Visitors say the village is “warm and inviting” and perfect for winter walks
A charming Yorkshire town famed for its historic architecture and beautiful countryside has been crowned one of Britain’s finest destinations when temperatures drop.
Settle, nestled in the Dales, has earned recognition as one of the nation’s “prettiest winter villages” according to Fine and Country, who described it as a “perfect spot for winter walks and nature exploration”.
The estate agents highlighted how its period cottages, rolling countryside vistas and welcoming pubs create a “warm and inviting atmosphere”.
Much of Settle falls within a designated Conservation Area, boasting numerous buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries – with 76 listed structures dotted throughout the town.
Among the most famous is The Folly, constructed in 1679, which stands as the sole Grade I listed historic residence in the Yorkshire Dales that regularly welcomes visitors, reports the Express.
The Folly is home to the Museum of North Craven life, showcasing tales of the region’s landscape and inhabitants.
One TripAdvisor reviewer hailed it as a “gem of a local museum”, writing: “Wide range of fascinating exhibits on local history. Very strong on the Carlisle-Settle railway.”
Another visitor remarked: “Fascinating and well-presented history and artifacts of everything one might wish to know about Settle and the entire N Craven area. Staff most welcoming and helpful.”
Nearby attractions and trails feature the Trow Gill Gorge, characterised by Visit Settle as a “spectacular, wooded limestone ravine at the head of Clapdale”.
There’s also Castleberg Crag, a towering limestone formation which has been “recognised as a beauty spot for centuries”, alongside the picturesque Settle Riverside Walk offering visitors a chance to discover the River Ribble.
Cascades such as Catrigg Force, Scaleber Force and Stainforth Force await, whilst ramblers can take pleasure in numerous gorges, summits and forest trails.
Those wishing to tackle the Three Peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside can reach them on foot from Settle.
History enthusiasts will appreciate the Settle Station Signal Box – a compact museum devoted to railway signalling.
One visitor said about the attraction: “This is a real experience. It brings to life the important part that the signal man played in the operation of the railways and demonstrates how this very complex system worked. Very worthy of a visit.”
The Settle Station Water Tower represents another captivating piece of heritage, standing as the “only survivor” of eight watering stations for steam locomotives along the Settle-Carlisle railway.
It appeared on Channel 4’s Restoration Man following the 2011 renovation of the structure and its transformation into a private residence. Settle offers a plethora of unique experiences, from mastering the art of cheese-making to learning how to handle birds of prey.
Visitors can also embark on a spooky graveyard tour, join a guided walk along the Settle-Carlisle line, or explore the wonders of the Ingleborough Show Cave.