Ilkley

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Situated close to the well known "Ilkley Moor", Ilkley was originally an Iron Age settlement taken over by the Romans who named it Olicana. The countryside which surrounds the town is beautiful but rugged and Ilkley Moor is a walker's paradise, where the cow and calf rocks are positioned over-looking the town. The outdoor swimming pool is very popular during the summer and is open on a daily basis, weather permitting!

There are many walks through this area, in particular the Dales Way of which Ilkley is the starting point. The walk passes through Bolton Abbey and up through Wharfedale. Local history can be found in the Manor House Museum, located in a 13th century building. Artifacts are from many eras dating from prehistoric, to Roman and also Victorian pieces. Admission is free and it is open everyday except Mondays. Ilkley town has some lovely boutiques and antique ahops. It is also the hom eof Betty's Tea Rooms which always has a busy trade.

The famous white-washed building known as White Wells is located on the moor. This building reputedly dates back to the Roman times and was used as baths. It is said that Charles Darwin used the Baths for their healing abilities when he visited in 1859. You can sample the water for yourself, as long as you bring a container to put it in! Accommodation in Ilkley is set in the glorious landscape overlooking the moors. With pubs offering bed and breakfast and hotels in the centre, or guest houses and self-catering holiday cottages in surrouding villages and on farms, there is something for everyone.

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