History and legend on Ilkley Moor

Ilkley Moor offers more than just spectacular views over the Yorkshire countryside - from its appearances in folklore and regional anthems to its designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, this remarkable area has piqued the interest of visitors from all walks of life for thousands of years.



While scientists may be fascinated by Ilkley Moor's upland bird habitation, the region is most popular for walks, and a top destination for exploring the great outdoors in Yorkshire. The town of Ilkley itself makes a great base for exploring the moor, with its small population, charming, old-fashioned streets and abundance of tea rooms meaning travellers will never be stuck for a place to catch their breath and refuel after a day spent walking through the picturesque countryside.



While the views Ilkley Moor commands are a large part of its appeal, there are many fascinating features of the landscape that walkers can chance upon to enrich their travels. These include the Cow and Calf rock formation at Ilkley Quarry and the Swastika Stone near Hebers Ghyll, so-called due to their appearances, the latter of which is believed to be one of the earliest examples of Celtic art. You may also be awed by the Twelve Apostles Stone Circle, about one and a half miles south of Ilkley Crags, which can be enjoyed without the crowds that often beset other Neolithic sites such as Stonehenge in Wiltshire.

Ilkley Moor's ancient history will doubtless continue to enthral historians for generations as ever more archaeological discoveries are found, but the moor's prestigious history didn't end with the druids. The Romans also had a formidable presence in the area during the 1st century AD, building a fort on the south side of the River Wharfe at a site that's now home to an Elizabethan manor house. The draining of the swamps in the Middle Ages also saw Ilkley become an ever more bustling community, with dwellings that can be traced back to the 12th century.



In more recent centuries, Ilkley developed a reputation as a popular spa town in the North East, where the waters of White Wells were reputed to heal wounds and frequented by such historical luminaries as Charles Darwin, Charles Dickens and Alfred Lord Tennyson. If you're visiting nearby Leeds or Bradford, just 17 and 14 miles from Ilkley Moor respectively, you could enjoy a fascinating day trip with Leeds Bradford Airport car hire to visit the scenic area.