Explore Settle, North Yorkshire: Places to Stay, Things to Do & Food
Settle is a town located in North Yorkshire, governed by North Yorkshire Council (formerly Craven). It has a population of around 3,000 residents. Known for its proximity to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, Settle features the historic Settle-Carlisle Railway, attracting visitors interested in scenic rail journeys and outdoor exploration.
Settle is a charming market town that serves as a perfect gateway to the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. With its historic Settle-Carlisle Railway, visitors can embark on a scenic journey through breathtaking countryside, making it a must-visit for railway enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. The town is also home to unique attractions, such as the Gallery on the Green, believed to be the smallest art gallery in the world, and the 17th-century Grade I listed building, The Folly.
As you explore Settle, you'll find a variety of activities to enjoy, including delightful walks that showcase the area's natural beauty. Whether you're looking to indulge in local cuisine or discover its rich history, Settle offers a welcoming atmosphere and a wealth of experiences. Don't miss out on the chance to discover more about the exciting things to do in this captivating town by checking out our things to do in Settle section.
Stay in Settle
No3 at Settle
Nestled in Settle, No3 offers a highly-rated, comfortable stay with delicious breakfast, perfect for exploring the Yorkshire Dales.
The Stables
Town Hall Lofts, Settle
Robin Hill, Brewhouse Cottage and The Old Brewhouse
Discover charming, highly-rated self-catering cottages in Settle, a cosy home-from-home base for exploring the Dales.
Brewhouse Cottage
Things to Do in Settle
Giggleswick Memorial Bridge
Discover the tranquil Giggleswick Memorial Bridge, offering scenic river views amidst beautiful Settle.
Queen's Rock
Discover Queen's Rock near Settle, a picturesque natural landmark perfect for riverside walks, offering peaceful scenery and local charm.
Warrendale Knots
Experience the wild beauty of Warrendale Knots near Settle, a rewarding hike with panoramic Dales views and intriguing caves.
Food & Drink
Dales deli sandwich bar
Discover Dales deli sandwich bar in Settle, famed for delicious wraps and butties, boasting a perfect 5-star rating.
Coffee in the Cave (under the ice-cream shop)
Discover Coffee in the Cave, a charming and cosy cafe nestled in Settle, celebrated for its delicious coffee, cakes, and friendly service.
High Street Coffee
Discover High Street Coffee in Settle, renowned for its specialty coffee, delicious homemade food, and friendly atmosphere.
Interactive Map
View accommodation, attractions, restaurants, and events on the map
Geographic Facts
This town is geographically within the following regions:
- Population
- 2,712
- Postcode
- BD24
- Administrative area
- North Yorkshire Council (formerly Craven)
- Dialing code
- 01729
- Timezone
- UTC±00:00
- Website
- settle.co.uk
Data sourced from Wikidata and verified public records
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A quirky tribute to steeplejack Fred Dibnah is the star of the Settle Flowerpot Festival. See the flowerpot man climb the historic Watershed Mill chimney.
Flowerpots' Final Fling Indoors: A Family Funday at Watershed Mill
Settle's Annual Flowerpot Festival: A Flourish of Creativity
Walkshire in Settle
More Walks in Settle →
Walk: Settle, Scaleber Force and Jubilee Cave
Settle, the waterfall of Scaleber Force, geological wonders and prehistoric Jubilee Cave. The Route what3words for start point: ///comply.solving.sublet Start / Finish Point: Market Pl, Settle BD24 9EJ Distance: 6.5 Miles GPX Route Map settle-warrendale-knott-and-victoria-caveDownload Walk Description From the lovely old market town of Settle in Ribblesdale, this walk heads to the dramatic waterfall of Scaleber Force, set in a wooded ravine. Here the waters of Scaleber Beck cascade down over limestone ledges formed by the South Craven Fault. The Craven Fault Lines define the southern geological boundary of the Yorkshire Dales, where the underlying rocks were displaced many hundreds or metres during the Carboniferous period over 300 million years ago. From Scaleber Force, our walk heads northwards to soon reach Warrendale Knotts, a dramatic cliff of shattered limestone crags and hills along the Mid Craven Fault, which is also responsible for Malham Cove and Gordale Scar. As you approach Warrendale Knotts you pass Sugar Loaf Hill, which is a Reef Knoll that was formed along the edge of these fault lines as coral reefs in a shallow tropical sea when this whole area was near the equator. A rocky path now heads northwards, with a detour up to the right to reach the incredible Victoria Cave. Deposits within this cave chart the climate and human history of the Yorkshire Dales, as animal bones from hippos, short-nosed rhino, elephants and hyenas have been discovered in thick glacial clay deposits. These animals lived in this area 130,000 years ago during a warm interglacial period. Above these deposits, a 11,000 year old harpoon tip made from reindeer bone was discovered dating back 11,000 years ago from when the first human hunter-gatherers arrived after the end of the last ice age during the Palaeolithic period. Similar discoveries have been found in nearby Jubilee Cave.
Walk: Settle (The Golden Lion)
An interesting ramble taking in the historic town of Settle and the surrounding countryside into Giggleswick - all starting and finishing at The Golden Lion hotel. The Route What3words start point: ///touched.gamer.slanting Start Point: The Golden Lion, Duke St, Settle BD24 9DU Finish Point: The Golden Lion, Duke St, Settle BD24 9DU Distance: 8 Miles GPX Route Map walkshiresettlewalkforthegoldenlion-2Download Walk Description From The Golden Lion hotel, turn left down Duke Street, then turn right down Station Road. After crossing underneath the railway, turn right down Bond Lane and then left at the T-junction on to Kirkgate. On the bend to the right, turn left down Kings Mill Lane and follow this to the end. Turn right, and ignore two junctions to the left but then turn left at the yard gates to cross the River Ribble over the Giggleswick Memorial Bridge. Turn right and follow the made path until it meets the B6480. Cross over and turn right, then turn left immediately down the public footpath. Follow this path along the side of the playing field and turn left when you reach the side of the river. This is now part of the Ribble Way and the Dales High Way. Follow the path as it turns left away from the river, and then almost straight away turns right through a field. Follow this clear path, over the boundaries of two fields, to eventually reach a road through a small wooden gate. Turn right and then go through the gate immediately on the left. Turn right and follow the line of the road for a while, and then follow the boundary of the field as it veers to the left. Continue through the trees and turn left at the next junction of paths to walk between the two solo trees. Head towards the stile in the boundary wall and then once in the next field head for the gate almost straight ahead. In this field, follow the clear path on the ground as it zigzags upwards and make your way to the stile in the boundary ahead of you. Then, in the next field, the path pretty much follows the line of the right hand boundary - albeit a little way away from it. The path then crosses over the right hand boundary, turns left and then over another straight away. In the next field, head straight across to the gate in the far boundary, following the clear path on the ground. Then, follow the boundary wall on your left, until it ends, and then keep on that same line to another gate. Follow the clear path on the ground until you see another clear path turning left and heading towards the boundary wall on your left. Turn left to follow this path to reach the boundary wall on your right. At the wall in front of you, take the stile and follow the boundary on your right all the way until it ends. You’ve turned right slightly by this point, and now roughly follow this line, guided by the path on the ground, to reach the far boundary. Veer right, diagonally across the field, keeping to the left of the building on the right, and head to the next stile. In the next field, look around half way down the boundary on the left side for the stile to aim for. Now, veer diagonally to the right and head for the boundary wall on the right. When you’ve reached this, turn left and follow it until a wall stops your track. Look for the stile in the wall to your left, and take this. The path is clear on the ground in the next few fields, so don’t leave this path and keep the wood on your right hand side. Eventually, you’ll start to drop down slightly, and look for a path on the ground to the left - this is to avoid the quarry that is straight ahead. Go to the boundary wall and turn right - but follow the path which turns off to the right to follow the top of the quarry, not the boundary wall. Enter the wood and follow the path down to the B6480. Turn right, cross over the road, and turn left down the road signed “Giggleswick School”. Follow this road all the way down until you see a public footpath sign pointing right for Craven Bank Lane. Take this path, which cuts across the green to reach a footbridge, then follow the boundary on your right and follow it around to the left. Go through the hedgerow to reach Craven Bank Lane, and turn left, following the road until you cross over a stream. Turn right here, but go straight into the field, not over the little footbridge to the right. Follow the clear path to exit the first field to the right of the line of trees. Arrive back at The Golden Lion.
Walk: Settle
This simple and easy walk takes you around the exquisite town of Settle and close to the beautiful River Ribble. The Route what3words for start point: ///townhouse.hatch.cowboy Start / Finish Point: Ashfield Car Park, 8 Kirkgate, Settle BD24 9DZ Distance: 2 Miles GPX Route Map drawaroute-1-1Download Walk Description This simple and easy walk takes you around the exquisite town of Settle. It starts in the town centre taking you over to the west side of the town. Once you've crossed the river the path will take you right going past Queens Rock. Once this path ends turn left on the road and continue done until you hit a fork in the road. At this fork take the left hand road and it will take you to a junction. At this junction go left and follow the road until you get to the rugby field where the path will take you to the bridge you crossed at the start. Once you're at the bridge you just need to follow the path you took at the start to where you parked. All paths are accessible to everyone including scooters.
Walk: Settle Loop
The Settle Loop Walk is a scenic and invigorating circular route located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. This 10-mile trail, which starts and ends in the charming market town of Settle, offers walkers a delightful mix of landscapes. The walk is well-signposted and provides a moderately challenging experience. The Route what3words for start point: ///grumbling.flushed.basher Start Point: Settle BD24 9HA Distance: 10 miles GPX Route Map Settle-LoopDownload Walk Description The Settle Loop Walk begins in the picturesque market town of Settle, nestled in the Yorkshire Dales. From the town center, the route heads north, following signs for the Pennine Bridleway. Settle to Langcliffe The walk starts by crossing the River Ribble, moving through charming countryside towards the village of Langcliffe. The trail ascends gently, offering views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Langcliffe to Attermire Scar Continuing from Langcliffe, the path winds upwards towards Attermire Scar, a striking limestone escarpment. This section of the walk is known for its dramatic cliffs and caves, providing a stunning backdrop as you traverse the open moorland. Attermire Scar to Jubilee Cave The route then passes by Jubilee Cave, a popular spot for exploring and enjoying panoramic views. This cave is a fascinating feature of the landscape. Jubilee Cave to Victoria Cave From Jubilee Cave, the trail continues to Victoria Cave, another notable landmark. Discovered in the 19th century, this cave contains prehistoric artifacts. Victoria Cave to Warrendale Knotts The path then climbs to the top of Warrendale Knotts, offering some of the most breath-taking views of the Yorkshire Dales. This elevated point provides a perfect spot for a rest. Warrendale Knotts to Scalebar Force Descending from the heights, the walk proceeds towards Scalebar Force, a picturesque waterfall hidden within a wooded gorge. Scalebar Force to High Hill Lane The route then meanders through rolling farmland and along quiet country lanes, eventually reaching High Hill Lane. High Hill Lane to Settle Finally, the loop curves back towards Settle, descending gently and providing a pleasant end to the walk. The town provides plenty of options for a well-earned meal, accommodation or a train-ride home.
About Settle, North Yorkshire
Settle is a market town and civil parish located on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales in North Yorkshire. With a population of approximately 2,712 residents, Settle is known for its scenic beauty and historic railway connections. The town features the Settle-Carlisle Railway, which attracts visitors interested in outdoor exploration and scenic rail journeys.
Where Is Settle?
Settle is situated in North Yorkshire, approximately 10 miles northeast of Skipton and about 15 miles southwest of York. The town is easily accessible via major roads such as the A65 and B6480, which connect it to nearby villages like Langcliffe just 0.8 miles away and Giggleswick, located 1.2 miles to the east.
What Is Settle Known For?
Settle is renowned for its Settle railway station on the Settle & Carlisle line, which plays a key role in the town's identity as a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. The town received its market charter in 1250, making it a significant trading hub in the region. Notably, the Folly, a Grade I listed building built in the 17th century, adds to its historical charm. Additionally, Settle is twinned with Banyuls-sur-Mer since 1992, promoting cultural exchange.
The History of Settle
Settle has its origins in the 7th-century Anglian period, evolving into a market town after being granted a market charter by Henry de Percy in 1250. The first bridge over the River Ribble was mentioned in 1498, marking an important infrastructural development. Settle played a role during the English Civil War, with John Lambert's troops camping in the town in 1651. The arrival of the railway in 1875 significantly enhanced its connectivity, further establishing Settle as a vital hub in the region.
Exploring Settle and Nearby Yorkshire
With over 29 attractions to explore, including the stunning landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and the historic railway, there are plenty of things to do in Settle for visitors. The town's unique offerings, such as the Listening Gallery in an old phone box and the Gallery on the Green, thought to be the smallest art gallery in the world, add to its appeal.
Settle's proximity to the Dales makes it an ideal base for outdoor activities. Visitors can easily reach the picturesque village of Stainforth just 2.3 miles away or enjoy a walk around the nearby Stackhouse village. For a taste of local cuisine, browse places to eat in Settle to discover delightful dining options.
How Far Is Settle from York?
Settle is approximately 15 miles southwest of York, making it reachable in about a 30-minute drive via the A65.