Take a wander around the cobbled streets which you may recognize as they are frequently featured on TV soaps and drama and browse our independent shops: antiques, unique gifts, art, jewellery and lots more. Wash down award-winning pork pies from our excellent butchers with real ale in historic pubs that pre-date the English Civil War.

Discover the town’s rich history, home of the country’s first interior designer Thomas Chippendale, the Wharfedale press that revolutionised the printing industry and quarries that helped build the very foundations of our democracy at the Palace of Westminster.

Hike to the top of the Chevin for breathtaking views over Wharfedale, bring your bike and cycle in the tracks of the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire, or walk your dog through scenic woods.

Picnic on the banks of the River Wharfe; see salmon leap over the weir, search for otter swimming upstream and marvel as Daubenton’s bats skim the surface in search of insects on a summer’s eve.

See the only hydroelectric scheme on the River Wharfe, generating green electricity.

Stay:
There are several accommodation options within a short distance of Otley town centre including B&Bs, a camping site and Chevin Country Park Hotel and Spa.

Location:
Otley is situated on the A660 and just off the A65 in the centre of the countryside between Leeds, Bradford and Harrogate.

The X84 is a regular bus service from Leeds City Centre to Otley.

A shuttle bus connects Otley with Menston Station for trains to Bradford and Leeds, which connects with the national rail mainline network. Plan your journey here

Don’t miss:
Otley Black Sheep Folk Festival! It is a festival with something for everyone, street entertainment, concerts, music sessions abound.

Camping is available at the campsite on the Pool Road just outside Otley.

Artists appearing at this year’s festival include Vin Garbutt, The Churchfitters, De Temps Antan, Les Barker, Grannies Attic plus a host of our regular favourites. Find out more here