Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Local Nature Reserve
📍 Coutances Way, Ilkley LS29 8AW, UK
About Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Local Nature Reserve
Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Local Nature Reserve offers a peaceful retreat located conveniently in Ilkley. This cherished local beauty spot is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and tranquil riverside setting, providing a wonderful escape into nature. With an excellent Google rating of 4.6/5 stars, it's highly regarded by visitors seeking a serene outdoor experience.
Visitors frequently praise the reserve for its beautiful walking paths and opportunities for wildlife spotting. It’s a fantastic place to observe a variety of birds, including sightings of vibrant kingfishers and yellow wagtails, as well as a rich insect life with numerous dragonflies. The plentiful benches offer perfect spots to rest and enjoy the lovely views and the peaceful atmosphere by the river.
Visiting Information
Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Local Nature Reserve is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty at any time. The entrance is wheelchair accessible, though dedicated wheelchair accessible parking is not available on site. There are no charges for entry, making it a wonderful free attraction for all.
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📍 Coutances Way, Ilkley LS29 8AW, UK
from 27 reviews
Google Reviews
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Showing 5 of 27 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
Fabulous walk saw some beautiful birds . Lots of benches for sitting with lovely views . Highly recommend 🐾🐾👏👏
Although I have lived in Ilkley for twenty years, I had never been here. It's a small nature reserve but lovely nevertheless. We were lucky enough to see a kingfisher on our visit as well as lots of dragonflies, various fish and other birds like yellow wagtails. It was peaceful by the river but unfortunately the traffic on the A65 was a bit intrusive at times. We (my wife, dog and I) enjoyed our visit though and I'm sure we shall be back.
Be a great place to fish if it was managed right.
Brilliant and accessible nature reserve, always something to see
We took a group of 16 Scouts to the reserve and with the help of the volunteer warden Steve we observed small mammels which were safely caught and released for conservation studies, built coppice wigwams and helped with a bird watching screen. Steve was excellent with the scouts and the reserve is really beautiful.