What Makes Ilkley The Prettiest Town In Yorkshire And A Perfect Day Trip From Leeds?

Ever feel like escaping the city for a bit, but don't want the hassle of a massive journey? Well, there's a place just a hop, skip, and a jump from Leeds that might just be the perfect answer.

The West Yorkshire town of Ilkley has officially been crowned one of the prettiest towns in the entire UK, and it's ridiculously easy to get to. Just a 30-minute train ride, and you're transported from city bustle to charming streets and stunning countryside. So, what's all the fuss about? Let's find out what makes this place so special.

So, why is Ilkley the prettiest town?

It's not just a local opinion; this title comes from the experts. In a guide published on 22 Oct 2025, The Telegraph ranked Ilkley as the fifth most attractive town in the whole of the UK, beating out lovely spots in Cornwall and East Sussex. That's a pretty big deal. A team of specialists looked at what makes a town truly beautiful, scoring them on everything from lovely shop fronts and historic architecture to how clean and green the place is. Ilkley scored an amazing 44 out of 50. Here's how the town stacked up:

• Scenery and Green Spaces: 10/10
• Shop Fronts: 9/10
• Period Architecture: 8/10
• Minimal Traffic and Litter: 7/10

Getting a perfect ten for scenery is incredible, and it's one of the first things people notice. The experts pointed out that Ilkley has "excellent views", which are "guaranteed at almost every turn". Because the town is built on a slope overlooking the River Wharfe, you get these amazing vistas without any ugly tower blocks getting in the way. It's a town that really knows how to show off its good side.

More than just a pretty face

A town can have great views, but it needs a bit of character to really be special. And Ilkley has bags of it. This charming place is a classic Victorian market town, which means it's filled with beautiful old buildings and a sense of history. The streets are described as "wide and leafy", especially The Grove, which has a wide pavement, a bandstand, and lovely cherry trees. It's the kind of place you actually want to wander around in. The period architecture is a massive part of its appeal, with handsome buildings everywhere you look. But it's not stuck in the past. Ilkley has a fantastic selection of independent shops, a swish cinema, a park, and even its own brewery.

Foodies will be happy to find a brilliant artisan food market, perfect for picking up local treats. And speaking of treats, you can't talk about Ilkley without mentioning the legendary Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms. This cafe is a Yorkshire institution, famous for its afternoon teas and its signature 'Fat Rascal' fruit scones. The Ilkley branch is extra special because it has its own dedicated chocolate counter, which is basically a dream come true. Imagine finding a treasure trove of handcrafted chocolates! For something a bit more savoury, the Ilkley Brewery and its tap room serve up Italian-inspired food, including pizzetta sandwiches and Sunday roasts. It's the perfect mix of old-world charm and modern cool.

Getting out and about in the Yorkshire dales

One of the best things about Ilkley is that it's right on the edge of the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales. This means you have incredible countryside right on your doorstep. The most famous spot is, of course, the wild and windswept Ilkley Moor. It's the perfect place for a bracing hike, offering some of the most spectacular views you can find in Yorkshire.

A photo from 6th September 2023 shows just how sweeping the views over the moor near the River Wharfe valley can be. While you're up there, you can find lots of interesting rock formations, including the wonderfully named Cow and Calf rocks. They're a huge cluster of rocks that look a bit like a cow sheltering its baby calf. It's a great spot for a bit of climbing or just for taking in the scenery. If you prefer woods to moors, Middleton Woods is another beautiful spot, especially in autumn when it's covered in a blanket of orange leaves. This beautiful town is the perfect base to find your next adventure in West Yorkshire.

Fancy a dip? Ilkley's famous art deco lido

Here's something you might not expect to find in a Yorkshire town: one of the UK's best outdoor swimming pools. The Ilkley Lido is what's known as an Art Deco lido. Think of it as a super stylish, retro swimming pool built back in the 1930s. The Telegraph called it the town's "jewel", and it's easy to see why. With its original cafe and sun terrace, the whole place has a brilliant holiday vibe during the summer months (it's usually open from May to September).

Plus, from the lido, you get some of the best possible views looking back over Ilkley Moor. And what if the classic Yorkshire weather isn't exactly playing ball for an outdoor swim? No problem. The site also has a 25-metre indoor pool to keep you warm. But for those who are feeling really brave, there's an even more natural option. A section of the nearby River Wharfe has been officially designated as a safe bathing water area. This means the water quality is monitored and it's considered safe for a proper wild swim. It's a fantastic and refreshing way to experience the natural beauty that makes this town the prettiest in Yorkshire. So next time you're in Leeds, remember that this UK gem is just a short trip away.