Where to eat, drink, have fun and go shopping in Ilkley

With the Yorkshire Dales sitting just on the doorstep and a wealth of exciting eateries, charming cafes and traditional inns to try, the picturesque town of Ilkley has plenty to offer, writes Claire Schofield.

Eating

The Moody Cow is a must-visit for meat lovers (Photo: The Moody Cow)

The Box Tree

This Michelin star eatery is well known for its exquisite menu and award-winning service, making it the perfect dining spot for a special occasion.

The menu changes daily and is seasonally inspired, so you’ll always find something new to try.

Visit: 35-37 Church Street, LS29 9DR - theboxtree.co.uk

Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Renowned for their traditional afternoon tea - featuring delicate finger sandwiches, irresistible cakes and freshly baked scones, paired with a pot of tea or a glass of fizz - you can refuel in style at this popular tea room.

Visit: 32 The Grove, LS29 9EE - bettys.co.uk

The Moody Cow

A must-visit for meat lovers, this popular eatery offers a mouth-watering menu of traditionally cooked steaks, juicy rotisserie meats, burgers and grilled seafood.

Visit: 1-2 New Brook Street, LS29 8DQ - moodycowgrill.co.uk

4 Kitchens

Tuck into a range of flavoursome Indian dishes at this contemporary restaurant, where meat, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free diners are all well catered for.

As well as an extensive food menu, you’ll also find an impressive selection of hand picked wines on offer to complement your meal.

Visit: Unit 8-10, The Moors Shopping Centre, LS29 9LB - 4kitchens-ilkley.co.uk

The Veggie

This family-run cafe serves stone baked pizzas, sandwiches, paninis, soups and burgers, alongside a hearty breakfast menu.

Their seasonally changing menu has an array of vegan and gluten-free options and can be enjoyed inside or on the go.

Visit: 32 Leeds Road, LS29 8DS - theveggiecafe.co.uk

Bistro Saigon

Indulge in a taste of Vietnam at this popular bistro, where you can experiment with exciting new flavours and textures.

Lemongrass, ginger, fish sauces and chillies are the key ingredients on the menu, and dishes can be adapted to cater for vegetarians and those who prefer a milder level of spice.

Visit: 1A Railway Road, LS29 8HQ - bistrosaigon.co.uk

Drinking

Over 25s can try more than 150 gins from around the world at The Gin Lounge (Photo: The Gin Lounge)

The Gin Lounge

Nestled in the heart of the town centre, this cosy gin lounge for the over 25s boasts a selection of more than 150 gins from around the world.

From Valencian orange and rhubarb, to elderflower and pink grapefruit varieties, it’s the perfect place to discover your new favourite tipple.

Visit: 45 Brook Street, LS29 8AG - theginloungeilkley.co.uk

The Flying Duck

Occupying one of the oldest buildings in Ilkley, this charming watering hole serves a varied selection of real ales, ciders, wines and spirits.

They also have hot and cold food during lunchtime and most evenings, if you’re feeling a little peckish.

Visit: 16 Church Street, LS29 9DR - flyingduck.org.uk

Ticket Office Bar

Opened in December 2017 within Ilkley’s historic rail station, this stylish bar specialises in innovative drink creations.

While cocktails are their signature, they also serve an array of premium wines, champagnes, spirits and craft beers.

Visit: 11 Station Plaza, Station Road, LS29 8HF - ticketofficebar.co.uk

Ilkley Moor Vaults

This homely traditional pub offers all of the essentials, from tasty homemade food to beers, cask ales and a wide selection of spirits.

All of the above can be enjoyed in the snug interior, or al fresco in the beer garden, weather permitting.

Visit: Stockeld Road, LS29 9HD - ilkleymoorvaults.co.uk

Things to do

Ilkley Moor offers superb panoramic views across the town (Photo: Shutterstock)

Ilkley Cinema

This single screen, independent cinema offers a cosier movie experience than the average multiplex.

Look forward to comfortable sofa chairs to relax in, as well as freshly ground coffees, sandwiches, chilled prosecco and noodle boxes that can be delivered directly to your seat.

Visit: 46A Leeds Road, LS29 8DP - ilkleycinema.co.uk

Ilkley Moor

Situated high above the town, Ilkley Moor offers superb panoramic views across the town and beyond, and is a popular place for walkers.

Many visitors hike to the summit to see the famous ‘Cow and Calf’ rock formation, and pay a visit to the aptly named Cow and Calf pub for a bite to eat and a well-deserved drink.

Visit: LS29 9RF

Ilkley Toy Museum

Home to one of the finest private collections of toys in the North of England, this unique museum displays dolls, teddy bears, dolls houses and games, dating from 350BC to the present day, alongside a selection of traditional toys, puzzles, jigsaws and souvenirs.

Visit: 2 Whitton Croft Road, LS29 9HR - ilkleytoymuseum.co.uk

The Dales Way

Beginning in Ilkley and finishing in Bowness-on-Windermere in Cumbria, this 80 mile long walking route takes in some of the best scenery of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, through to the beautiful Lakes.

Whether you choose to walk the entire length, or just part of it, it’s a great way to soak up some scenery.

More info: dalesway.org

Shopping

Spend some time in the charming Grove Bookshop (Photo: Shutterstock)

Coco Boutique

Brimming with designer bags, statement jewellery, chic scarves and gifts, Coco Boutique is the place to go for inspiring fashion accessories.

Visit: 7 South Hawksworth Street, LS29 9DX - mycocoboutique.com

Eric Spencer Ltd

This popular clothing store sells a wide range of quality country attire from brands including Loake, Barbour, Fynch Hatton and Hunter Boots, so you’ll be well equipped for braving the great outdoors.

Visit: 15-17 Church Street, LS29 9DR - ericspencer.co.uk

Nora’s

A treasure trove of quirky gifts and home accessories, you’ll always find something unique at Nora’s, whether it’s jewellery, candles, framed prints or a Yorkshire-inspired tea towel.

Visit: 1 South Hawksworth Street, LS29 9DY - noras-shop.co.uk

Grove Bookshop

This cosy book store is home to a great selection of interesting reads, from travel and local guides to fiction and exclusive signed books.

If you've got time make sure to browse the range of CDs and DVDs in the Grove Music store on the lower level.

Visit: 10-12 The Grove, LS29 9EG - grovebookshop.com