Best Things to Do in Otley in 2025

‍A riverside market town with grit, green space and more pubs than sense

There’s something quietly brilliant about Otley. Maybe it’s the moor looming just behind the rooftops. Maybe it’s the river that slices straight through the middle. Or maybe it’s just the feeling that life here still happens at walking pace — pint, paper, dog on a lead, proper butchers still open.

It’s the kind of place you stop for an hour and stay for the day. Here's how to spend it well.

🌿 1. Walk the Otley Riverside Trail

If you’re after a flat, easy loop with a bit of everything — river views, wildlife, weirs, parks, playgrounds, even pedalos — the Otley Riverside Trail is your answer.

It weaves its way along the River Wharfe, through Wharfemeadows Park, past the boat hire jetty, through Gallows Hill Nature Area, and back via Garnett Wharfe and Tittybottle Park (yes, really). Keep an eye out for herons, love locks, and the Wharfedale Press monument — a little nod to Otley’s printing past.

Best bit? There’s usually an ice cream van parked up near the bridge.

🌲 2. Climb the Chevin

The Chevin is the town’s backdrop, windbreak and gym all rolled into one. This steep, wooded ridge rises up just south of town, and the views from the top — particularly Surprise View — are some of the best in Wharfedale.

There’s a well-trodden Geology Trail that explains how glaciers carved out the valley, and a Heritage Sculpture Trail lined with carvings by local artist Shane Green. If you’re walking with kids (or just easily pleased), hunt out the dry stone wall maze off Johnny Lane.

🧭 3. Follow the Otley History Trail

Pick up a leaflet or download the route and you’ll spot Saxon carvings in church walls, Victorian relics hiding in ginnels, and even the site of the original Chippendale workshop.

It’s a short, flat wander through the heart of town — ideal for filling a quiet hour with a bit of quiet knowledge.

🥾 4. Start the Six Dales Trail

If you’re feeling ambitious, the long-distance Six Dales Trail starts right here in Otley and winds its way 38 miles north to Middleham, via moorland, reservoirs, and deep, green valleys.

Of course, you can just do the first bit. The stretch up past Lindley Wood Reservoir is a cracker.

🍻 5. Crawl the pubs — properly

There are over a dozen pubs in town and hardly a dud among them. Otley’s pub culture is proudly intact, thanks in part to the Otley Pub Club, who even run a mapped ale trail.

Favourites include:

• The Old Cock – tiny, traditional, always lively
• North Bar Social – indie beer, friendly staff, low-slung ceilings
• The Horse & Farrier – recently refurbished, does a good pie
• The Black Horse – big beer garden and central as it gets

Visit during the Otley Beer Festival (November) if you want to see the town at its maltiest.

🎭 6. Otley Courthouse

Built as a magistrates’ court in 1871, now a cracking little arts venue. There’s a full programme of live music, theatre, talks and films — plus workshops, exhibitions and the occasional kids’ puppet show.

The old prison cells are still visible. No one’s been locked in since 1994 — that we know of.

☕ 7. Eat and drink beyond the bar

For food and coffee, Otley’s got an honest, unfussy scene. A few standouts:

• Salami & Co – dog‑friendly brunch with sourdough and Swedish vibes
• Bloomfield Square – all-day café-bar with art, wine and weirdly good Wi-Fi
• The Fleece – up on the hill, with big views and big portions
• Buon Apps – slightly fancier, right on the riverbank
• Balance – vegan-friendly wellness café with yoga next door

Markets still matter here too. Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays for the main one. Farmers' Market on the last Sunday of each month.

📅 8. Time your visit with something local

Otley’s event calendar punches well above its weight:

• Otley Show – the UK’s oldest one-day agricultural show (May)
• Otley Carnival – floats, bands, fancy dress and a parade (June)
• Otley Folk Festival – fiddles in every pub (September)
• Victorian Fayre – mulled wine, roast chestnuts, and a brass band (December)

🚐 9. Good bases and nearby spots

Otley makes a great stop on a road trip through Wharfedale. Nearby:

• Fewston & Swinsty Reservoirs – peaceful laps, good for dogs
• Ilkley – posher sibling with lidos and Cow & Calf rocks
• Bolton Abbey – ruined priory, woodland trails, riverside paddling
• Harewood House – stately home meets bird garden
• Nidderdale AONB – villages, valleys and van-friendly stopovers

🛏 10. Practical travel info

• Parking: Free short-stay at Sainsbury’s (3hr), plus long-stay at Courthouse and Wharfemeadows
• EV charging: Closest are at Pool-in-Wharfedale or Waitrose Menston
• Campervans: Try Moor Lodge Holiday Park (east side) or Harrogate Caravan Park (20 mins). Chevin End Guest House may allow overnighting with prior arrangement

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