Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
Exploring Ilkley: Uncovering Why This Yorkshire Town Ranks Among Britain’s Best Places to Live
The familiar strains of a Yorkshire folk song echoed through the car as we embarked on the journey to Ilkley, recently acclaimed as one of the best places to live in Britain. My father, reciting the decades-old rhyme from his school days, set the stage for our exploration of this much-lauded town and its surrounding moorland. Intrigued by Ilkley’s reputation, we set out to discover firsthand what makes this location so highly regarded.
Discovering the Iconic Cow and Calf Rocks
Our first destination was the renowned Cow and Calf, a distinctive rock formation easily located with the aid of modern navigation. Equipped with a sat-nav and a printed walking guide outlining a six-point circular route, we were well-prepared to navigate the area, learning from past walking excursions.
While not my first visit to this landmark – childhood memories exist of a trip when visiting local relatives, though undocumented by photographs – this trip was about forging new experiences. We aimed to fully appreciate the Cow and Calf by undertaking the circular walking route around this popular attraction.
The walk, approximately an hour in duration, presented an engaging mix of terrains. It involved ascending steep inclines, carefully navigating boggy patches, and utilizing a wooden plank bridge to traverse a stream. The varied landscape, marked by landmarks such as a derelict shelter and interesting rock formations, maintained our interest throughout. The route is relatively short and appears suitable for dog walking. However, caution is advised regarding bees and wasps, as several needed to be waved away, and muddy conditions could mean a messy return for canine companions.
Ilkley Town Centre: Lunch and Riverside Park
Following our moorland excursion, we ventured into Ilkley town centre, eager to experience what ‘The Best Place to live in the North’, as designated by The Sunday Times, has to offer. Arriving at lunchtime, we prioritised finding food, noting that some establishments opened later in the day. Our pre-trip research led us to Yorkie Cow, where we savoured a Yorkshire pudding-based meal priced at £10, excluding drinks.
Post-lunch, we strolled to Riverside Park, a short distance from the town centre. The park’s extensive amenities were immediately apparent. Beyond the large green spaces ideal for recreation, we noted a riverside café/restaurant. Riverside Park presents as a comprehensive public space, catering to diverse interests, and appears particularly well-suited for dog owners.
Picturesque Streets and Town Amenities
Returning to the town centre, the variety of retail outlets was striking. The high street boasted a mix of national brands, from M&S and Costa to Fat Face and Weird Fish, alongside local businesses like Boyes. The presence of Bettys tearoom further emphasized the town’s appeal.
Ilkley’s visual charm is undeniable. The town is nestled amidst hills, and the central streets are lined with cherry blossom trees, creating a beautiful environment for walking. Key features like a fountain and an attractive riverside walkway enhance the town’s appeal, particularly for summer evening strolls.
As we walked back towards the car park, thoughts turned to property prices in Ilkley. While grand properties seemed beyond reach, perhaps a semi-detached house in the town centre, even without a garden, might be a possibility.
A Memorable Visit to a Highly-Rated Town
Despite any house-price induced introspection, our overall impression of Ilkley was highly positive. Beyond the picturesque setting and array of amenities, the friendly atmosphere was notable, with locals offering greetings both on the moors and in town. The diverse culinary scene also adds to Ilkley’s attraction.
Ilkley presents itself as an appealing destination year-round, offering numerous walking opportunities as well as facilities like a local pool and lido. It is easy to understand why Ilkley has been recognised as the best place to live in the North – a place that might tempt one to relocate permanently.