Ilkley is one of the best places to stay in the Yorkshire Dales for walking, with direct access to Ilkley Moor, Wharfedale and excellent rail connections. Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, best known for Ilkley Moor, riverside walks and its reputation as a great base for outdoor exploration. With a lively town centre, independent shops and excellent rail connections, Ilkley combines easy countryside access with the convenience of a well-connected town.
Where to stay: Ilkley has a good mix of cosy B&Bs, pub rooms and self-catering cottages — ideal if you want a relaxing base to explore the Yorkshire Dales. Check availability in Ilkley and you’ll see what’s best for your dates.
Ilkley is especially appealing to walkers, weekend visitors and those travelling without a car, offering direct access to moorland scenery and Wharfedale walks straight from the town.
Planning a Stay in Ilkley
Ilkley offers a good range of accommodation, from hotels and guesthouses in the town centre to quieter stays closer to Ilkley Moor and the River Wharfe. Staying centrally puts you close to cafés, shops, restaurants and the train station, while accommodation on the outskirts offers quicker access to walking routes and open countryside. Places to stay in Ilkley.
Where to Stay in Ilkley
Ilkley works well as a base for exploring both the town and surrounding countryside, with different areas suiting different types of visit. Staying centrally puts you close to shops, cafés and the train station, while accommodation on the outskirts offers quicker access to walking routes and open countryside. Ilkley works well for both short breaks and longer walking holidays in Wharfedale.
Ilkley Town Centre
Ideal for first-time visitors and short breaks. Staying in the centre means you’re close to independent shops, restaurants, the railway station and riverside walks along the Wharfe. This is also the most convenient option if you’re visiting without a car. Hotels and accommodation in Ilkley town centre
Near Ilkley Moor
Accommodation closer to Ilkley Moor is well suited to walkers and outdoor enthusiasts. These locations offer quicker access to moorland paths, panoramic views and longer walking routes, while still being within easy reach of the town. Browse places to stay near Ilkley Moor.
Riverside & Quieter Areas
Staying near the River Wharfe or on the edges of town offers a more peaceful setting, ideal for longer stays or visitors looking for a slower pace with easy access to scenic walks. View quieter stays around Ilkley.
Ilkley for Walking and the Outdoors
Ilkley is particularly well known for walking, with direct access to Ilkley Moor and well-signposted routes into Wharfedale. Many visitors choose Ilkley specifically because they can step straight from their accommodation onto walking routes, making it a popular choice for car-free walking holidays. Find accommodation ideal for walking in Ilkley.
Other Yorkshire Dales Towns to Consider
If you’re exploring different bases for your trip, you may also want to consider Skipton, a lively market town and popular gateway to the western Yorkshire Dales. Skipton travel guide & places to stay
The town of Ilkley is home to a range of attractions, from historic sites to cultural venues.
Known for its Victorian architecture, quaint cobblestone streets, and vibrant cultural scene, Ilkley is a quintessential British town. The town’s rich history dates back to Roman times, with many historic landmarks and sites of interest. Ilkley is also renowned for its picturesque surroundings, with the rolling moors of the Yorkshire Dales providing a stunning backdrop.
The Beauty of Ilkley Parks
Ilkley Park, often referred to as Riverside Gardens, is one of the town’s most treasured green spaces. The park stretches along the southern bank of the River Wharfe, offering visitors a tranquil setting to relax and unwind. The meticulously maintained gardens are adorned with colourful flowerbeds, towering trees, and manicured lawns, providing a feast for the eyes in every season.
One notable feature is the Victorian Bandstand, which hosts regular performances during the summer months. These concerts are a delightful way to experience the park’s cultural heritage and enjoy some live music in a beautiful setting.
1. Riverside Walks and Gardens
One of the main attractions of Ilkley Park is its scenic riverside walks. The River Wharfe meanders through the park, creating a peaceful ambiance that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The well-maintained footpaths offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside. Along the way, you’ll encounter charming bridges, quaint benches, and picturesque picnic spots, making it an ideal location for a family outing or a romantic walk.
2. Ilkley Lido
For those visiting during the warmer months, Ilkley Lido is a must-visit attraction. This historic open-air swimming pool, located within the park, offers a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The lido features a large pool, a smaller children’s pool, and a café serving refreshments. Surrounded by lush greenery, it’s a perfect spot to relax and enjoy a swim while taking in the beautiful surroundings.
3. Playgrounds and Family Activities
Ilkley Park is a family-friendly destination with a variety of activities for children. The park boasts several well-equipped playgrounds, complete with swings, slides, and climbing frames. There’s also plenty of open space for games and picnics, making it an ideal location for a fun-filled family day out.
Transport to Ilkley
Next to Ilkley Train Station is the town’s bus station, where you will find regular services to Skipton, Keighley, York, Otley and Harrogate. Car users can reach the town by travelling along the A65, while those jetting in from overseas will find that Leeds Bradford Airport is only nine miles away
Find accommodation in Ilkley
Even if you’ve never been to Ilkley before, there’s a strong chance you will have heard of the town. Despite having a population of less than 14,000 people, Ilkley is widely known due to it being the place featured in Yorkshire’s unofficial anthem ‘On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at’.
Translated as ‘On Ilkley Moor without your hat’, the song originates from the early part of the 19th century and tells the tale of how a man is warned about courting his lover Mary Jane on the moor without any head gear because the harsh winds could lead to him “catching his death of cold”.
If walking or cycling is your thing then Ilkley Moor is well worth a visit before you head out to the wider expanses of the Dales. Forming part of Rombalds Moor, the area is rugged and picturesque. One of its most popular places for visitors is the Cow and Calf rocks on the moor’s edge. Also known as Hangingstone Rocks, the site is made up by two large formations which offer unrivalled views over the region’s beautiful countryside.
According to ancient legend, the Cow (the larger rock) and its calf were separated when a giant called Rombald stamped on the rock as he stormed his way across the moorland in pursuit of his wife.
Another interesting site is the Swastika Stone. Situated to the north of the moor, the stone has a curved carving which is believed to date from either the Bronze or Iron Ages.
On warm days you may want to cool off by taking a dip at Ilkley Pool and Lido. This is one of the few public outdoor swimming pools left in the UK and it still retains the Art Deco stylings of its 1930s heyday.
It is open only during the summer months and provides a place where visitors can relax on a sun lounger while topping up their tan or complete a few lengths in the pool. The site also has a putting green, picnic area and tennis courts as well as an indoor pool for those days when the weather is not so good.
