The A-Z of Settle

Northern Life explores the cobbled streets of this historic market town at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales and the businesses that make Settle a place you’d want to settle. We take a trip down the A65 to learn about Settle’s Grade I listed townhouse, discover the TV personalities that count Settle as a must-visit destination, and visit a beauty spot that has been popular with visitors since 1700 with our A-Z of …(you’ve guessed it!) Settle!

A – A65

The A65 meanders through the North, passing Skipton andIngleton on the way to the Lake District, but Lakes-bound visitors who never take a detour are missing a treat. A short drive off the A65 is the beautiful town of Settle. On your way you will pass the beautiful Falcon Manor, a luxurious 19th century country home that is now a hotel and wedding venue which apparently welcomes Alan Titchmarsh on his trips to Settle.

B – Buildings

One of the more unusual buildings in Settle is Ye Olde Naked Man Café which was built in 1663. Strangely the carved figure on the building is not naked, but is wearing a coat and breeches. According to one local tale, an undertaker once operated in the building and a man was buried naked underneath it. If you’d like to add a talking point to your home, perhaps a new kitchen would be better for discussing over dinner parties – visit Fox Kitchens for beautiful, affordable kitchen design.

C – Christmas

A trip to Settle at Christmas is perfect for putting you in the Christmas spirit, on a dark winter’s evening the town comes alive with fairy lights hung around the stone-built cottages. Young or old you’re sure to find a Christmas gift for everyone with The House That Jack Built brilliant for toys and small, independent boutiques for older family members.

D – Destroyed

The name Settle is thought to be Anglian 7th century meaning a settlement. In earliest times the majority, if not all, the houses would have been built of wood and thatch, which of course meant they were prone to being burnt down. There are many stone houses in Settle which have datestones from the very early 17th century and many others are thought to be earlier. If you want to make sure your building will stand the test of time, head down the road and visit Builders Station with everything you need to complete that unique project all under one roof.

E – Eat

With cosy, intimate cafés and pubs perfect for Sunday lunches, Settle is brimming with options for refreshment. Pop into Bumblebee Coffee Shop for freshly brewed coffee and delicious sandwiches in a bright and buzzing setting or visit The Folly’s café, the highest rated local café on tripadvisor, and a real star attraction. If you’d rather cook your dinner at home, create a little part of Settle in your kitchen with Fox Kitchens, who can provide bespoke beautiful, timeless kitchens that will make dinnertime special.

F – Folly

Settle’s only Grade I listed building, The Folly was built in 1679 as home and office for lawyer Richard Preston. Since then, it has been a farmhouse, lodging house, furniture workshop, fish and chip shop and railway refreshment rooms. It was opened to the public as a museum in 2001 and boasts the highest rated café in Settle. The museum is free for everyone and features a range of art and artefacts to dazzle and delight.

G – Graveyard

The Settle Graveyard Project began in 2019 and was created by Sarah Lister. The project aims to document the lives of those buried since 1839 in the graveyard at Holy Ascension Church in the town. The project hosts trails around the graveyard so that visitors can learn more about the lives of past locals from love affairs to town scandals.

H – Heritage

In the 18th century, routes in Settle were all over the hill tops, so the earliest properties were built along these routes. The Keighley and Kendal turnpike road began construction at the end of the century and an easier route along the valley bottom completed. While most of these early dwellings had a draughty outhouse, there’s no need for you to put up with out-of-date bathrooms now-a-days, pop into Elite Bathrooms in Settle for contemporary bathroom design.

I  – Ingleborough Cave

Ingleborough Cave was discovered in 1837 by brave Victorian explorers who unearthed 500 metres of previously unexplored passages with only candles to guide them! Today, the cave is well lit, and you can follow in the footsteps of those pioneers on an awe-inspiring voyage of discovery! In December, the cave transforms into a magical underground winter wonderland, as Father Christmas welcomes visitors to his Grotto.

J – Journey

For some Settle will be the start of their journey around the Yorkshire Three Peaks, taking walkers up Pen-y-ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough. The route includes 5,200 ft and is usually completed under 12 hours – not one for the faint hearted!

K – Known

Settle has its fair share of well-known faces in its fan club. Gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh stays at the luxury Falcon Manor while he’s in town, while playwright Alan Bennett is also known to frequent the town. Another TV personality who considers Settle a firm favourite is past Countdown host Richard Whiteley. As well as presenters, Settle attracts artists from across the UK with its sweeping landscape. Visit Studio Vault for handcrafted products including bespoke jewellery.

L – Loop

Walkers, cyclists and horse-riders flock to the area to take advantage of the many off-road trails available including the Settle Loop, a challenging ten-mile circular that forms part of the Pennine Bridleway. The loop includes the Malham Tarn and stunning limestone scenery.

M – Made for You

For beautiful custom curtains and blinds, pop into Homemaker of Settle to discover your perfect homeware. While Homemaker of Settle offer a measuring and fitting service, as well as custom  made curtains, you can also purchase ready-made curtains from brands such as Laura Ashley.

N – Nature

Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail is the gateway to the U.K’s most stunning limestone scenery including Ingleborough Cave, Trow Gill Gorge, Gaping Gill pothole, limestone pavements, the Norber Erratics and ultimately the summit of Ingleborough, one of the famous Yorkshire Three Peaks. Alfred Wainwright, the esteemed guidebook author and illustrator, considered this the standout walk in the Yorkshire Dales and described this route up Ingleborough as “the finest of all, a classic.”

O – Old

Nestled in one of the oldest areas of Settle is in Bishopdale Court and dates from the 17th century. Today, quite fittingly, it is home to the antique shop Cale and Co. With unusual items and antique furniture dating from the Georgian period to the present day. It is the perfect place to find something unique for your home. This unique town allows you to wander down narrow alleyways admiring the historic architecture of the cottages with prettily decorated exteriors. If you’re inspired, it’s easy to pick up some supplies to transform your own house on the way home by popping into Settle DIY in Ashfield car park, a traditional DIY and decorating centre, you’ll find what you need to create that picture-perfect home yourself!

P – Plants

Visit Settle in August and you will be greeted by a number of flowerpot creations in the Flowerpot Festival. Most businesses have one and a flowerpot trail guide can be bought from the Information Centre. If you want to grow your very own creation, head down to Lay of the Land, a small family run garden centre with a wide range of plants grown in Yorkshire. With a commitment to sustainability and a belief in the goodness of nature, Lay of the Land is the perfect place to discover your perfect plant.

Q – Quiet

To escape the hustle and bustle of Settle, take a walk down the River Ribble and visit the Settle Hydro which generates green energy from the river. You might also be lucky enough to spot migrating salmon and sea trout pass the weir on their way to spawning beds further up the river.

R – Rescue

The town boasts a wealth of heritage organisations who have been involved in efforts to rescue local heritage including The Folly, the Settle-Carlisle Railway and Victoria Hall. There are currently plans to rescue a former bank, once a regular holiday destination of composer Edward Elgar”.

S – Settle Victoria Hall

The world’s oldest music hall has a diverse range of events and activities that happen throughout the year both for the locals of Settle and its many visitors. Settle Victoria Hall is entirely self-funded and receives no council or government help, with 100 volunteers providing world-class entertainment.

T – Toys

The perfect family day out wouldn’t be complete without a trip to The House That Jack Built. Over two floors’ children will be delighted with traditional toys along with a special farming section. With nostalgic games, puzzles and books, there’s sure to be something to suit every age.

U – Unpleasant

In the museum at The Folly, you may well come across Settle’s town stocks in which people who swore or were drunk were held for hours as punishment. Used in the 16th and 17th centuries, their use thankfully declined in the 18th century with the last recorded use in 1872.

V – Value

In 1279 a market charter was granted to Henry de Percy, 7th feudal baron of Topcliffe by Henry III and since then, a market has been held every Tuesday in front of the Shambles with a variety of stalls selling local goods from fresh food to fashion and fancy goods with great value.

W – World-class

Settle is the starting point of one of the world’s great railway journeys, the 72-mile Settle-Carlisle line, brainchild of ‘Railway King’ George Hudson and built in the 1870s with breath-taking feats of engineering – viaducts, cuttings and tunnels – through the rugged forbidding countryside. The impressive Ribblehead Viaduct, with 24 arches spanning the floor, almost brought about the line’s demise when it badly needed repair in the 1980s, but train enthusiast Michael Portillo, who was Minister of State for Transport at the time, refused British Rail’s application for closure and the lines still thrives to this day.

X – Xceptional

The Old Sawmill Café is situated in the picturesque village of Clapham, a short 10-minute drive from Settle. The heritage and history of the building has been beautifully preserved, providing a fascinating backdrop for visitors to immerse themselves in, whilst elegantly contrasting new with old. Expect great coffee, delicious tray bakes, and an ever-changing menu using a range of seasonal, fresh and local food.

Y – Yorkshire

Settle sits at the heart of the Yorkshire Dales which is famed for its beautiful valleys and steep hills. According to National Parks UK there are over 8,000km of dry-stone walls and 6,000 field barns in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and half the country’s limestone pavements.

Z – Zen

Surrounded by countryside, Settle is the perfect place to visit for some zen energy. Treat yourself to a leisurely afternoon with a coffee watching the world go by, or head outside the town centre and spend the day wandering through the meadows, admiring the limestone cliffs and watching the buzzards soar above you.

NorthernLife Nov/Dec 2022