Olicana Croft

About this property

Nestled between rolling beautiful countryside and heather-strewn moors, the ancient spa town of Ilkley has long been the sought-after destination for travellers paying a visit to 'God's Own Country', whether they are lured by the tranquillity, fresh air and its reputedly rejuvenating spa waters, or in search of outdoor activities and adventure. With the beautiful River Wharfe meandering through its heart, Ilkley lies within the protected Yorkshire Dales National Park and is the gateway to the famous Dales Way hike This charming and characterful town, crowned best place to live in the Sunday Times' 2022 list of most desirable locations and repeatedly voted into the top ten best small UK towns, truly has something for everyone. Scattered with the remains of prehistoric cairns and carved rocks from the Bronze and Iron Ages, it was the Romans who first settled and built a fort here in 79AD, naming it Olicana, after which Olicana Croft is named The Victorians embraced Ilkley as a spa town, prizing the natural water for its purity and health-giving properties, with Charles Darwin himself reportedly a visitor. The town and its moor is also the setting of the famous folk song 'On Ikla Moor Baht'at' ('On Ilkley Moor Without A Hat') - widely recognised throughout the world as Yorkshire's county anthem. Today, Ilkley boasts a plethora of independent shops, cafes, pubs, bars, even two of its own award-winning craft beer breweries, and a host of great restaurants catering to all tastes, from traditional British fare to a variety of international cuisines; Italian, Portuguese, Indian and Thai, to name but a few For special occasions, there is also the prestigious, award-winning Box Tree Restaurant, where local boy Marco Pierre White cut his culinary teeth and perhaps his first tomato And of course, a visit to the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms in Ilkley is a must The town also hosts a farmers’ market on the first weekend of every month For entertainment, there is a modern cinema, a theatre, the Kings Hall and Winter Gardens, which regularly host many international artistes and concerts, from classical to contemporary- from new acts to rock legends, and there is no shortage of food shops and supermarkets. Sporting facilities are well catered-for; Ilkley's iconic, Grade 2 listed 1930's Lido is one of the UK's last remaining outdoor swimming pools, while brave souls may wish to try wild swimming in the Wharfe too- the first river in the England to be declared a designated bathing site, a title previously only bestowed upon coastal waters. Further afield, there lie many other delights; elegant Harrogate and busy, bustling Leeds are within easy reach by public transport, as is Skipton with its castle and market, or fascinating Knaresborough Historic York is not far, nor the famous ruins of both Kirkstall Abbey and Fountains Abbey The Royal Horticultural Society’s garden at Harlow Carr is near Harrogate and well worth a visit For those of a literary inclination, Haworth (the home of the Brontë family) is a few miles away across the moors as are the settings of so many of their stories Or if the bygone charm of steam railways blows your whistle, then the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway will take you back in time and through the heart of West Yorkshire to the stunning countryside of Oxenhope If you prefer to stay closer to home, then walking on Ilkley Moor or beside the Wharfe is a timeless, constant delight Will you climb the imposing Cow and Calf rocks, in search of the giant Rombold, who legend has it created this iconic landmark by splitting the rock in two while fleeing his angry wife? Or maybe simply opt to stroll to feed the ducks on the Tarn (a gentler walk) and sit and enjoy the stunning views over the Wharfe Valley? Whatever your taste, Ilkley offers something for everyone. And at the end of your day why not sit and unwind, beverage of choice in-hand, at Olicana Croft's comfortable, custom-built bar, (cut from a single piece of local English oak), or outside in the tranquillity of its tree-lined private garden and plan the next day’s activities and adventures The clear Yorkshire air and pure water (no need for filters here!) should reward every traveller with a good night’s rest.

The old Spa town of Ilkley is the pivotal town of Wharfedale, undoubtedly the most popular of all the Yorkshire Dales. The area offers some of the most spectacular and unspoilt scenery in the land. For the walker it gives unrivalled tramping ground. High up on the moors next to the white-walled cottage of White Wells (where once donkeys carried gout-ridden gentlemen to be doused in the icy-cold moorland spring) visitors will see a carefully landscaped Victorian scene including two semi-artificial lakes and the river Wharfe meandering through the centre of the town. Ilkley still has a Victorian and Edwardian feel to it. Splendid shops, pubs, restaurants and cafés adorn the tree-lined streets. Bettys, without doubt the finest tea shop in Yorkshire, and therefore the world, is situated on The Grove. Lovely parkland, a choice of open air or indoor swimming pools and a family picnic area providing pleasure for all. It is the starting point of the 84 mile-long 'Dales Way' walk, which is breathtakingly beautiful! Nearby Bolton Abbey is one of the region's most scenic areas and the walk along the river to the 'Strid' is a must. Ilkley Moor is the subject of Yorkshire's unofficial anthem “On Ilkla Moor Baht at”.

Accommodation

Three bedrooms: 1 x king-size with TV, 1 x double, 1 x single.

Bathroom with bath, shower over, basin, and WC.

Cloakroom with basin and WC.

Kitchen/diner.

Sitting room.

Conservatory

Gas central heating.

Electric oven, induction hob, microwave, fridge/freezer, washer/dryer, slimline dishwasher.

Smart TV, TV, WiFi.

Fuel and power included in rent.

Bed linen and towels included in rent.

Off-road parking for 3 cars.

Raer garden with patio, gravel, furniture, fire pit, and barbecue.

Sorry, no pets and no smoking.

Shop 0.5 miles, pub 0.3 miles, river 0.8 miles