Ilkley is situated on the banks of the River Wharf in the Yorkshire Dales. In the 1840's the spring waters in Ilkley were discovered to have medicinal properties and the town slowly grew into a health spa for the rich. Tourism has been the economical mainstay for Ilkley, having grown mainly since the early spa days. Architecturally, it a Victorian town, but it does have a fine selection of older buildings.

All Saints Church has its origins in Anglo-Saxon times with additions and changes throughout the centuries, including a 13th century embellished doorway and a 15th century tower. For history lovers, many bronze-age carvings have been found in the area. A popular walk leads west up the valley to Heber's Ghyll to see the ancient Swastika Stone, the only ancient stone of its kind found in Britain. Ilkley has a lot to offer. It holds a famous Literary Festival, the nature walks are relaxing and educational and if you love to shop, The Grove and Brook Street is famous for its retailers of every fancy.

Situated in the Wharfe Valley, the spa town of Ilkley is surrounded by glorious countryside. The southern slopes of the valley form Ilkley Moor, immortalised in Yorkshire's anthem - On Ilkla Moor baht'at. Prehistoric man lived on the moors and left behind stone circles and hundreds of rock carvings, including the famous Swastika Stone. Nowadays walkers and nature lovers have unlimited access to enjoy the spectacular views across Wharfedale. There is a permanent orienteering course and opportunities for rock climbing on the Cow and Calf Rocks and in Rocky Valley.

Here at Ilkley Directory we aim to provide the highest quality directory of service. We cover everything from the best drinking holes to top quality walking routes in the famous Ilkley Moors. We also cover the surrounding villages including Menston and Burley.

Hotels In Ilkley

Ilkley has some of the loveliest hotels England, with prices to suit every budget. Many gracious and stately Victorian hotels grew up as the 19th century elite came to Ilkley to "take the waters." But if "city posh", doesn't appeal your senses, Ilkley also has charming bed and breakfast and guest house accommodation to suit your needs. You'll find some with beautiful gardens and stunning views and others with rustic period features for the antiquarian lover.

You can stay in a central location or find a quieter place away from the bustle of the shopping districts. Outside the city, hotels offer easy access for country walks and cycling. Inside, you'll be "staggering distance" from the pubs and nightlife and walking distance from the famous array of shops. Prices are at par with with most tourist towns in England. Breath the fresh air of the Yorkshire Dales and leave feeling refreshed and relaxed. You can easily find accommodation to suit your needs.

Ilkley Restaurants

Ilkley has a wonderful and diverse selection of restaurants from traditional fare to ethnic – whatever you're in the mood for. It's a perfect town for cream teas at four and a curry at seven.

Many of the elegant hotels offer fine and romantic dining. Sit beside a roaring fire with white linen tablecloths and candlelight or find one with stunning panoramic views. And in the shopping districts, restaurants abound to suit all budgets. Centrally, there are numerous coffee shops to wake you up in the morning before a day of shopping or treking into the Dales, and there are lots of little tucked-away eateries for lunch and dinner. Let the scents reach you as you tour the bustling streets. Stop for a pub lunch or choose a fish and chip take-away and enjoy it in the gardens by the river. Whatever your tastes, you'll find it in Ilkley.

Ilkley Real Estate

The Ilkley area is surrounded by beautiful countryside and therefore many of the homes for sale in and around Ilkley have breathtaking views beyond their gardens.

There are a number of good estate agents in and around Ilkley, committed to finding the best property to suit the buyers needs. Property types run the gamet from flats for £60,000 to large period and manor houses for £3,000,000 or more. An agent will help you find exactly what you're looking for. Many agents cover the whole Wharfe Valley and beyond, so if country or village life if for you, you will always find properties to view – all within a short commute to major centres like Leeds or Bradford. If you are looking to lease, rather than buy, you'll have no trouble finding a place. Flat and home rentals range from £425 for a two or three bedroom Victorian, above a shop to £2600 or more per month for a large family home in town or country.

Ilkley Nightlife & Drinking

In the late sixties, guitarist and rocker, Jimi Hendrix, caused as sensation at the old Troutbeck Hotel. The fans went crazy with excitement when Hendrix began to play, but a local policeman, fearing the worst, put an end to the show. As the band was shuffled back to the dressing room, fans began to tear the place apart as they moved into the streets. The Troutbeck Hotel is now a nursing home, but the memory of that night is still fresh for many locals.

There is no shortage of pubs and nightly entertainment in Ilkley of a kindlier note. The town has a wide selection of pubs and if you move off to the countryside, you'll find pubs on the moors with breathtaking scenery. If you're interested in the local nightlife, the best thing to do is pick up a local paper upon arrival. Local entertainment changes from week to week.