Location: Ilkley
Top Things to do in Ilkley
The 10 Best Things to Do in Ilkley, United Kingdom (UK)
Ilkley is a spa town and civil parish in West Yorkshire, in Northern England. Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, Ilkley civil parish includes the adjacent village of Ben Rhydding and is a ward within the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council. Approximately 12 miles (19 km) north of Bradford and 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Leeds, the town lies mainly on the south bank of the River Wharfe in Wharfedale, one of the Yorkshire Dales.
Restaurants in Ilkley
1. The DalesWay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By Ingleborough1359 - Wakefield, United Kingdom
Starting at Ilkley, this is a lovely, gentle walk through the Yorkshire Dales and Howgills to Bowness in the Lake District. Compared to walks like the Pennine Way, this is a gentle stroll through friendly terrain but it is extremely enjoyable. Plenty of accommodation en-route, as well as refreshment places, this walk provides some everlasting, lovely memories, through some of the loveliest scenery in the UK.
Be prepared for the rain because sometimes it doesn't know how to stop.
2. King's Hall and Winter Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
The King's Hall and Winter Garden are located in the heart of the picturesque town of Ilkley. The Hall comprises a traditional theatre and with the adjacent glass roofed spa Winter Garden; perfect for weddings or social functions.The King's Hall and Winter Garden currently host a wide range of events and community provision, from local amateur dramatic and performing arts companies, weddings and parties to lifestyle fairs and community events, as well being a key venue for the Summer Festival held in August.The auditorium of King's Hall is a delightful multi-functional space that consists of a small balcony and eight bow fronted boxes, richly decorated with busts of famous authors and composers. The stalls Seating area is flexible and can be modified to suit all requirements, including parties and wedding receptions.The Winter Garden is a handsome reception area featuring a grand staircase leading to a curved iron balcony. The spa lantern glass roof provides a delightful focal point to this flexible and attractive space. This is the perfect setting for wedding breakfasts and evening celebrations.King's Hall and Winter Garden are available for hire for many functions including Weddings and Corporate events.
Reviewed By MazBish - Leeds, United Kingdom
I’ve been here before as my Son got married here, but went last night to hear Judy Murray speak at the Ilkley literature festival, really beautiful venue.
3. Ilkley Pool & Lido
Overall Ratings
4 based on 80 reviews
Reviewed By FrenchPerson - Leeds, United Kingdom
Love it here in the summer but can be quite pricey - the outdoor pool is freezing but a very exhilarating experience nonetheless. It's not dirty as other reviewers have said - its more the standard cleanlines of public baths (just so-so!)
Part of me wishes they were open in the winter, although not sure how brave I really am...
4. Ilkley Tourist Information Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By 2014Jandy - Nottingham, United Kingdom
We were first time visitors to Ilkley so headed for the Tourist Information Centre which is opposite the train station. There were lots of leaflets and information on Ilkley and the surrounding area.
The lady staff member was very helpful providing a leaflet with a small map and a larger one so we could find our way around.
There were several leaflets with local walks you could purchase at a very reasonable price as well as all the free leaflets.
Ilkley is definitely a place we want to return to.
5. Ilkley Manor House and Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By Mike2trip - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
The old building is attractive as well as interesting and there are just enough exhibits and displays about the history of the town for the museum to do its job in summarising local heritage
6. Millenium Maize
Overall Ratings
4 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By Hilary P - Droitwich, United Kingdom
The good thing about this maize is that you cannot get lost in it! It consists of paving stones. I enjoyed a short time here with my friend who brought me here. It is not worth a special journey to come here but if you are here already it is worth a visit.
There are pretty walks around in the area and it is not too far from the centre of Ilkley.
7. All Saints Church Ilkley
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Reviewed By foffle089 - Leeds, United Kingdom
I visited on numerous occasions,some for peaceful reflection and others at a time of Worship . The church is heated and warm and open everyday ,so if it's miserable weather( or if it's not) this is a great shelter of interest in the centre of town .Check out the Saxon Crosses with their amazing carvings.Christians have worshipped and prayed here since at least 627 AD .
Church services at at 8 am , no singing , then 0915 with the organ and songs .At 11 am is a worship with a band and many lively childrens' groups in term time . The children join this service in the holiday periods . There is good coffee and refreshments between the services ,so even if you don't stay for worship ,it's a great place for quality coffee. Teenagers have aSunday evening get together too . Lots going on here, lots of baptisms ,some weddings and funerals for all catered for .
A great set of bells ,peals over the town on Sundays ...and during the bicycle Tour de Yorkshire. ! Enjoy
8. Riverside Gardens
Overall Ratings
4 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By dnowland_12 - Leeds, United Kingdom
Riverside Gardens and park is a wonderful place to visit when you are in the town of Ilkley, the general terrain is very flat, so people of all abilities can usually enjoy an easy stroll around the area which is kept very well tended and clean, for the more energetic walker, part of the Dales Way runs alongside the river Wharfe here.
There is a very good playground for children of up to about the start of their teens, a hotel/pub with outdoor Seating (weather permitting) and a cafe, and there are toilet facilities next to the pub. The Gardens and park are ideal for family picnics and there are benches where you can rest your weary limbs. You might want to bring some Duck food as there are lots of hungry ones waiting for you to arrive.
Having recently visited with our two young grandchildren, aged 5 and 2, we can highly recommend a visit to this park, especially if the weather is fine.
9. Ilkley Toy Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Charles G - Stockport, United Kingdom
Only a small museum, but packed with items from a sixties childhood, there is a ground floor with dolls house and shop dioramas, including a fun fair. Upstairs there is a room full of dolls, some of them quite scary, and across the hall are the model cars an soldiers, lots of "I had one of those" . well worth the £3.50 entrance fee.
10. Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4 based on 5 reviews
Alongside the beautiful river Wharfe near Ilkley the Ben Rhydding Gravel Pits Nature Reserve has a variety of habitats and is a great place to observe birds, plants, butterflies and dragonflies and if you're really lucky you may even spot an otter! The reserve is owned by Bradford Council and has been managed by a small group of volunteers from the Wharfedale Naturalists Society since 2007.
Reviewed By David H - Bristol, United Kingdom
Former gravel pit just off the A65 to the east of Ilkley. Looking for somewhere for a short walk and discovered the site on Tripadvisor! Apparently a good spot for butterflies but, obviously, not on an October morning. Pleasant walk, but imagine the paths could be muddy in wet weather. Would not be suitable for wheelchairs. Saw the largest expanse of teasles I've ever encountered!
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