The thriving market town of Settle makes a great base for touring two of the North of England’s most beautiful areas. It sits at the southwest edge of The Yorkshire Dales National Park, with all of the pretty villages and picturesque countryside that entails. It is also at the northeast edge of the Forest of Bowland, still relatively unknown even to the English, an area of little lanes and pretty rivers. And a bit further afield, the Lakes are a comfortable drive away along the A65. The area around Settle is renowned for its limestone scenery, and it has several caves in the vicinity, including Victoria Cave where prehistoric remains were found in the 19th century. It takes some imagination to look at the wild and rugged scenery today and picture hippos there, but hippopotamus bones were discovered there, along with those of bears and mammoths. Settle itself is a pleasant settlement of some 2,420 souls at the last census, with many stone buildings giving it character. There is a market place that fills up every Tuesday, and in the centre the Shambles must be seen on any visit to the place, a three-storey structure containing shops below and housing above. The greatest claim-to-fame of Settle, however, is as the starting point of the fabulous Settle-Carlisle railway line, 72 miles of unforgettable travel. This was built in the 1870s to provide a route to Scotland from Yorkshire and the East Midlands, and it is still a significant freight line today. But for visitors it is the spectacular countryside through which it passes that will be of interest, and the confident and grandiose engineering that building the line entailed. The Ribblehead Viaduct and the Dent Head Viaduct in particular are breath-taking, but they are just two of 22 viaducts, and there are 14 tunnels into the bargain. Those planning trips from the line should be aware that several of the stations are a good hike from the villages whose names they take – the line was built as an express route, seeking the fastest way rather than the most convenient for the little stops along the way, but this gives it extra charm, increasing the feeling of space and freedom that walkers and others wanting to get-away-from-it-all so relish.
Attraction
Horses Health Farm
Malham Tarn (NT)
Settle-Carlisle Railway
Yorkshire Dales Falconry & Conservation Centre
Classes
Dance - Helen Howard School of Theatre Dance
Cottage
Bramble Bank
Dales Holiday Cottages
Dentist
Estate Agent
Graveson Estate Agency Kingsley
Halifax Property Services
Wright Neil Associates
Farmers Market
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Crowtrees Holiday Park
Langcliffe Caravan Park
Inn
Market
Settle Farmers Market
Settle Market
Settle Social Club Car Boot
Pub and Bar
Craven Arms
Golden Lion Hotel
Plough Inn (The)
Restaurant
Craven Arms
Golden Gate Two
Golden Lion Hotel
Little House
Plough Inn (The)
Ravenous
School
Catteral Hall
Giggleswick School
Solicitor
Taxi
Vet
Sports Clubs
Settle CC (Cricket)
Shops
Drake & Macefield
Archway Books
Flower Basket
N P Sher
R & M McGeoch
Ingreatshape
Linton Court Gallery
Edinburgh Woollen Mill
Car and Kitchen
Antiques
Peel Antiques
Milnthorpe Mary & Daughters
Activities
Bradford Pothole Club(Caving)
Places to Stay near Settle
Harts Head Hotel (0.24 miles)
18th Century Country Inn providing excellent service on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Listed in Camra Good Beer Guide for the last 6 years. Great value food. ... More
King William The Fourth Guest House (0.41 miles)
Set in the midst of Settle, King William The Fourth Guest House is ideally suited for those wanting to be centrally based and within walking distance of all the local facilities.Having been completely renovated and ... More | visit website
Falcon Manor Hotel (0.75 miles)
Craven Arms (1.13 miles)
The Craven Arms is nestled on the edges of the North Yorkshire Dales. Our family-friendly hotel, pub and restaurant is a great place to visit whilst exploring the beautiful countryside. ... More
The Craven Heifer (1.90 miles)
Maypole Inn (3.70 miles)
The Maypole Inn is a lovely, 1600’s Dales Country Inn with cosy en-suite rooms, open log fires, and lots of character. It is located in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, only ... More
The Traddock (3.87 miles)
Surrounded by breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Traddock is a family run hotel that provides quality en-suite accommodation, elegant contemporary cuisine, a romantic setting and a warm welcome. The perfect base ... More | visit website
Boars Head (3.89 miles)
Dalesbridge House (3.95 miles)
Dalesbridge House is located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Forest of Bowland. A warm welcome awaits you and our comfortable rooms have wonderful views over the surrounding fields and fells. ... More | visit website
Dalesbridge B&B (3.95 miles)
Brit Quote: |
|
On this day: |