Itinerary Planner

Gourmet Experience in the Charming Town of Ilkley

 Lishman's of Ilkley Photography by Helen Lishman

Discover the charming spa town of Ilkley in Lower Wharfedale, located on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales.  Enjoy the varied culinary offer and immerse yourself in the local food scene. Surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty of Ilkley Moor, this food experience will leave a lasting impression on your taste buds and offer a wide variety of options to suit all tastes.

STAY & EXPLORE

Plan your visit to this charming town.  There are many accommodation options in Ilkley and Wharfedale. Hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs offer a more traditional experience, while holiday lodges and serviced apartments are ideal for those seeking independence.


FOODIE INSPIRATION

MORNING:

Travelling by train to Ilkley is highly recommended. Upon arrival, explore the charming cafés offering delicious breakfasts like muesli, baked goods, and hot coffee.

Afterward, enjoy gourmet shopping at independent shops, including the Ilkley Real Food Market on the first Sunday of each month, showcasing regional products. For essentials and tasty snacks, visit Moss & Moor Food Hall for top local produce, and make sure to stop by Lishman's of Ilkley, an award-winning butcher known for its quality products.
AFTERNOON:

For a fun food adventure in Ilkley, indulge in a delightful afternoon tea at Betty's Café Tea Rooms in The Grove. If you crave something sweet, there are plenty of coffee and cake options.

Experience history at The Flying Duck, the town's oldest pub from the 1600s, or enjoy a modern vibe at Vitello Lounge, a dog-friendly bar serving food and drinks all day. The Ticket Office even offers cocktail masterclasses. Beer lovers shouldn’t miss Friends of Ham, a craft beer bar where you can savour charcuterie with local ales.


Food & Drink Event Highlights

  • Ilkley Beer Festival in February at the King’s Hall & Winter Garden
  • Ilkley Brewery Social Events
  • Ilkley Food & Drink Festival in June at East Holmes Field
  • Real Food Ilkley at The Grove, 1st Sunday of Every Month

EVENING:

Ilkley boasts a variety of cosy dining options for a delightful evening out. Piccolino’s on Brook Street features an open kitchen, a cocktail bar, and a terrace with a retractable roof for year-round enjoyment. The award-winning Box Tree Restaurant stands out with its seasonal menu, blending contemporary flair with exquisite flavours. Don’t miss local gems like The Olive Branch, Emporio Italia, and Galo's Kitchen, all offering delicious choices.

For a nightcap, visit The Gin Lounge for a vintage vibe and extensive gin selection, or head to Martinez Ilkley Cellar Bar for casual drinks and events like Wine & Cheese Night. Craft beer lovers should check out Fuggle and Goldings Tap House, a family-owned spot dedicated to local brews.

Product Information

  1. Afternoon Tea at the Little Teahouse in Ilkley.

    The Little Tea House

    Ilkley

    The Little Teahouse is an independently-run tearoom / café, right in the centre of Ilkley.
    Serving breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and homemade cakes, as well as hot and cold drinks, in a calm atmosphere.

  2. Betty's Exterior

    Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms

    Ilkley

    If you don't have time to sit down for afternoon tea in the cafe, then pop into the shop and pick up a fat rascal or perfect pastry to take away and enjoy at home or as a luxurious addition to a picnic lunch.

  3. La Stazione Exterior

    La Stazione

    Ilkley

    Located next ot the bus and train station, limited on street parking, children welcome.

  4. External sign of Avanti Coffee House

    Avanti Coffee House

    Ilkley

    Cafe using Fairtrade products, close to the main pay and display car park, children welcome.

  5. Chocolate Cakes at Real Food Ilkely

    Real Food Ilkley Market

    Ilkley

    The Real Food Ilkley Market is a celebration of locally produced fine food and drink in the heart of Ilkley, on the first Sunday of every month.

  6. Lishman’s of Ilkley Exterior

    Lishman’s of Ilkley

    Ilkley

    Open 6 days a week, Lishman’s offers everything you’d expect from a family-run, award-winning butcher, and a lot more besides.

  7. External view of The Flying Duck

    The Flying Duck

    Ilkley

    Unique in the area, the Flying Duck incorporates it's own brewing facilities with the new Wharfedale Brewery located in a barn at the rear.

  8. The Ticket Office Exterior

    Ticket Office Bar

    Ilkley

    Located within Ilkley's historic railway station, The Ticket Office is the perfect spot to start (and end) your night out.

  9. A bar

    Friends of Ham

    Ilkley

    Eating and drinking emporium complete with a Tasting Room, Delicatessen, Log Burner and Outdoor Seating. Serving up Specialist Beers, Wine, Sherry, Cheese and Charcuterie.

  10. Piccolino Exterior

    Piccolino

    Ilkley

    Licensed Italian Restaurant close to main pay and display car park in Ilkley. Groups accepted. Children Welcome.

  11. The Box Tree Exterior

    Box Tree Restaurant

    Ilkley

    This small renowned restaurant has been a part of Ilkley for the past 60 years. The modern French classical menu and extensive wine cellar offer food lovers an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary Distances

FromToDistance * (metric)
The Little Tea House (53.92441,-1.82483)Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms (53.92467,-1.82547)0.05
Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms (53.92467,-1.82547)La Stazione (53.92471,-1.82241)0.18
La Stazione (53.92471,-1.82241)Avanti Coffee House (53.9249,-1.82431)0.11
Avanti Coffee House (53.9249,-1.82431)Real Food Ilkley Market (53.92351,-1.82179)0.2
Real Food Ilkley Market (53.92351,-1.82179)Lishman’s of Ilkley (53.92636,-1.82153)0.29
Lishman’s of Ilkley (53.92636,-1.82153)The Flying Duck (53.92641,-1.82508)0.21
The Flying Duck (53.92641,-1.82508)Ticket Office Bar (53.9246,-1.82167)0.27
Ticket Office Bar (53.9246,-1.82167)Friends of Ham (53.92413,-1.82284)0.08
Friends of Ham (53.92413,-1.82284)Piccolino (53.92568,-1.8236)0.16
Piccolino (53.92568,-1.8236)Box Tree Restaurant (53.92612,-1.82582)0.14
Total Distance *1.69 miles
Estimated Journey Time3 minutes

* Approximate distance by road

BESbswy