The Museum of North Craven Life
📍 Victoria St, Settle BD24 9EY, UK
About The Museum of North Craven Life
The Museum of North Craven Life, affectionately known locally as The Folly, stands as a captivating historical gem in the heart of Settle. Housed within one of the town's most distinctive and beautiful historic buildings, it offers visitors a unique window into the rich heritage and culture of North Craven. This esteemed institution boasts an impressive Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, reflecting the consistently positive experiences of its many visitors.
Exploring North Craven's Past
Step inside to discover a superb, well-curated museum experience, praised by visitors for being thoughtfully laid out and more engaging than typical small-town museums. The exhibits delve into various facets of North Craven life, showcasing fascinating displays that bring local history to life. From historical artefacts to engaging information boards, there's plenty to absorb for all ages.
A Full Experience
Beyond the extensive museum and gallery, located upstairs, The Folly also features a delightful ground-floor shop offering unique finds. Complement your visit with a stop at the adjoining café, where you can indulge in a range of treats, including much-loved Yorkshire specialities like rhubarb and ginger scones, perfectly paired with a comforting cup of Yorkshire tea. It’s the ideal spot to relax and reflect on the history you’ve explored.
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📍 Victoria St, Settle BD24 9EY, UK
from 182 reviews
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Showing 5 of 182 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.View all on Google →
Lovely Yorkshire specialities, (Scallywags etc) I had rhubarb and ginger scone with Yorkshire tea.
Lovely building with exhibitions about life in the Dales. Tea room was good, freshly baked cakes. Volunteers are really knowledgeable and helpful. Free entry, just asks for donations.
Cute museum with a something for most of us—history about the building itself as well as the area, geology, and local art. Recommended when you have a short time to fill and perhaps would like a nice snack afterward-the carrot cake was delicious.
Beautiful building housing the free museum and adjoining café. Museum and gallery is upstairs with the shop downstairs. Plenty of information boards about local life and when I visited there was a thought provoking exhibition about the plight of the endangered curlew. The RSPB logo is the curlew. And who knew, but in order to survive, only one curlew chick needs to survive every two years - this is not happening. Mousie Thompson furniture about, so keep an eye open for his meeces. Worth a visit, as is the caff next door.
Superb museum which is well laid out and very much better curated than the usual, small town museum. Highlights for me were the sections of the displays dealing with (1) the extraordinary lives of some local women and (2) the building of the Settle to Carlisle railway line. The interactive computer programme on the latter was especially interesting.