Bradford Telegraph and Argus

Otley & Aireborough

A bustling market town straddling the River Wharfe, Otley is a place rich in tradition and natural beauty.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Otley from the air

Set on the gateway to the Dales, its name is associated with such legendary names as JMW Turner, John Wesley and Thomas Chippendale.

Turner stayed at nearby Farnley Hall as he committed the area's natural beauty, which includes the fantastic views and wildlife offered by the Chevin Forest Park, to canvas.

Acclaimed furniture maker Chippendale, meanwhile, is believed to have been born in the town, where his statue stands on Manor Square.

A towering hill brimming with trees, wildlife and rocks, the Chevin attracts nature lovers, horse riders and mountain cyclists in large numbers throughout the year.

For picknickers and fisherman Wharfemeadows Park, which lies alongside the river, provides an ideal spot.

Otley is very much a working market town as can be seen on Mondays and Fridays, when cattle auctions take place at Bridge End and Wharfedale Farmers Auction Marts.

The street markets, meanwhile, which sell everything from fresh produce to clothes, attract visitors on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. And a monthly Crafts and Collectors Fair and Farmers Market, which take place on the second and last Sunday of each month respectively, have been successfully introduced.

The town hosts several big annual events including a walking festival, Otley Show, the Victoria Fayre, Otley Carnival and a folk festival.

Aireborough, which takes in the busy townships of Rawdon, Guiseley and Yeadon is home to the thriving Leeds Bradford Airport and also has more historical attractions, including the famous Harry Ramsden's fish and chip restaurant in Guiseley.

The area is a hotbed of sporting activity, with very active football, cricket and bowling teams.

Horsforth, dubbed the largest village in England, is proud of the independent status it maintains while nestled on the edge of Leeds.

Residents pride themselves on sharing a strong community spirit and enjoy relaxing in Hall Park, where young cyclists and skateboarders can be seen pulling off stunts in the skate park.