Voted 'Best Place to Live' by The Sunday Times 2025
This spa town in Yorkshire is famous for its atmospheric moor and nearby countryside walks in the Yorkshire Dales and most recently as being voted 'Best Place to Live' by the Sunday Times 2025. But as if that wasn't enough it also hosts an annual literature festival, an up and coming film festival and the Ilkley Summer Festival, all of which see local residents and visitors alike, come together to celebrate the best Ilkley has to offer.
Explore the area
On top of beautiful countryside, the town is also very well appointed when it comes to attractions and amenities too. In the centre of Ilkley you'll find Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms, the Ilkley Lido, Kings Hall and Winter Gardens, Middleton Woods and Ilkey Riverside Gardens.
For families in particular who are looking for a new home in Ilkley, it is worth noting that there is a good range of pre schools, primary and secondary schools all within easy reach and the nearby city of Leeds and the town of Harrogate are both accessible within just 40 minutes by car too. The Ilkley train station also provides easy access across Yorkshire and to the rest of the UK, making Ilkley popular with affluent commuters as well.
Transport
Ilkley Train Station is ideal for regular trains into both Leeds and Bradford Forster Square, with services to each destination occurring every half an hour at peak times.
The A65 runs north west from Leeds in Yorkshire via Kirkstall, Horsforth, Yeadon, Guiseley, Ilkley and Skipton, passes west of Settle, then continues through Ingleton and Kirkby Lonsdale before terminating at Kendal in Cumbria.
Outdoors
Located high up on Ilkley Moor, the Cow and Calf Rocks are a large rock formation that is part boulder and part outcrop. According to local legend, the Calf was split from the Cow when the giant Rombald was fleeing an enemy, and stamped on the rock as he leapt across the valley.
Sitting on the banks of the River Wharfe in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, Bolton Abbey really is one of the regions best beauty spots. It enjors 30,000 acres of sprawling countryside and over 80 miles of walkways to explore. It offers a lively events calendar throughout the year and provides plenty for the whole family to enjoy.
Food & drink
The Box Tree is an award winning restaurant focused on serving seasonal dishes in a modern style. It is located inside one of the oldest buildings in Ilkley and is regularly regarded as one of the best restaurants in Yorkshire.
