Situated in the Wharfe Valley, the spa town of Ilkley is surrounded by glorious countryside. The southern slopes of the valley form Ilkley Moor, immortalised in Yorkshire's anthem - On Ilkla Moor baht'at. Prehistoric man lived on the moors and left behind stone circles and hundreds of rock carvings, including the famous Swastika Stone.
Nowadays walkers and nature lovers have unlimited access to enjoy the spectacular views across Wharfedale. There is a permanent orienteering course and opportunities for rock climbing on the Cow and Calf Rocks and in Rocky Valley.
In AD 79 the Romans built the fort of Olicana near the River Wharfe. A portion of the west wall can still be seen at the site, which is now occupied partly by the Elizabethan Manor House Art Gallery and Museum and partly by All Saints' Church. The Church itself was established before the Norman Conquest and you can see three famous Saxon Crosses inside the church. Nearby is the Old Bridge over the river, which dates from 1675. Two long distance footpaths - The Dales Way and the Ebor Way - start and finish here.
In the 19th century, Ilkley became popular as a spa town. Tourists flocked to 'take the waters' and bathe in the cold water spring at the cottage known as White Wells. Impressive hydropathic establishments were built to offer accommodation and treatment, and large lodging houses were erected. Today they offer modern hotel and guest house accommodation in elegant surroundings. Wooded ravines, such as Mill Ghyll and Hebers Ghyll were landscaped for the Victorian visitors and a pretty moorland tarn created. These remain for the enjoyment of today's tourists.
On the northern slopes of the valley lie Middleton Woods, well worth a visit at any time, but especially in May when the bluebells are spectacular. The woods form a beautiful backdrop for Ilkley's extensive recreation area, which includes one of Yorkshire's few surviving Lidos.
Ilkley town centre is highly regarded for its stylish architecture and colourful flowerbeds. The tree lined shopping streets offer a wide range of quality shops, award winning tearooms and restaurants.
Population 14,000
Attraction
Ilkley Tarn
Manor House Museum
Care Home
Hollycroft Care Home
Troutbeck
Classes
Cottage
Dentist
Dental Practice
Dental Surgery
Dental Surgery
Siddons & Associate
U Dentistry
Estate Agent
Brown William H
Dacre Son & Hartley
Dale Eddison
Waite Walker Smale
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Faweather Grange Lodges
Faweather Grange Lodges
Performing Arts
Pub and Bar
Ilkley Moor Vaults
Tubby Wadlows Wine Bar
Restaurant
Box Tree
Farsyde (The)
Grove (The)
Ilkley Moor Vaults
Steps (The)
The Good Food Shop Bistro
Tubby Wadlows Wine Bar
Wells (The)
School
Moorfield School
Northern Dance Centre
Westville House School
Self-Catering
Faweather Grange
Faweather Grange Lodges
Faweather Grange Lodges
Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor Apartments
Solicitor
Taxi
Add Triple 4 Taxis
Ilkley Taxis
Ride Away
Taxis Private Hire
Vet
Sports Clubs
Ben Rhydding (Men's Hockey)
Ben Rhydding (Women's Hockey)
Shops
The Grove Bookshops
Just Books
Wharfedale Flowers
Jacaranda Of Ilkley
Boots
Lishmans of Ilkley
Beanstalk
Dorothy Perkins
Menston Pharmacy
Clayfields Chemist
Brosgill
T J Buckingham
Momoko
Schuberts
Tennant & Son
Halfords
Optimeyes Opticians
Weaverbird Fine Art
The Gascogine Gallery
Good Food Shop Bistro
Viyella
Fat Face
Antiques
Jack Shaw & Co. Antique Silver
Coopers Of Ilkley Ltd
Places to Stay near Ilkley
Crescent Hotel (0.00 miles)
In the heart of Ilkley, close to the Yorkshire Dales and the famous Ilkley Moor, this historic hotel offers free parking, good food, a lively bar and good-value guest accommodation. In ... More
Rombalds Hotel & Restaurant (0.29 miles)
The Best Western Rombalds Hotel Ilkley has had its doors open to weary travellers and explorers of the 'Moor' since 1835 when Best Western Rombalds hotel began its life as a West Yorkshire rooming house. ... More | visit website
Westwood Lodge Ilkley Moor Apartments (0.54 miles)
Craiglands Hotel (0.61 miles)
We pride ourselves on providing genuinely warm and personal service while you relax in the luxurious elegance of our Victorian house. When you visit us you must take some time out, stroll through the tranquil grounds, ... More | visit website
Innkeepers Lodge (1.30 miles)
Faweather Grange Lodges (4.02 miles)
Faweather Grange Lodges are part of our Autograph Lodge Holiday collection and located amidst the stunning scenery and tranquil surroundings of Ilkley Moor. Nestled in a 70 acre private estate, this small collection of just ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Bradford North (4.31 miles)
Devonshire Arms Country House Hotel & Spa (4.42 miles)
Owned by the Duke of Devonshire, the hotel offers 21st century comfort and facilities with the added attraction of antiques and paintings from the family seat, Chatsworth in Derbyshire. Surrounded by glorious countryside, close to ... More | visit website
Innkeepers Lodge (4.79 miles)
visitors to Innkeepers Lodge Keighley can enjoy a trip to the bronte parsonage-museum dedicated to the legendary bronte sisters or to keep the children amused why not take a trip ... More
Five Rise Locks Hotel & Restaurant (4.88 miles)
The hotel is tucked away in a quiet residential area - yet only a minute or so from the main road, and close to airport, railway, motorways and the major cities of Leeds and Bradford. ... More | visit website
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