It's one of the most flourishing and thriving areas of the city.
Ben Rhydding is part of the Ilkley urban area and belongs to the City of Bradford. The villages former name was Wheatley until the arrival of the hydropathic establishment in 1844 and the railway station that was built to serve it, lent the name Ben Rhydding to the area.
Explore the area
Ben Rhydding is part of the Ilkley urban area and belongs the City of Bradford. The villages former name was Wheatley until the arrival of the hydropathic establishment in 1844 and the railway station that was built to serve it, lent the name Ben Rhydding to the area.
Today it is a predominantly residential area of Ilkley and still makes good use of the Ben Rhydding railway station. It also boasts a pub, two petrol stations, two churches, a beautiful golf course and a number of local shops, however the main shopping destination for the village is the town of Ilkley itself.
For commuters both Bradford and Leeds are within easy reach via the A650 and A660 respectively. Both journeys take approximately 40 minutes by road or 45 minutes by rail.
Schools
Ben Rhydding Primary School was rated Good in their most recent Ofsted inspection and it has been ranked in the top 3% of Primary schools in the country according the The Sunday Times. An alternative, but equally impressive choice for primary education in the area is the Sacred Heart Catholic School in Ilkley. This school has been described as a ‘hidden gem’ and it is easy to see why. It has won several awards over the years and has been Ofsted rated ‘Outstanding’.
For secondary education, Ilkley Grammar School has been rated as Outstanding by Ofsted and specialises in humanities and sciences. It gained academy status in 2011 and is a very popular choice among parents in the area.
Transport
Ben Rhydding Train Station provides regular services into Ilkley, Leeds and Bradford, making it a popular transport option with many commuters in the area.
For drivers, the A65 provides easy access into Leeds and actually runs all the way across the country to Kendal in Cumbria.
For international travel, Leeds Bradford Airport is also close by, taking just twenty minutes to get there by car.
Outdoors
Harewood House is one of the Treasure Houses of England. It was built in the 18th century and is especially renowned for its art collections. Throughout the year visitors to the estate can enjoy everything from art exhibitions to the rare bird garden, farm experience and last but by no means least the 100 acres of grounds and gardens. It’s the perfect destination for a fun, interesting and all weather day out that’s right on the doorstep.
Home of the Yorkshire County Cricket Club, Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Team and the Yorkshire Carnegie Rugby Union Clubs, it’s no wonder Headingley Stadium is a hive of activity and excitement in Headingley almost all year round. It’s also recently enjoyed no less that £45m worth of brand new facilities including new executive lounges and suites, so it’s set to be an even more popular and impressive venue in the years to come too.
Food & drink
The Clevedon restaurant and bistro in Ilkley offers a contemporary, seasonal menu made up of locally sourced, fresh dishes. The décor itself is modern yet full of English charisma and it is well known for its relaxed atmosphere and a unique dining experience.
Ilkley pool & lido
Ilkley Pool and Lido boasts a heated 25m x 11m indoor pool, which is open all year round, plus a picturesque outdoor pool and café which is open from May to September, complete with a water fountain to play with too! It is a great way to cool off during the summer or improve on those potentially lifesaving skills at any time of year and it is a very popular choice for a fun family day out just on the doorstep.
