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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
Green Ln, Burley Woodhead, Ilkley LS29 7BA, UKMyddelton Grange
Ilkley, LS29 0EB, United KingdomGarden Cottage
Ilkley, LS29 8SY, United KingdomBelle Vue
Ilkley, LS29 8TA, United KingdomBeacon Cottage, Ilkley
Ilkley, LS29 0RD, United KingdomThe Smithy
45a Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8SY, United KingdomThe Ilkley Retreat
6 Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8SR, United KingdomThe Ilkley Penthouse
10 Cowpasture Road Top Floor, Ilkley, LS29 8SR, United KingdomThe Ilkley Moors View
10 Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8SR, United KingdomThe Ilkley Hideaway
Mount Pleasant, Ilkley, LS29 8TW, United KingdomThe Gin Lounge Rooms
45 Brook Street floor3/4, Ilkley, LS29 8AG, United KingdomThe Black Hat
11 Church Street, Ilkley, LS29 9DR, United KingdomSpacious and bright 1 – bedroom rental unit
1 Ash Street Flat 1, Ilkley, LS29 8ES, United KingdomRooms by Bistrot Pierre at The Crescent Inn
Brook Street, Ilkley, LS29 8DG, United KingdomIlkley Studio
Gordon Street, Ilkley, LS29 8JW, United KingdomIlkley Apartment with Parking
10 Cowpasture Road, Ilkley, LS29 8SR, United KingdomIlkley Central One
Wells Walk Apartment 1, Ilkley, LS29 9LH, United KingdomIlkley Cottage
Leamington Road, Ilkley, LS29 8EN, United KingdomIlkley House
Ash Grove, Ilkley, LS29 8EP, United KingdomIlkley Place
Tivoli Place, Ilkley, LS29 8SU, United KingdomThe Wheatley Arms
Wheatley Lane, Ben Rhydding, Ilkley, LS29 8PP, United KingdomInnkeeper’s Lodge Ilkley
The Cow and Calf Vintage Inn, Hangingstone Road, Ilkley, LS29 8BT, United KingdomIlkley Riverside Hotel
Riverside Gardens,Bridge Lane, Ilkley, LS29 9EU, United KingdomEvergreen, Ilkley
67 Main Street, Addingham, Ilkley, LS29 0PD, United KingdomBest Western Plus Ilkley Craiglands Hotel & Spa
Cow Pasture Rd, Ilkley, Ilkley, LS29 8RQ, United KingdomGarden Cottage
Garden Cottage, 35 Cow Pasture Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8SY, United KingdomMyddelton Grange
Myddelton Grange, Myddelton Grange, Langbar Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0EB, United KingdomThe Wheatley
The Wheatley, 43 Wheatley Lane, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8BW, United KingdomIlkley 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.
The train station is located at: Ilkley LS29 8HF.
Ilkley News & Inspiration
Fact Pack – Ilkley, West Yorkshire
- Ilkley is a spa town and civil parish in West Yorkshire, England.
- It is located approximately 12 miles (19 km) north of Bradford and 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Leeds.
- The town is famous for its moorland, known as Ilkley Moor, which is a popular destination for walkers and tourists.
- Ilkley’s architecture is a mix of Victorian, Edwardian, and modern styles, reflecting its development as a residential town since the 19th century.
- The town is home to the largest and oldest literary festival in the North of England, the Ilkley Literature Festival.
- Ilkley has a population of approximately 14,809 people, according to the 2011 Census.
- The town is known for the song “On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at”, which is considered the unofficial anthem of Yorkshire.
- Ilkley has a railway station that connects it to Leeds and Bradford, making it a popular commuter town.
- The town is home to several notable landmarks, including the Cow and Calf Rocks, a large rock formation on Ilkley Moor.
- 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.