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DiscoverVisitor
IlkleyGuide 2015
Bradford & District
Discover
Ilkley
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www.visitilkley.com
Discover
Ilkley
The picturesque town of Ilkley
...is situated in the Wharfe Valley, at the southern end
of the Yorkshire Dales. The former spa town rose to
fame in the nineteenth century when thousands visited
for the fresh invigorating air and first class hotels. The
town may no longer be a premier health resort but it is
still renowned for its fresh air, moorland and beautiful
countryside with a selection of quality accommodation.
Ilkley is the ideal place to relax and treat
yourself. There are excellent restaurants and
independent shops all surrounded by the stunning
countryside and the famous Ilkley Moor.
www.visitilkley.com
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Ilkley Moor
Ilkley is famous for Ilkley Moor and Yorkshire’s
official anthem the folk song On Ilkley Moor Baht ‘at
but there are many more reasons for you to come
and enjoy some time exploring the moor.
The Cow and Calf
High on Ilkley Moor the Cow and Calf
Rocks are a large rock formation consisting
of an outcrop and boulder, also known as
Hangingstone Rocks. The rocks are made
of millstone grit, a variety of sandstone, and
are so named because one is large, with the
smaller one sitting close to it, like a cow and calf.
According to local legend, the Calf was split from the Cow when the giant
Rombald was fleeing an enemy, and stamped on the rock as he leapt across
the valley. The enemy, it is rumoured, was his angry wife. She dropped the
stones held in her skirt to form the local rock formation The Skirtful of Stones.
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Archaeology
Ilkley Moor is well known for its archaeology and the most important
group of archaeological sites to be found on Ilkley Moor are carved
rocks, also known as cup & ring marked rocks. The carvings are
thought to date from the Early Bronze Age, around 1800 BC. Their
purpose remains a mystery and they are part of a much larger and
internationally famous group to be found all across Rombalds Moor,
there are over 400 known Cup and Ring stones across the moors.
Probably the most well known carved rock on the moor is the Swastika
stone, carved on a flat slab on Woodhouse Crag. You will see two similar
designs next to each other, the originals are thought to possibly date back
to the Bronze Age or Iron Age with the Victorian copy just slightly beyond.
The Stanza Stones
But it’s not just carved rocks from pre-historic times that can be found on the
moor. Simon Armitage has written a sequence of poems, which have been
carved into stones that are set in place along a permanent “Poetry Trail” called
the Stanza Stones Poetry Trail extending from Armitage’s birthplace, Marsden,
to Ilkley. You can read the Beck stone poem on Ilkley Moor which was the last
to be carved and is sited in Backstone Beck in Ilkley.
www.visitilkley.com
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Family Fun
Ilkley is a great place to bring your children as there’s
lots to keep them entertained from the beautiful
countryside to the family
friendly attractions.
Ilkley Lido and Pool
Take the plunge at one of the
country’s few remaining outdoor
pools. Soak up a seaside
atmosphere, enjoy a picnic in the
tranquil setting and take in the
fantastic views over Ilkley Moor.
The indoor pool is open all year so
even if the sun isn’t shining then
you can still enjoy a family day out.
www.bradford.gov.uk/lido
Ilkley Moor
If you fancy exploring the nearby
countryside there are lots of walks
for all abilities. Ilkley Moor is a great
place to start and look out for the
carved pre-historic rocks or to enjoy
exploring the Cow and Calf Rocks.
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www.visitilkley.com
Riverside Gardens
and Darwin Gardens
The Riverside Gardens are a
good place for a stroll and there’s
an excellent children’s play area.
Darwin Gardens near Ilkley Moor
are unique community gardens,
with some beautiful features
linked exclusively to Ilkley.
The Manor House
Bolton Abbey Estate
The Manor House is one of
Ilkley’s oldest buildings and is
now an attractive museum and
art gallery. The Manor House
also stands on the remains of
the Roman fort of Olicana. Only
a short section of defensive wall
remains exposed at the back of the
building, but Roman artefacts from
the fort and surrounding area are
on permanent display inside the
Manor House. Free entry.
Tel: 01943 600066,
www.bradfordmuseums.org,
Open Wednesday – Saturday
11.00 – 17.00, Sunday and Bank
Holiday Mondays 13.00 – 16.00
Just outside Ilkley is Bolton Abbey,
in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales
on the banks of the River Wharfe.
Explore the ruins of the Priory and
discover a landscape full of history
and legend, wander moorland
paths. Enjoy local produce in the
excellent restaurants, tea rooms
and cafes, treat yourself in the
quality gift shops and food shop or
simply relax beside the river with a
picnic whilst the children play.
www.boltonabbey.com
Ilkley Toy Museum
The Toy Museum has many
exhibits including dolls houses,
dolls, teddy bears, lead figures and
a selection of games.Items in the
collection date from 350 BC to the
present day. Admission charge.
Tel: 01943 603855,
www.ilkleytoymuseum.co.uk
Open Sat – Sun, 12.00 – 16.00.
Embsay and
Bolton Abbey
Steam Railway
The Embsay & Bolton Abbey
Steam Railway is a heritage steam
railway. Enjoy travelling between
Embsay station, built in 1888, and
the award-winning station at Bolton
Abbey through the picturesque
Yorkshire Dales. Steam trains run
every Sunday throughout the year.
and up to 7 days a week in summer.
www.embsayboltonabbey
railway.org.uk
www.visitilkley.com
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Shopping
Ilkley is a shopper’s paradise with The Grove, The
Victorian Arcade and The Moors Shopping Centre
offering a varied range of independent shops, boutiques
and delicatessens alongside the high street classics.
There are several delis in Ilkley
and the famous Lishmans of
Ilkley butchers is considered
to be one of the best butcher’s
shops in the country. Choose
from award-winning pies,
sausages, game and beef.
If you are looking to take
something home with you
then visit Cook which offers
a wide range of frozen home
cooked meals, perfect if you
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are self-catering or just
don’t fancy cooking.
You can also treat yourself
at one of the many exquisite
jewellery shops or high end
clothes shops. Saunter along
The Grove at your leisure and
decide how you will treat yourself.
If you are looking for that
perfect gift to take home then
Ilkley has lots of interesting shops
selling lovely gifts. Leaves and
Linen and Nora’s both stock
a wide range of homeware gifts
and accessories. Tipling’s is a
small independent retailer on The
Grove, specialising in beautiful
products for the home, they stock a
gorgeous range of French products.
If you are looking to spoil the
children Herbert and Stella
brings a fresh new style to
clothing and gifts for children
with many exclusive brands
and unique pieces that you
won’t find on the high street.
This is just a highlight of what is
available, and Ilkley comes highly
recommended for those who are
looking for something that little
bit different. So make sure you
find time to explore not only The
Grove but all the side streets
and alleyways to make sure you
don’t miss those hidden gems.
www.visitilkley.com
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Where to eat?
Ilkley has a reputation for the number and quality
of its restaurants. Whatever you are looking for
you can guarantee you will find it in Ilkley.
Le Bistro Pierre situated in
The Crescent captures French
culture and love of food. They
pride themselves on great value
provincial French cooking made
with authentic, fresh ingredients.
A real treat can also be had
on The Roof Garden at
Piccolino’s, a fantastic
place to dine whilst taking
in views of Ilkley Moor.
Many of the pubs have excellent
menus so why not try a local
ale with your meal. The Black
Hat and Bar t’at have varied
menus in relaxed atmospheres.
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The Vine is a friendly restaurant
for all the family, serving an
extensive Italian menu they have
excellent set menus as well as
a children’s menu. Alternatively
if you are looking for something
a bit different Bistro Saigon
is an authentic Vietnamese or
there are a number of Asian
restaurants within the town centre.
You can’t mention Ilkley without
Betty’s Cafe and Tea Rooms.
This Yorkshire institution famous
for Fat Rascals and Afternoon
Tea is situated on The Grove and
is a perfect place to visit after a
days sightseeing or shopping.
www.visitilkley.com
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Events
You can guarantee there is always something
happening in Ilkley from exhibitions and concerts
to markets. For a full list of what’s on during your
stay visit the Ilkley Visitor Information centre.
Here are just a few of the town’s major events:
Ilkley Film
Festival
February
Launched in 2014 Ilkley Film
Festival aims to grow into one of
the biggest and most innovative
festivals. The festival is proud
to have a versatile line up of
films and special guests and
will appeal to all movie lovers.
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www.visitilkley.com
Ilkley
Complementary
Medicine Festival
March and October
Established in 1988, the
twice yearly Complementary
Medicine Festival attracts
well over 2000 visitors, with
exhibitors and practitioners
from all over the country.
Image: Paul Floyd Blake
Image: Anna Tosney
Ilkley Summer
Festival
August
Ilkley
Art Trail
October
August is a fun time to be in
Ilkley as there are numerous
events including concerts,
theatre productions and
a continental market.
A popular art trail covering over
28 venues showcasing the best
in local art, including paintings,
sculpture, ceramics, glass, fabric
and artist-made jewellery.
Ilkley Literature
Festival
October
South Pennines
Walking Festival
September
The Ilkley Literature Festival is the
north of England’s liveliest and
most prestigious literature festival.
Authors’ events, discussions,
readings, performances and
workshops as well as literary
walks, poetry and children’s
events make this an exciting
festival for people of all ages.
Discover the South Pennines
and meet friendly local guides,
experts and fellow outdoor
enthusiasts for 16 days of
discovery and pleasure that
include walks of all descriptions,
cycle rides, horse rides, special
events and evening talks.
www.walkandridefestival.co.uk
Look
out for:
The regular programme
of concerts at the Ilkley
Bandstand on The Grove.
The changing
programme at The Kings
Hall and Winter Gardens.
www.visitilkley.com
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The Great
Outdoors
Walkin
g
Ilkley was awarded the Walkers are Welcome status for its
variety of walks for all abilities. Burley in Wharfedale has
also gained the accolade so the area is perfect for visitors
who want to explore the countryside surrounding Ilkley.
Ilkley has walking routes for
all abilities; you can download
the Ilkley walking guide which
will allow you to enjoy eight
walks in and around Ilkley.
This includes short walks along
the River Wharfe and through
Middleton Woods and you can
also learn a bit about the town
by following the Blue Plaque
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Trail. This will allow you to
learn about the Ilkley’s heritage
and its historic buildings.
Alternatively for slightly longer
routes you can enjoy a walk across
the moors or to Addingham.
Whatever your ability you will be
able to enjoy walking in Ilkley.
Short Walks
If you want to see more of the town and enjoy
the beautiful scenery there is on offer, here
are a number of short accessible walks.
Riverside
Circuit
Mount Calvary and
Middleton Woods
This pleasant, easy access
3 mile (5km) walk is suitable
for anyone, including families
with pushchairs and wheelchair
users. Start at the New Bridge
and go through the Riverside
Gardens to the Old Bridge then
continue to head downstream,
crossing the road at the New
Bridge, and on to the footbridge
at Crumwheel. Return to Ilkley
on the bank nearest the town.
This is a nice gentle 3 mile (5km)
circular walk including Middleton
Woods, a large ancient Oak
Woodland, which is carpeted in
bluebells in May. It is suitable for
the casual walker, along country
lanes, field and woodland paths,
however not suitable for the less
mobile, wheelchair users and
children in pushchairs. Starting
at the Visitor Information Centre,
you will soon be on the river bank.
Enjoy the country lanes until you
arrive in Middleton Woods.
www.visitilkley.com
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Ilkley Moor Walks
Length and
Breadth of
Ilkley Moor
There are many walking routes
that include Ilkley Moor but a
great way to experience the flora
and fauna is to walk the length
and breadth of the moor. This is
a 7 mile (11km) walk which takes
in the key highlights; make sure
you look out for the prehistoric
rocks and the Red Grouse.
Cow and Calf Rocks
via White Wells
This short walk of 3 miles (5km)
takes in various Ilkley landmarks
including White Wells, which was
once a spa in the 19th century,
where people came to “take the
waters”. The walk does include steep
uphill walking so is not suitable for
the less mobile. Throughout the
walk you will be able to admire the
fantastic views especially from the
Cow and Calf rocks.
Long Distance Walks
The Dales High Way
The Dales Way
The Dales High Way is a 90
mile (145km) walk which starts
in Saltaire and passes through
Ilkley on the way to Appleby in
Westmoreland. The route to Ilkley
follows the canal before climbing
through the rural outskirts of
Saltaire on to Rombalds Moor,
finishing with a steep descent
from Ilkley Moor into Ilkley. This
route is ideal if you want to
experience a section of the walk
as you can take the short train
journey to Saltaire (via Shipley)
and then enjoy the walk back.
The Dales Way is a long distance
route of about 80 miles (129
km) from Ilkley to Bowness on
Windermere. The official start
is at the Old Bridge in Ilkely and
then follows the banks of the river
towards Addingham. From here
you will take in a number of small
villages until 16 miles (26km) on
you will arrive in Grassington in the
Yorkshire Dales. From Grassington,
The Pride of the Dales bus service
74 will bring you back to Ilkley.
(Please check the current timetable
before planning your walk).
For more information or to pick up a self guided walking
route call into Ilkley Visitor Information Centre.
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www.visitilkley.com
The Great
Outdoors
continued
Ilkley is already well known for cycling as
it is home to the largest cycling club in the
country, with more than 1000 members.
So that is just one of the reasons
Ilkley was proud to see the
Tour de France pass through
the town in 2014.
Both Addingham and Ilkley are
once again an important part of
Cyclin
g
the Tour de Yorkshire with the race
passing through on May 3rd. So
why not visit and see why these
towns have been chosen and
cycle through the winding country
roads which are surrounded
by beautiful countryside.
www.visitilkley.com
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Visitor information
For more information on where to stay, how to get
here and what’s on, contact Ilkley Visitor Information
Centre, Station Road, Ilkley, LS29 8HB
Opening Times
April – September: Monday– Saturday, 9.30am – 4.30pm
October – March: Monday– Saturday, 10am – 4pm
(Tuesdays 10.30am)
Tel: 01943 602319 Email: ilkley.vic@bradford.gov.uk
You can also visit our website at: www.visitilkley.com
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Make the most of your visit
and pick up one of our Discover Guides.
Available at all Visitor Information
Centres in Bradford District.
Scan the QR code with your smartphone to
go to www.visitilkley.com or call Bradford
Visitor Information Centre on 01943 602319
The wording in this publication can be made available in other
formats such as large print and Braille. Please call 01274 433678