Ilkley Manor House

Carmel Smickersgill, Tours & Activities Editor
Ilkley Manor House
Image courtesy of Ilkley Manor House.

As one of the oldest buildings in Yorkshire, Ilkley Manor House has heritage running through its walls. Having been restored and reclaimed by the community it is a historical precious gem that sits in the middle of Ilkley town and the River Wharfe. Although the house first opened as a museum in 1892 it was forced to close in 2015 due to lack of funds. However, a group of like-minded individuals (one of the strongest forces in the cultural world), have intervened and set plans in place for the site to transform into a learning and creative cultural quarter, preserving the building and its contents for generations to come.

A fascinating building that has been in Ilkley since the 14th Century

At the end of the 19th Century as Ilkley was growing and developing Roman remains and artefacts became unearthed, prompting the opening of Ilkley Manor House as a museum to display these archeological finds. After the brief closure Ilkley Manor House reopened its doors to the public in 2018 and has since been maintained and run by a group of committed volunteers. Thanks to the hard work of these heritage motivated individuals, the House has been able to open to the public on weekends.

If you are looking for a historic and striking wedding venue, the Manor House can accommodate up to 60 guests and is fully licensed to hold civil ceremonies. There are ideal spaces to have a sit down meal as well as access to the Riverside Gardens and the banks of the River Wharfe. The Manor House has connections with excellent local suppliers, making it easy for you to plan the perfect occasion.

Although it may be a couple more years before the vision for the heritage site can be fully realised it’s still a fascinating building that has been in Ilkley since the 14th Century and hopefully, thanks to Ilkley Manor House Trust, will be able to educate people about the area’s Roman past for generations to come.

Castle YardIlkleyLS29 9DT View map
Telephone: 01943607030 Visit now

Opening Hours

  • Saturday10:00am - 4:00pm
  • Sunday10:00am - 4:00pm

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Ilkley Manor House

In a large industrial space filled with dobby looms hangs a blood red textile piece infront of a sheer white backdrop.
Until
ExhibitionsLeeds
Loops at Sunny Bank Mills

‘Loops’ is a new collaborative exhibition of textiles at Sunny Bank Mills, connecting artists from across the Netherlands and Yorkshire.

Free entry

Where to go near Ilkley Manor House

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Gallery
Tinker Gallery

Ilkley’s contemporary art gallery, set up by artist Joanne Tinker, is a studio space in combination with a gallery.

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Restaurant
The Box Tree Restaurant

The Box Tree has been a vital step in many top chef’s careers, and with two Michelin stars to its name you can expect a meal to remember.

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Bed & Breakfast
The Crescent Inn

The Crescent Inn is a comfortable and cosy, pub style bed and breakfast that takes pride in championing local goods.

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The Riverside Hotel

A superb, picturesque riverside setting, en suite rooms, bar and restaurant, The Riverside Hotel makes an excellent base for exploring the moors.

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Theatre
Ilkley Playhouse

The Playhouse has a well established season of productions, also used as a venue for events, including the popular Ilkley Literature Festival.

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Ilkley
Shop
Grove Bookshop

Grove Bookshop has been an integral part of Ilkely town centre for decades, feeding the town’s enthusiasm for literature.

Ilkley
Cinema
Ilkley Cinema

Ilkley Cinema combines relaxed and sociable spaces, state of the art screening technology, and a great programme of indies.

Ilkley
Library
Ilkley Library

Ilkley Library is one of the older institutions in the town. They regularly host literary events as well as bringing books and services to the community.

Ilkley Lido
Ilkley
Ilkley Lido

Incorporating a tennis courts and a bowling green, Ilkley Lido is a grade II listed outdoor pool, with a stunning view of the moors.

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Hotel
The Wheatley Arms

Standing in the leafy village of Ben Rhydding, the Wheatley Arms offers fantastic contemporary accommodation in a traditional Yorkshire inn.

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