barge was very comfortable with individual booths.
“We were treated to sandwiches, cakes, scones, macarons, and top ups of coffee along the way.
“The two young men who were serving were so polite and welcoming they really did an excellent job.
“It was a 2 hour trip and a great experience would certainly recommend.”
‘The Dalesman barge was very comfortable with individual booths’ (Image: Tripadvisor)
Meanwhile, one passenger posted: “Lovely few hrs aboard the Dalesman.
“Very polite n friendly staff who served us Afternoon tea was lovely whilst watching we watched the scenery n wildlife. Very enjoyable thank you.”
Additionally, another happy customer wrote: “What a FAB afternoon, 2 hours on a Dalesman with a wonderful afternoon cream tea.
“Watching the scenery and waving to other folks on their barges.
“Thoroughly enjoyed it, very clean.
“Staff were superb and very nice to be able to order extra drinks from the bar. Highly recommended.”
The afternoon tea cruises cost £32.95 per adult (13+) and £22.95 per child (ages one-12).
Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and other afternoon tea options are available onboard the Dalesman.
The Skipton Boats Trip notes: “We can provide oat milk, but do not provide vegan alternatives for butter or clotted cream”.
Where is your favourite place for an afternoon tea? Let us know in the comments below.