Uncover a world of verdant valleys, tumbling waterfalls, and picturesque market streets in Settle. A spellbinding region reaching across North Yorkshire and Lancashire, the area of Settle and its eponymous market town promise one of the most enchanting escapes imaginable. From leisurely hours amongst Settle’s antique shops and artisan farmers’ markets to adventures amongst the timeless beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, magic awaits at every turn.
A Guide to Settle
Covering 185 square miles of fairytale landscapes on the western realms of the Yorkshire Dales and the north-eastern tip of the Forest of Bowland, the area of Settle is simply enchanting. Extending across the border of North Yorkshire and Lancashire, it features storybook scenery adorned with limestone escarpments and river valleys, while at its heart the ancient market town of Settle resides. Also home to an array of characterful villages, each exuding their own charm, and a plethora of attractions, it makes for one of the most bewitching destinations for luxury retreats in all seasons.
Settle Market Town
The ancient market town of Settle on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales is known as the capital of the Settle area and the gateway to the Three Peaks. Nestled beneath the Attermire Scar limestone escarpment, it’s overlooked by the striking Castleberg Crag and encompassed by breathtaking scenery that is all but irresistible for outdoor pursuits. Along its quaint streets, historic buildings, independent boutiques, and cosy cafés frame pathways, while each Tuesday, its Market Place welcomes the town’s weekly 800-year-old farmers’ market. Each year, beloved festivals and events take place, such as the annual Settle Flowerpot Festival in July and August, the Settle Folk Gathering in September, and the Christmas Markets in December. Meanwhile, one of its most adored attractions is the Settle to Carlisle railway, considered one of Europe’s most scenic rail journeys.
History
Wherever you are in the Settle area, evidence of its rich history is abundant. From relics of the last Ice Age, such as the Norber Erratics, to Settle town’s gorgeous listed buildings, thousands of years of history entwine amongst its landscapes. Unveiling an eclectic array of architectural styles, Settle’s streets flow into a picturesque network of quiet roads, bustling high streets, and suntrap courtyards. Dating from the 17th century and beyond, many of the buildings were shaped by the town’s industrial past, through farming, quarrying, limestone, textiles, the railway, and more. The town hall is especially striking and is home to the town’s Tourist Information Centre, where you can pick up useful town guides.
Places to Eat
The Angel at Hetton
One of the leading Michelin Star restaurants in Yorkshire, The Angel at Hetton is a heavenly place to dine. Just a few miles from Setton town, this award-winning restaurant is also bestowed with five AA Rosettes and beckons to epicureans seeking the finest fare. Head over on select days throughout the week, choosing from the Sunday roast, five-course tasting, or specialist seasonal lunch menus. Or, for a dreamy dinner, sample the five or ten-course evening menus, ready to savour delicacies such as marinated Orkney scallop, Yorkshire roe deer, and Ingleborough cheese.
Eight at Gazegill, Rimington
Relish a delectable lunch or dinner date at Eight at Gazegill. A Michelin Green Star restaurant nestled within an organic farm in Rimington, it’s the perfect place to feast on the freshest farm-to-fork fare. From pasture to plate, each element of the menu’s seasonal menus reflects a commitment to sustainability and the highest quality local ingredients – many of which are grown, reared, or foraged on the farm. Enjoy a laidback brunch, take a seat on the terrace, or gather for an atmospheric evening meal and anticipate an authentic taste of Yorkshire.
The Nettle, Settle
Located in the historic market town of Settle, The Nettle is a welcoming neighbourhood restaurant specialising in modern European cuisine. Tempting diners are breakfast, brunch and all-day lunch menus, presented with classic favourites and seasonal specials. From granola bowls with turmeric yoghurt and sweetcorn fritters with smashed avocado and fried egg, to Swaledale lamb meatballs with mint and pickled walnuts, each dish promises a flavoursome offering to savour with a favourite beverage.
Ye Olde Naked Man, Settle
A café and bakery in the heart of Settle, Ye Olde Naked Man is a beloved local institution that has been welcoming guests for more than four decades. Inside, laidback lunch menus await with daily specials, complemented by an array of fresh bakery delights to satiate sweet tooths. Outside, a collection of outdoor tables and chairs provide somewhere to relax over aromatic coffees and soothing teas in the sunshine, along with a plate of something delicious. For alfresco picnics further afield, takeaway options are available too.
The Game Cock Inn, Austwick
A quintessential country pub, The Game Cock Inn is located in the village of Austwick, just a short drive from Settle town. Plot a relaxed agenda of leisurely exploration, before heading over to the pub for lunch or dinner, ready to enjoy its award-winning food. Using local ingredients wherever possible, the kitchen is renowned for its French-inspired cuisine, hosting Breton nights and crafting dishes such as steak frites, galette, pâté, and French onion soup. Adding to the temptation is the pub’s onsite bakery, serving fresh, buttery French patisseries each day.
Walks
The Yorkshire Three Peaks
The Yorkshire Three Peaks is one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes for lovers of the outdoors. Around 25 miles long, the walk includes the summits of Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. For those seeking an unforgettable hiking experience, the full route can be completed within 12 hours; however, it can also be broken up into more manageable sections and spread out over several days for those looking for a more gentle introduction to the Dales’ summits.
Forest of Bowland
Beckoning for sylvan strolls, the Forest of Bowland covers a vast area of over 300 square miles in Yorkshire and Lancashire. A stunning National Landscape defined by gritstone fells, wooded valleys, and peat moorland, it makes for a magical place to meander. Adorn your walking boots and select from the abundance of trails that weave through the area. Depending on what you’re looking for, an array of routes can be followed, from wildflower meadow walks and riverside rambles to soul-stirring promenades along sun-drenched slopes.
Castleberg Crag
Once used as an 18th-century sundial and later a Victorian pleasure ground, Castleberg Crag has long attracted the attention of admirers. Presiding high over the town of Settle, this striking limestone cliff reveals beautiful views stretching far across the horizon. Stir your sense of adventure with an expertly roasted blend from one of the town’s cafés, before following one of the pathways to Castleberg and absorbing a different perspective of the charming streets below.
Malham Cove
One of the most cherished of Yorkshire’s natural landmarks, the renowned Malham Cove resides a short distance from Settle. Embrace a tale of wild romance along one of the best walks in Yorkshire, parking at the National Park Centre in Malham village and tracing pathways to reach the 230-foot face of Malham Cove’s limestone cliffs. Equally beautiful nearby are the sapphire-topped Malham Tarn and stunning Gordale Scar ravine.
Giggleswick Scar
In a realm formed by tectonic shifts and the slow march of glaciers, the Yorkshire Dales is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK. Amongst its undulating valleys, white-washed cliffs, and wooded ravines, Giggleswick Scar attracts walkers looking to immerse in the region’s striking vistas. Formed by a series of limestone cliffs, it lends a captivating backdrop for walks, from the 2.5-mile linear walk to Schoolboy’s Tower to the 7.5-mile walk from Settle.
Attractions
Settle Markets
An ancient market town, Settle is well known for its flourishing markets showcasing everything from antiques and artisan wares to local culinary delicacies. A treasure trove of delights, Settle Artisan Market is held on the second Sunday of every month from March to December and is a particular treat for unique finds. Taking place between 10am and 3pm, it’s the perfect place to peruse handcrafted and homemade delights, from local honey and fruity preserves to original paintings. For the freshest produce, Settle Farmers Market is held each Tuesday at the Market Place. Running for nearly 800 years since 1249, it has long thrummed with activity and is renowned for its stalls brimming with seasonal fruit, organic vegetables, free-range eggs, locally reared meats, and more.
Settle to Carlisle Railway and Ribblehead Viaduct
The Settle to Carlisle railway is a world-famous trainline running for 73 magical miles across the fairytale realms of the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines, all the way to Carlisle. Just 10 miles from Settle, the 165-feet-high Ribblehead Viaduct is one of its most famous features, a breathtaking 24-arch bridge spanning for a quarter of a mile across the Ribble Valley. Step aboard at Settle station and relax into your seat as magnificent views flick past the windows towards the iconic viaduct – recognised by lovers of the silver screen for its role in the Harry Potter films.
Victoria Hall
Dubbed the world’s oldest music hall, Victoria Hall was first opened on 11th October 1853 and has been regaling audiences with showstopping performances ever since. At the heart of the community, it hosts a year-round programme of events, with live music, theatre, comedy, cinema and more. Accompanying the hall’s varied entertainment is a calendar full of classes, workshops, exhibitions, festivals, markets, and more. Enjoy the performances and immersive spaces of the hall, or seek refreshment in the outdoor café gardens on clement days for light lunches and heavenly bakes.
Stainforth Force
Just 3 miles north of Settle is the delightful Stainforth Force. Found along the River Ribble, this beautiful work of nature encompasses a series of cascades that tumble past riverside trails and densely wooded riverbanks. Part of the annual salmon run each autumn, this cherished beauty spot is a charming setting on the Settle wanderlust list perfect for wildlife watching, alfresco picnics, and walks. Nearby, you can also visit Catrigg Force, a 20-metre, two-tiered waterfall hidden amongst the trees of a sylvan gorge above Stainforth.
Ingleborough and White Scar Caves
Admire a different perspective of the landscapes that define Settle and its surrounds and venture underground to uncover the flipside of the Dales. Encouraging visitors to journey 450 million years through time, these impressive showcaves wend 500 meters underground and lead into winding tunnels and vast caverns. Begin your discovery along Ingleborough Nature Trail, before following the illuminated pathways into the caves, past intriguing formations and walls garlanded with stalactites and stalagmites. Nearby, you can also visit White Scar Cave in Ingleton, Britain’s longest showcave at around 1-mile long.
Things to Do
Go Antique Shopping
Settle town is known for its rich history and eclectic offering of shops and boutiques specialising in antiques and vintage wares. Particularly sought after for its treasures and curios, Lords Courtyard is home to an antiques store, art gallery, and auction house. For a unique thing to do in Settle, head over during select opening hours throughout the week and uncover the array of rare finds and unique collections. More antique exploration can be enjoyed at HRH Vintage and Team Vintage in the town.
Uncover Local History
Uncover the fascinating tales entwined with local history and head over to some of Settle’s treasured heritage sites. Residing within the 17th-century Folly in Settle, The Museum of North Craven Life reveals intriguing insights into the area’s past with exhibitions and photography collections. Elsewhere, works of natural wonder can be found, such as the Norber Erratics. Left behind by the last Ice Age, these geological wonders comprise around 100 sandstone and slate boulders, many of which balance atop curious limestone plinths. Composed of 430-million-year-old stone, these boulders have graced the landscapes for over 12,000 years and make for an interesting destination for walks through past and present.
Explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park
From idyllic days of blue-sky exploration to the cosmic wonder of its Dark Sky Reserves, the Yorkshire Dales National Park promises endless discovery. Whether you’re seeking the softer side of the Dales with gentle walks and peaceful picnics or dramatic views and exhilarating hikes, there is something to suit every wanderlust desire amongst its heather-swathed realms. Uncover its Miles without Stiles for accessible adventures, fall in love with its exquisite viewpoints, and return in the evening to greet the arrival of countless stars decorating the cosmos above.
Visit The Courtyard Dairy
For the lovers of fine flavours, The Courtyard Dairy near Settle is a magnetic attraction. If you’re seeking something delicious to do, visit the dairy on select days throughout the week and uncover its handpicked collection of artisan farmhouse cheeses. Stocked from individual specialist farms, these heavenly cheeses are made by hand using the highest quality ingredients and unpasteurised milk from small herds. Take a hamper and peruse the artisan offerings, ready to savour a divine spread during a panoramic picnic in the Dales or from the comfort of your Boutique abode.
Try Mountain Biking
Pursue the thrill of two-wheeled exhilaration amongst the picturesque landscapes encompassing Settle. Beckoning for breathtaking sojourns, the area is interlaced with countless trails and pistes perfect for mountain biking excursions. The first part of the iconic 205-mile Pennine Bridleway, the 10-mile circular Settle Loop promises a scintillating introduction to the area’s scenery, passing the Attermire Scar, Jubilee Cave, Victoria Cave, and Warrendale Knotts. Elsewhere, unforgettable biking experiences can be enjoyed around Malham Tarn, Gisburn Forest, Forest of Bowland, and along the Great North Trail.
Feeling inspired for a spellbinding sojourn? Take a look at some of our luxury cottages in Settle.
