The town of Settle is on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales, south from Clapham and a short distance from the Forest of Bowland. Built on limestone, the rock is evident in the crags overlooking the town, in the exposed rock on the fells, in the dry stone walls that edge fields and gardens. The town offers holidaymakers useful facilities, a market, various eateries and pubs. Ye Olde Naked Man Café in the town centre has tables outside to watch the world go by. A market is held in the Victoria Hall, a former music hall which entertained the locals has found new life as a community hall where drama and music workshops are held plus other community events. There is a swimming pool, a soft play centre and plenty to see and do for all ages.
Settle Town Centre
Settle would be a good base for a cottage holiday because the main reason to visit the Yorkshire Dales is to enjoy its natural features; the landscapes, waterfalls and hills. This is pot holing and caving country and the Yorkshire Dales is a fantastic outdoor activity area for numerous sports. Hikers and cyclists are present in large numbers, climbers come to scale the heights and climb the various crags. Castleberg Crag overlooks the town of Settle and offers an immediate challenge. The Tot Lord Woodland Trail leads to these limestone crags and is a walk though parkland even if you have no intention of scaling the heights.
You may have heard of three Peaks and Settle is a good base for exploring the 3 peaks of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. Every year, the 3 peaks challenge, held over 6 different dates, tests walkers to see if they can conquer the three peak climbs in under 12 hours. Visitors keen on guided walks could sign up for a three peaks tour or to a place of personal interest near Settle.
The Settle to Carlisle Railway is famous for its scenic route across high viaducts through the Yorkshire Dales and into Cumbria. It is an easy way of enjoying views of the three peaks without any effort.
Settle - a riverside town
Settle is a riverside town, separated from Giggleswick by the River Ribble which gives this part of Yorkshire the name 'Ribblesdale'. There are pleasant riverside walks with shade from long-established trees.
Settle Festivals welcome holidaymakers
However, Settle and the western Yorkshire dales are not restricted to outdoor enthusiasts, ordinary folk of all ages would find plenty to see and do during a holiday based in Settle. There are several festivals that visitors may like to enjoy during their visit which include the Settle Flower Pot Festival which is a display of creativity using the common garden flower pot. People make flower pot people and other inventions to decorate their gardens and streets.
Settle Open Gardens Festival during the 3rd week of June sees people with beautiful gardens open them to the public and raise money for local causes. This is a chance to chat with some avid gardeners, admire their perennial borders and pick up a few tips. Refreshments are usually on offer and plants are available to buy (take a little Yorkshire home as a souvenir).
Music lovers may prefer to stay to see the Settle Folk Gathering in the first week of September. Enjoy some chilled music with your favourite drink at hand.
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