Ilkley & Wharfedale

The spa town of Ilkley has a population of around 16,000, swelled in recent times by its popularity with commuters, and is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

An extremely popular place for amblers and hill-walkers, the area relies heavily on tourism and farming. The town enjoys an extremely healthy property market with prices, as a result, considerably higher than the national average.

Good transport links by rail to nearby Bradford and Leeds, plus the nearby Leeds-Bradford International Airport means it is perfectly placed for the commuter.

Ilkley has a well-used swimming pool, complete with Lido for the summer months, a museum and Toy Museum, and the remnants of a Roman castle in the grounds of All Saints' Parish Church. Ilkley Moor, with its famous Cow and Calf Rocks, is home to hundreds of examples of pre-historic stone art, carved into rocks thousands of years ago by our ancestors.

The famous White Wells spa cottage, also on the moor, is one of many reminders of the town's successful period as a spa resort.

Another popular spot during summer months is the park alongside the River Wharfe, where you can stroll along the river bank watching the ducks or the rowing boats which can be hired.

The town has a thriving business community, while for the shopper there is a multitude of small shops, based either on The Grove, Brook Street or on the fringes of the central car park, selling a huge variety of goods.

A good selection of hotels make the town a popular venue for holidays, conferences, country pursuits or just dining at one of the town's many eating houses.

Regular events in the town include the Ilkley Literature Festival and the Ilkley Music Festival. The town is also home of the Airedale Symphony Orchestra.