Ilkley

Discover Ilkley

Ilkley is the ideal base for a holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. This pretty, traditional spa town offers fine tearooms, magnificent countryside and a rock climbers’ paradise with the famous Cow and Calf Rocks sitting proudly above the town, on the rolling Yorkshire moors. Better still, the town is served by a train station in the centre of town with links to Leeds.

Known for its Victorian architecture, Ilkley is a delightful blend of history and natural beauty. The town is surrounded by the picturesque Ilkley Moor, offering stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities. With its unique shops, excellent restaurants, and a rich cultural scene that includes a literature festival and a summer music event, Ilkley offers a vibrant and diverse experience for visitors. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, Ilkley has something to offer everyone.

Places to Stay

There’s many good places to stay in and around Ilkley. Have a look at self catering and holiday cottage options here. and also hotels in Ilkley.

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Ilkley on a Map

The map below shows the boundaries of Ilkley.

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Travelling to Ilkley by Rail

Ilkley has a train station which allows passengers to connect from Leeds and Bradford (via Shipley). You can connect to main line services from Leeds or York, via a couple of changes.

The train station is located at: Ilkley LS29 8HF.

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Ilkley News & Inspiration

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Fact Pack – Ilkley, West Yorkshire

1. Ilkley is a spa town and civil parish in West Yorkshire, England.
2. It is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) north of Bradford and 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Leeds.
3. The town is famous for its moorland, known as Ilkley Moor, which is a popular destination for walkers and tourists.
4. Ilkley’s architecture is a mix of Victorian, Edwardian, and modern styles, reflecting its development as a residential town since the 19th century.
5. The town is home to the largest and oldest literary festival in the North of England, the Ilkley Literature Festival.
6. Ilkley has a population of approximately 14,809 people, according to the 2011 Census.
7. The town is known for the song “On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at”, which is considered the unofficial anthem of Yorkshire.
8. Ilkley has a railway station that connects it to Leeds and Bradford, making it a popular commuter town.
9. The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Cow and Calf Rocks, a large rock formation on Ilkley Moor.
10. Ilkley is also known for its high-quality restaurants and tearooms, including the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms.

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FAQs About Ilkley

Where Next after Ilkley?

There’s so much to see in and around Ilkley, if you’re looking for shopping, you could hit Leeds or Harrogate; if it’s country walks you want, The Dales are close at hand too. Nearby towns worth a visit include Otley and Skipton.

Alternatively, you could explore the historic city of York, with its stunning Minster, ancient city walls, and the fascinating Jorvik Viking Centre. If you prefer the great outdoors, the Yorkshire Dales National Park is a must-visit, offering breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, and plenty of hiking trails. Don’t miss out on visiting the quaint market town of Skipton, often referred to as the ‘Gateway to the Dales’. Lastly, the coastal towns of Whitby and Scarborough in North Yorkshire offer a delightful mix of sandy beaches, historic ruins, and delicious seafood.