Settle Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Settle, Yorkshire with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Settle

Settle is a charming market town located in North Yorkshire, England. It sits at the foothills of the Pennines, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views and rolling hills. The town is known for its picturesque streets, local markets, and year-round events. Many visitors come to Settle to enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the dales. The town’s cultural heritage is evident in its museums, historic buildings, and vibrant arts community.

List of Places to Visit in Settle

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Folly: A museum located in the heart of Settle, showcasing Settle’s heritage and history. The Folly is a restored 17th-century cottage and features exhibits on local history and culture.
  • Settle Carlisle Railway: One of the most scenic rail journeys in the world, the Settle Carlisle Railway passes through stunning landscapes, over viaducts, and through tunnels. The railway has a rich history, and visitors can experience it by taking a guided tour or by riding the train.
  • Settle Victoria Hall: A Grade II listed building in Settle that hosts events and exhibitions. The hall is a beautiful example of Victorian architecture and dates back to 1853.

Natural Attractions of Settle: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Malham Cove: A natural limestone formation located in the nearby village of Malham. The cove is a popular spot for walking and hiking, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Ingleborough Cave: An underground cave system located near Ingleton, about a 20-minute drive from Settle. The caves feature spectacular formations, underground waterfalls, and unique wildlife.
  • Yorkshire Dales National Park: A vast expanse of hills, valleys, moors, and fells that surround Settle. The park is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, fishing, and bird watching.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Settle

Settle is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous walking and cycling routes that traverse the beautiful landscape. Some popular trails include:

  • The Three Peaks: A challenging circular hike that takes in the three highest peaks in Yorkshire: Pen-y-ghent, Whernside, and Ingleborough.
  • Settle Loop Trail: A 10-mile circular trail around Settle that takes in the town’s sights and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills.
  • Pennine Bridleway: A long-distance trail that passes through the Yorkshire Dales and the Peak District. The trail is popular with hikers, cyclists, and horse riders.

Best Things to Do in Settle: Activities and Tours

  • Guided Walks: Join one of the many guided walks around Settle and the surrounding area. The walks vary in difficulty and length, and are a great way to learn about the local area.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: Take to the water and explore the rivers and lakes around Settle by kayak or canoe. There are plenty of places to rent equipment and take guided tours.
  • Whitescar Cave: Located near Ingleton, this show cave features an impressive underground waterfall and fascinating rock formations. Guided tours are available.

Week-Long Itinerary for Settle

Day Plan
Day 1 Arrive in Settle and explore the town center, including The Folly museum and the shops on Duke Street.
Day 2 Take a guided walk or hike in the local area, such as the Settle Loop Trail or Malham Cove.
Day 3 Visit Ingleborough Cave and explore the caves’ incredible formations and waterfalls.
Day 4 Take a scenic train ride on the Settle Carlisle Railway and admire breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales.
Day 5 Go kayaking or canoeing on one of the local rivers or lakes.
Day 6 Walk part of the Pennine Bridleway and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Day 7 Visit a local farm and learn about the region’s farming history and current practices.

Food and Drink Scene of Settle

Settle has a fantastic food and drink scene and offers visitors many options to experience local cuisine and beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Yorkshire Pudding: A traditional dish made from batter that is usually served as a side dish with roast beef.
  • Parkin: A sweet gingerbread-like cake that is often eaten on Bonfire Night.
  • Wensleydale Cheese: A famous cheese that originated in the nearby town of Wensleydale. This crumbly cheese has a mild and slightly sweet flavor.

Local Beverages

  • Yorkshire Tea: A quintessential British tea that is made from a blend of teas from India, Sri Lanka, and Africa.
  • Timothy Taylor’s beer: A local beer that is brewed in nearby Keighley. The beer has won many awards and is known for its quality and taste.

Where to Stay in Settle: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Settle has many accommodation options to suit all budgets and tastes. Some of the best options include:

  • The Lion at Settle: A historic hotel located in the center of Settle. The Lion offers comfortable rooms and a traditional pub-style restaurant.
  • Harts Head Inn: A traditional country inn located in Giggleswick, just outside Settle. The inn features comfortable rooms and an excellent restaurant.
  • Inglenook Guest House: A beautiful guesthouse located in the heart of Settle. Inglenook offers comfortable and stylish rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.

What to Buy in Settle: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Settle offers visitors many opportunities to buy local products and souvenirs. Some of the best options include:

  • Local Cheese: Wensleydale Cheese is a famous local product and can be bought at various shops and markets around Settle.
  • Local Crafts: There are many local craft shops in Settle that sell everything from pottery and ceramics to textiles and jewelry.
  • Local Beer: Timothy Taylor’s beer is a great souvenir to take home and can be found in many shops around Settle.

Local Culture and Customs of Settle

Settle has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can experience many traditional customs and events. Some of the best cultural events include:

  • Settle Stories Festival: A yearly storytelling festival that takes place in October. The festival features local and international storytellers and is a great way to experience the local culture.
  • May Day: A traditional May Day celebration that takes place in Settle every year. The celebration includes a procession, dancing, and traditional music.

Best Time to Visit Settle

Settle is a year-round destination, with something to offer visitors in every season. The town’s mild climate means that it rarely gets too hot or too cold, and the scenery changes dramatically throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Settle is between April and September when the weather is warm, and the countryside is at its most beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Settle

Do:

  • Take advantage of the many outdoor activities on offer.
  • Experience the local culture and traditions.
  • Try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Ignore the countryside code when hiking or cycling.
  • Visit during peak season without booking accommodation in advance.
  • Forget to pack appropriate footwear for walking and hiking.

Safety and Health

Safety in Settle

Settle is a safe destination for tourists. However, visitors should be aware of the following:

  • Take care when walking or hiking in the countryside, especially in wet or windy conditions.
  • Follow the countryside code and respect the local wildlife and habitats.
  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

Health in Settle

Settle has good medical facilities, including a doctor’s surgery, a pharmacy, and a dental practice. Visitors from outside the UK should make sure they have appropriate health insurance before traveling.

Getting to Settle: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Settle

  • Leeds Bradford Airport: 1-hour drive from Settle.
  • Manchester Airport: 1.5-hour drive from Settle.

Bus Stations Near Settle

  • Settle Bus Station: Located in the center of Settle, buses run to nearby towns and villages.
  • Skipton Bus Station: Located 20 minutes from Settle, buses run to major UK cities.

Other Options

  • Train: The Settle Carlisle Railway runs from Settle to Carlisle, with connections to major UK cities.
  • Car: Settle is easily accessible by car, with major roads connecting it to nearby towns and cities.

How to Get Around in Settle

Settle is a small town, and most areas are easily accessible on foot. However, visitors may want to hire a car or use public transport to explore the surrounding area.

Where to Go Next from Settle: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Settle is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty, and visitors may want to explore the surrounding towns, villages, and attractions. Some of the best nearby destinations include:

  • York: A beautiful historic city located about 1.5 hours from Settle.
  • Hawes: A charming village located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
  • Bronte Parsonage Museum: A museum located in the nearby village of Haworth, dedicated to the Bronte sisters.

Conclusion

Settle is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves the great outdoors, local culture, and traditional customs. With so much to see and do, visitors can easily spend a week exploring all that the town and the surrounding area have to offer. From hiking and cycling to kayaking and exploring caves, Settle is a town that caters to all tastes and interests.

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