White Wells
📍 Wells Rd, Ilkley Moor, Ilkley LS29 9RF, UK
About White Wells
White Wells is a distinctive historic site nestled high on the scenic Ilkley Moor in West Yorkshire. With an impressive Google rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 200 reviews, it's a much-loved destination for locals and visitors alike. This charming building is famous for its ancient plunge pool, offering a unique and invigorating cold dip experience for those brave enough to try it. It serves as a fantastic reward point during a hike, boasting breathtaking views across the moorland surroundings.
Beyond the historic well, White Wells also features a delightful little cafe where visitors can refuel after exploring the moor. The cafe provides warm refreshments such as traditional pasties and comforting Yorkshire tea, with indoor seating available. Many visitors praise the location as an excellent spot for walks with dogs and children, and for simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. Informative displays about the history of the wells and the wider Ilkley Moor enhance the visitor experience.
Visiting Information
White Wells operates with specific opening hours: Monday to Friday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Please note that the site is situated at the top of an uphill trek on Ilkley Moor. Accessibility information indicates that there is no wheelchair-accessible parking or entrance. The cafe offers refreshments for purchase, though specific payment methods are not detailed.
Location
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📍 Wells Rd, Ilkley Moor, Ilkley LS29 9RF, UK
from 234 reviews
Google Reviews
Reviews from Google Maps.
Showing 5 of 234 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
Lovely little cafe and ancient well. You can go for a dip in it but it’s very cold! The cafe serves pasties and Yorkshire tea and has indoor seating. There’s lots of info here about the white wells and the rest of the moors. Great spot to make part of a hike around Ilkley Moor
This place is truly something. Excellent place to take a walk with dogs and kids. I am definitely going back to walk the rest of the trails. The views are simply breathtaking.
Lovely looking building that worth a visit. It's an uphill trek to reach, but worth it. Today it was closed as I was there early morning, but inside is a plunge pool. Nice view from here and quite a few picnic benches about.
Such a weirdly wonderful Yorkshire gem. At first glance white Wells is an innocuous little cottage nestled on the edge of Ilkley Moor. But I've you know it's history you will see just how fabulous this place is. Home to a healing well where Victorians wild come to "Take the waters" to benefit from their healing properties (you can still take the waters today, if the fish is filling!). Darwin famously came here to help with his many ailments. There's even a wee cafe where you can get hit drinks and some snacks. A perfect and unassuming jewel in the heart of west Yorkshire.
Quite a nice hike up from the city, there's even a tiny cafe. The path can get a bit slippery during the rains