The charming Victorian town has been named one of the prettiest in the UK, and it’s easy to see why it’s so well regarded
A charming Victorian market town nestled beside a national park ranks among Britain’s most beautiful destinations. Located just 90 minutes by car from Greater Manchester, Ilkley in West Yorkshire has earned widespread recognition for its stunning appeal.
Positioned on the fringes of the Yorkshire Dales, Ilkley triumphed over coastal rivals in Cornwall and East Sussex to secure fifth place in The Telegraph’s ranking of Britain’s most picturesque towns. The newspaper enlisted specialists to evaluate communities based on “pleasantness of their shop fronts, historic architecture, low traffic and litter, stunning viewpoints and plentiful greenery, culminating in a score out of 50.”
Ilkley secured an impressive overall rating of 44 out of 50, earning perfect tens for panoramic vistas and green spaces. It also scored nine out of 10 for retail frontages, eight for period buildings and seven in the minimal traffic and rubbish category, reports the Express.
The Telegraph highlighted Ilkley’s “excellent views”, which are “guaranteed at almost every turn”, owing to its hillside position overlooking the River Wharfe without a tower block in sight. The community also boasts “wide and leafy streets”, especially the Grove, which features a “broad pavement, bandstand, cherry trees and handsome shopfronts”.
Ilkley’s remarkable selection of independent retailers receives praise, alongside its “swish cinema,” park, brewery, and “artisan food market.” Arguably the most renowned establishment in Ilkley remains Betty’s Cafe Tea Rooms, celebrated for its signature Fat Rascal fruit scones and indulgent afternoon teas.
The Ilkley branch is particularly special, as the shop features a dedicated chocolate counter, offering a treasure trove of handcrafted treats. It also has its own brewery, Ilkley Brewery, and tap room, which serves Italian-inspired food, including pizzetta sandwiches and roasts on Sundays.
But it’s not just the town itself which lends it to being ‘pretty’. It also has some incredible countryside right on its doorstep.
There’s the wild and windswept Ilkley Moor, perfect for a bracing hike. It features many intriguing rock formations, including the interestingly named Cow and Calf rocks.
You can also head to Middleton Woods, which is covered by a blanket of orange leaves every spring. Ilkley does have something that sets it apart from other towns, however.
Its Art Deco lido, which the Telegraph described as the town’s “jewel,” has an original cafe and sun terrace. The Telegraph recommends heading there for the best views, looking out towards Ilkley Moor.
It has been a hotspot for visitors for decades, having opened in the 1930s. TimeOut ranked it as one of the best outdoor pools in the UK, and is often bustling with activity during the summer, as it tends to open from May to September.
But if it’s a bit too cold to venture into the outdoor pool, Ilkley Lido is also home to a 25m indoor pool. But if you’re feeling brave, the River Wharfe is also a safe bathing water area.