There are some lovely - and interesting - places within easy reach of Saltaire, so this year I am going to 'travel around' a little more, to share some of these locations in words and pictures. I begin with Ilkley, considered by many to be the 'jewel in the crown' of this area.Ilkley is a small spa town, in the valley of the River Wharfe, about nine or so miles over the moors from Saltaire. There was a settlement (Olicana fort) here in Roman times. It became a fashionable spa town in the 19th century and has attracted a high proportion of older and affluent inhabitants. The 2001 census recorded 20% of the population as being retired.
In consequence there are some beautiful houses in the area. The shopping centre has some lovely Victorian buildings and a high number of small 'independent' shops. There is also a Michelin-starred restaurant, The Box Tree, where Marco Pierre White trained.
I don't think I've been to Ilkley town centre, but I remember cycling through both Ilkley and Otley on the way to Kettlewell from Leeds. (I was a lot younger in those days!!)
ReplyDeleteOne of my favourite streets. I featured an Edwardian postcard view of the same spot earlier this year. Thanks for that link - I will follow it up.
ReplyDeleteA cosy place! I'd like to have a cup of tea in that tea-room.
ReplyDeleteWow, Beautiful
DeleteThis isn't a tasteless comment about hatlessness on moorland.
ReplyDeleteIt looks a pretty town with modern shops. I remember my Mum singing a song about Ilkley Moor ba'tat ?? (spelling)??
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to visiting some more towns with you. I'm doing Queensland towns at the moment.
Spa town has such a lovely ring to it!
ReplyDeleteI shall say more about hats and moors later in this series!
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, Malyss, you'd love the tea-rooms - more on that tomorrow.
A beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteCostas
I love this little street scene. It looks so peaceful. So often now days when you see a downtown street scene everyone is in a rush to get where they are going. This one shows everyone just enjoying being where they are. Great shot.
ReplyDeleteThe restaurant is tempting
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