Things to do in Ilkley

Polly Checkland Harding

Ilkely in West Yorkshire has been a settlement since the Roman era. Close to both Bradford and Saltaire, the picturesque spa town gives you easy access to the moors for walking, but its vibrant cultural life is not to be underestimated. The area is particularly well known for the annual Ilkley Literature Festival, which attracts crowds from all over the UK and big hitters on the literary scene. Dive into the local activities such as Ilkley Lido, a Grade II listed outdoor pool that’s one of the most scenic swims you can find in Yorkshire, or try the small but perfectly formed tapas plates at La Casita, which make a delicious lunch or dinner.

Alternatively, head for one of Ilkey’s double Michelin Star offerings, The Box Tree. This exceptional restaurant has been serving acclaimed food since the 1960s, and yet continues to keep things exciting and fresh in the present day. For more of our top things to do in Ilkley, read on.

Our top picks

Ilkley Lido

Ilkley Lido, Denton Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 0BZ - Visit now

Ilkley Lido is a grade II listed outdoor pool, with a stunning view of the surrounding moors. The complex also includes an indoor pool, tennis courts and a bowling green.

Ilkley Lido
Ilkley Lido. Image courtesy of James Smith/ Only By Land.

Ilkley Manor House

Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DT - Visit now

Visit the collection of Roman artefacts in one of the oldest buildings in Yorkshire, or host a particularly special occasion at Ilkley Manor House.

Ilkley Manor House
Ilkley Manor House

The Box Tree Restaurant

The Box Tree Restaurant, 35-37 Church St, Ilkley, LS29 9DR - Visit now

The Box Tree has been a vital step in many top chef’s careers, and with two Michelin stars to its name you can expect a meal to remember.

Ilkley Cinema

Ilkley Cinema, 46a Leeds Road,, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8DP - Visit now

See documentaries, art films and contemporary indie flicks from both British and foreign production houses, at Ilkley’s homely cinema.

Grove Bookshop

Grove Bookshop, 10 The Grove, Ilkley, LS29 9EG - Visit now

After over 40 years of bringing best seller titles and hidden gems to the community, Grove Bookshop has firmly established itself as an integral part of Ilkley’s cultural scene.

Grove bookshop

Kings Hall and Winter Gardens

Kings Hall and Winter Gardens, Station Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8HB - Visit now

Ilkley’s much loved Kings Hall is a traditional theatre which regularly hosts musical, spoken word, comedy and festival performances while the adjacent glass roofed Winter Garden is a totally unique space for events and drinks receptions.

Where to go in Bradford

An image of a large man made pool with fountains in front of a historic building with a clock tower
Bradford
Park
City Park

City park is Bradford’s brilliant multi-award winning outdoor public space, one of its highlights being The Mirror Pool — the largest urban water feature in the UK.

Wallers Brewery Sunbridge Wells
Bradford
Brewery
Wallers Brewery

The biggest bar in Sunbridge Wells, Bradford’s underground network of restaurants and bars. Serving food and drink in a historic underground venue.

Salts Mill
Bradford
Gallery
Hockney 1853 Gallery

For a David Hockney fan, this is the place to be. Visit this lesser known gem for access to the beautiful collections of legendary David Hockney.

Bradford
Gallery
Tinker Gallery

Ilkley’s contemporary art gallery, set up by artist Joanne Tinker, is a studio space in combination with a gallery.

Bradford
Theatre
Ilkley Playhouse

The Playhouse has a well established season of productions, also used as a venue for events, including the popular Ilkley Literature Festival.

Bradford
Tourist Attraction
Victoria Hall

Saltaire’s Victoria Hall is a beautiful 15th century Italian inspired building first opened to the public in 1871.

Bradford
Bar or Pub
SALT Beer Factory

SALT Beer Factory, named after the village of Saltaire where they first began, pride themselves making delicious craft beer for those who love it.

Bradford
Theatre
Tapestry Arts

Tapestry Arts is a live-music venue and bar, arts complex and theatre all rolled into one.

Bradford
Restaurant
Paratha Box

The flaky, buttery flatbread of Partha Box has opened in Bradford – to the joy of all those local.

Bradford
Restaurant
SakkuSamba

Japanese sushi meets Brazilian Grill in a fantastic melding of cuisine. This gem in Bradford is not only quirky in concept but delicious in execution.

Bradford Visitor Guides

impressions
Art Galleries in Bradford

Bradford has given us giants of the visual art world such as David Hockney and Ian Beesley, check out our guide of art galleries to find the best places to experience art in the city.

Nightrain
Music Venues in Bradford

Bradford has a reputation for intimate gigs and rowdy rock nights, we've rounded up the best places to see both in our guide of music venues in Bradford.

St George's Hall in Bradford at night
Attractions in Bradford

Our guide to the best attractions in the Bradford, including museums, galleries, music venues and theatres in Ilkley and Saltaire.

The Alhambra
Theatres in Bradford

As the birthplace of J.B. Priestly and the home of the Alhambra, the city's longstanding thespian tradition ensures there are no lack of theatres in Bradford.

little tea house
Shopping in Bradford

Discover an alternative to high street shopping in Bradford, lkley and Saltaire, with our guide of highly recommended independent retailers.

La Casita, Ilkley
Food and Drink in Bradford

Our guide to the best food and drink in Bradford, featuring restaurants and bars in Bradford, Ilkley and Saltaire.

Great Victoria Hotel
Hotels in Bradford

For a weekend break in a private apartment or an overnight stay in high luxury, we've rounded up the best places to stay in Bradford, Ilkley and Saltaire.

Science and Media Museum
Museums in Bradford

As a northern city with a culturally rich past, take some time to explore the weird, wonderful and wacky variety of museums in Bradford.

Bradford Cathedral
Walks in Bradford

A round-up of the best walks in Bradford, including the city centre, its parks, and around key attractions by Creative Tourist.

Ego Death
Spotlight on

Hidden Bars in Manchester

Manchester's best secret, hidden and hard to find bars - here's our guide.

Take me there

Culture Guides

A woman sits in a car with hands holding the steering wheel.
Cinema in the North

Vintage Alfred Hitchcock and a family friendly film festival are amongst our highlights this May.

Image by Jonathan Schofield.
Tours and Activities in the North

We've got many a good time in store this month as we round up the best walking tours, cultural classes and makers markets in the land.

Sextile
Music in the North

The outsiders, the oddities and the outrageous – we’re keeping it weird with a hot new batch of underground gigs about to hit Manchester, Leeds, and Liverpool.

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in the North

Dynamic dance, party-performance, high-energy stand-up and a site-specific show set in a pub. All this and more in our newest theatre guide.

A large sphere floats in a dark room with an ornate wall pattern, flanked by two arched windows and a checkered floor.
Exhibitions in the North

From precarious ceramics to photography festivals, spring is here and brings with it a breath of fresh air in visual art and exhibitions.

Okechukwu Nzelu
Literature Events in the North

If it's inspiring, inclusive events and avant-garde, experimental afternoons you're after, look no further than live literature this spring – we've got you covered.