Welcome to Otley – LS21

Otley is a thriving market town renowned for the number and quality of its pubs (see earlier posts). The Clock commemorates Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, battles in the Transvaal and war time exploits. Near-by is the Navvies memorial that commemorated those railway workers who died building local tunnels. There is lots to see for history buffs.
The surrounding countryside provides  scope for fishing, clay pigeon shooting, riding and other outdoor sports.
Walking is a major activity as Otley is set in beautiful surroundings close to the Ebor Way and the Dalesway with the new attraction of the Six Dales Trail. This 38 mile route from Otley to Middleham  formally  inaugurated on 26th June 2010 by Janet Street Porter.

Otley still retains it’s cattle market, agricultural suppliers, blacksmiths, paper manufacturers, printers, engineers, lens manufacturers, a busy shopping centre and popular open street markets.
Disappointingly there is a shortage of bed and breakfast and overnight accommodation, surprising for such a bustling town but no shortage of pubs.

Top Ten Reasons to Visit Otley

1. 1000 years of worship and the solid All Saints Church The church are organisers of the Otley Parish Church Beer Festival. A restoration and refurbishment project is currently underway in the church
2. Thomas Chippendale cabinet maker extraordinaire celebrated by Otley-online
3. Otley Folk Festival 2010
4. Otley Show – The agricultural show for Lower Wharfedale first held in 1796.
5. Wharfedale Morris Dancers the Wayzgoose
6. Otley Museum
7. Otley Courthouse cafe and event venue. Celebrating its 10th anniversary with lots of art and shows. Currently raising charitable funds to buy new chairs
8. Otley Victorian Fayre and Christmas Market
9. Otley Chevin and the Danefield Estate for walks and views.
10. Titty Bottle Park and the riverside with a fine weir, ducks and park amenities.

Around the corner is the Otley Lions bookshop that raises funds for good causes using only volunteer staff. Pop in for a chat and a book or two.