Living in Ilkley

Everything You Need to Know About Living in Ilkley

Top class schools, breath-taking views and a thriving high street, we’re talking of course about Ilkley, the UK’s best place to live 2022 according to the Sunday Times! While news of this gem of a location might be a revelation for some, here at Chartford Homes, we’ve known for a long time about just how great a place Ilkley is to live.

So much so, that we’re even building there! Our development of stylish townhouses at Greenholme Mews on Iron Row, is already well underway and if you’re thinking about buying a new home in Ilkley, then we recommend you look today – these homes won’t be available for long, of that we’re certain. Why? Because Ilkley really is an amazing place to live and in this blog post, we’re going to tell you why.


It’s fantastic for exploring the great outdoors.


 

1. Ilkley is located at the southern end of the Yorkshire dales and enjoys breath-taking countryside views as a result and of course, there’s no shortage of fantastic walking, cycling and hiking routes across the dales.
2. Middleton Woods is a popular walking spot near Ilkley. You can stroll through the beautiful woodland and in the springtime, enjoy the blue carpet of bluebells and other native woodland flowers.
3. The River Wharfe which flows through Ilkley is a great place to walk and a popular spot for a wild swim too.
4. High on Ilkley Moor the Cow and Calf Rocks are a large rock formation consisting of an outcrop and boulder. It’s a key landmark on the Ilkley Moor and it is a great place for walking and rock climbing.
5. The Ilkley Riverside Gardens is a popular spot for families to enjoy the great outdoors.

It’s full of rich history and interesting places to visit.
 

6. Ilkley is littered with prehistoric cairns and rock carvings dating as far back as the Bronze and Iron ages which make it great for exploring.
7. Originally famed for its rejuvenating spa waters, like the neighbouring town of Harrogate, you can still enjoy a dip in Ilkley’s waters today by visiting the cold-water lido.
8. It’s home to Europe’s smallest ultra 4K digital single screen independent cinema.
9. The Kings Hall and Winter Gardens is a lovely venue that’s home to a traditional Victorian theatre and a glass-roofed spa hall.
10. The Ilkley toy museum contains one of the best, private collections of toys in the country.
11. Ilkley Manor Trust run the Ilkley Manor House, one of the oldest buildings in the town which is now a museum and arts and heritage centre.

It’s got a lively atmosphere and a great local culture.
 

12. It has its own song: On Ilkla Moor Baht ‘at – how many places can say that?!
13. The town hosts several popular festivals and events through the year including the Ilkley Literature Festival, the Ilkley Summer Festival and the Real Food Ilkley Markets.

You’ll never be stuck for somewhere good to eat.

14. It’s home to a branch of the famous Betty’s Café and Tea Room, a Yorkshire institution and an absolute must visit for afternoon tea.
15. Located within Ilkley's historic railway station, The Ticket Office is the perfect spot to start (and end) your night out.
16. The Ilkley Brewery Co is a fantastic local brewery producing excellent craft beers which can be found across Ilkley.
17. The Box Tree restaurant is a small, but perfectly formed and renowned restaurant has been a part of Ilkley for the past 40 years. The modern French classical menu and extensive wine cellar offer food lovers an unforgettable experience.

It’s surprisingly well connected.

18. Ilkley is home to one of the country’s largest cycling clubs and as a result, it enjoys well maintained, documented, and used cycling routes.
19. Ilkley boasts its own train station and bus station, so if you don’t drive, or you’re interested in more environmentally friendly transport options, these two stations have you covered.
20. For drivers, Ilkley is well served by the A65, A59 and the M1 and M6 motorways connecting you with Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate and then ultimately London to the south and Edinburgh to the North.

It’s home to some of the best schools in the country.

21. There are no less than six Ofsted rated “outstanding” primary schools for parents to choose from in Ilkley and even after that, the rest are all rated “good”
22. Ilkley Grammar School describes itself as an ‘outstanding’ comprehensive academy. It has an excellent reputation within the local community, in 2017 it was Ofsted rated “outstanding in all areas and the school was also recognised in The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2018 with Ilkley Grammar School (IGS) named as the top ranked comprehensive school in the north of England.

 
If you’re thinking of moving to Ilkley, here’s some further reading on why this Yorkshire town is one of the best places to live in the UK.

BBC News. Ilkley: A tour of the Sunday Times’ best place to live winner.
Visit Bradford
Local Ratings for The Best Schools in Ilkley