Spear Travels celebrates opening of relocated branch in Skipton

Spear Travels Skipton has reopened following its move to a new location in the centre of the North Yorkshire market town.

When Hays Travel acquired the business in 2025, its head of retail, Paula Barrett, listened to the Spear Travels team and tasked the property department with sourcing a new store in central Skipton.

Lease negotiations concluded earlier this year, and the branch moved from Newmarket Street to High Street.

Last week’s grand opening was attended by Dean Majors, Skipton’s Unsung Hero Award Winner, and Kevin Griffiths, the town crier, along with representatives from suppliers Azure, First Class Holidays, Canadian Affair and Typically Holidays.

Natalie Turner, head of retail operations of Spear Travels, said: “The store is in a perfect location. It includes a travel money bureau, is so much more spacious, and the front looks out to the stalls on market days. It couldn’t be any more central.

“Our team is over the moon with the result, and I know our colleagues can’t wait to show customers the branch.”

Hays Travel acquired Spear Travels’ 12 branches and its homeworking division in June 2025.

Jonathon Woodall-Johnston, chief operating officer of Hays Travel, said: “We are delighted we have been able to help secure this new branch at the heart of Skipton town centre.

“It has been fantastic to work with the excellent team at Spear Travels over the past year since they joined the Hays Travel family.

“We are fully committed to investing in and supporting all our brands but will always ensure they maintain their unique identities which their customers know and trust.”