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.

The Hayloft in Ilkley

The Hayloft

Green Ln, Burley Woodhead, Ilkley LS29 7BA, UK

Myddelton Grange

Ilkley, LS29 0EB, United Kingdom

Garden Cottage

Ilkley, LS29 8SY, United Kingdom

Belle Vue

Ilkley, LS29 8TA, United Kingdom

Beacon Cottage, Ilkley

Ilkley, LS29 0RD, United Kingdom

The Smithy

45a Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8SY, United Kingdom

The Ilkley Retreat

6 Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8SR, United Kingdom

The Ilkley Penthouse

10 Cowpasture Road Top Floor, Ilkley, LS29 8SR, United Kingdom

The Ilkley Moors View

10 Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8SR, United Kingdom

The Ilkley Hideaway

Mount Pleasant, Ilkley, LS29 8TW, United Kingdom

The Gin Lounge Rooms

45 Brook Street floor3/4, Ilkley, LS29 8AG, United Kingdom

The Black Hat

11 Church Street, Ilkley, LS29 9DR, United Kingdom

Spacious and bright 1 – bedroom rental unit

1 Ash Street Flat 1, Ilkley, LS29 8ES, United Kingdom

Rooms by Bistrot Pierre at The Crescent Inn

Brook Street, Ilkley, LS29 8DG, United Kingdom

Ilkley Studio

Gordon Street, Ilkley, LS29 8JW, United Kingdom

Ilkley Apartment with Parking

10 Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8SR, United Kingdom

Ilkley Central One

Wells Walk Apartment 1, Ilkley, LS29 9LH, United Kingdom

Ilkley Cottage

Leamington Road, Ilkley, LS29 8EN, United Kingdom

Ilkley House

Ash Grove, Ilkley, LS29 8EP, United Kingdom

Ilkley Place

Tivoli Place, Ilkley, LS29 8SU, United Kingdom

The Wheatley Arms

Wheatley Lane, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, LS29 8PP, United Kingdom

Innkeeper’s Lodge Ilkley

The Cow and Calf Vintage Inn, Hangingstone Road, Ilkley, LS29 8BT, United Kingdom

Ilkley Riverside Hotel

Riverside Gardens,Bridge Lane, Ilkley, LS29 9EU, United Kingdom

Evergreen, Ilkley

67 Main Street, Addingham, Ilkley, LS29 0PD, United Kingdom

Best Western Plus Ilkley Craiglands Hotel & Spa

Cow Pasture Rd, Ilkley, Ilkley, LS29 8RQ, United Kingdom

Garden Cottage

Garden Cottage, 35 Cow Pasture Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8SY, United Kingdom

Myddelton Grange

Myddelton Grange, Myddelton Grange, Langbar Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0EB, United Kingdom

The Wheatley

The Wheatley, 43 Wheatley Lane, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8BW, United Kingdom

Ilkley on a Map

The map below shows the boundaries of Ilkley.


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.

Ilkley on the Northern network rail map

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


Ilkley News & Inspiration


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.

FAQs About Ilkley

Where is Ilkley located?

Ilkley is located in West Yorkshire, England.

What is Ilkley known for?

Ilkley is known for its Moor, a popular destination for walkers and hikers, and its Victorian architecture. It’s also famous for the Ilkley Literature Festival, one of the UK’s leading literary events.

What amenities does Ilkley offer?

Ilkley offers a range of amenities including a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It also has a train station with regular services to Leeds and Bradford, making it a convenient location for commuters.

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.