Neighbourhood know-how, places and people
LOCATION LOCATION
Settle is a pretty, picture postcard and quaint village at the centre of rural life in the Yorkshire Dales. About as far as you can go before you cross the county border to Lancashire, it's a small town with a big heart. A town surrounded by some of the most spectacular vistas and countryside Yorkshire can offer, as well as a vast choice of walking and bike routes, it's an area popular with ramblers and cyclists. There's little doubt tourism is important to Settle but there is more to the bustling centre that welcomes people from around the world. A real plus point is its market. On market day the town swings into life. Its charter was first granted in 1249 and every Tuesday the Market Place is filled with traders selling everything from life's essentials to collectables, gifts and books - there's also some wonderful cakes and other home-baked goods to try. They will also be there, whatever the weather, too so you'll never run out of those must-get items.
The starting point/final stop on the 72-mile Settle to Carlisle Railway, it's also a popular stop off point with tourists wanting to sample a slice of Yorkshire life. Not exactly known for a simple commute - the nearest motorway is a good 30 minutes drive away - the extra time in the car is well rewarded with spectacular countryside views as you travel through the Yorkshire Dales. Trains run regularly from Settle to Leeds and over to the Lake District on the now famous 72-mile route, heralded as one of the world's greatest railway journeys. See the 19th century station, with its renovated features, up close. There's the old station water town and signal box which, during the summer, are open as tourist attractions.
BAG A PROPERTY
There's plenty of choice for every budget here. While the most desirable - and priciest - properties are likely to be found in the countryside outside of the main town, there are wonderful, traditional stone-built terraces, brilliant barn conversions and quirky, small-but-perfectly-planned cottages.
You're not going to find a lot of new build here, although there is a little. But it's a welcome thing for a town that has managed to retain an old world charm in its appearance.
EXPLORE
Settle Victoria Hall, one of the oldest surviving music halls in the world, has been at the heart of the town's social and cultural scene since it opened its doors in October 1853. A real gem of a place with a fabulous programme of music, drama and comedy.
Discover more about life in this area too at The Folly, the former home of rich lawyer Richard Preston. Billed as Settle's most significant building, it is home to the Museum of North Craven Life, a shop showcasing the best craft makers in the county and a cracking café. In the shadow of Castleberg Crag, once you've explored the town, there's plenty more just outside the centre to discover. You're only a few miles from the famous Three Peaks and a wealth of caving opportunities for the more adventurous!
RETAIL THERAPY
Independent business is king in Settle and shoppers will discover a delightful choice of one-off stores. Those who enjoy a mooch will love The Courtyard, where you'll find furniture and fashion as well as some of the best art and design and a great brasserie, and Car and Kitchen, a fabulous family-run department store. There are also galleries, craft shops and a charming traditional toy shop and for wine lovers, there is a great merchant selling some of the best wines you could find.
Cheese lovers will also consider a venture not far out of Settle to Courtyard Dairy, a business that pays homage to fromage, supplies some of the best restaurants and sells some of the best cheeses in the UK.
CAFES AND COCKTAILS
Independent family-run freehouse The Talbot Arms should be on your list, whether it's an afternoon sat outside in their lovely garden in the summer or getting comfortable in the cosy interior in the winter. It's a must for beer lovers - there are many varieties from the county, as well as those nearby. The cheekily named Ye Olde Naked Man Café specialises in homemade and seasonal produce - and a range of jams, chutneys and gifts to take home.
If you've been browsing at the folly, its café is a welcome pit stop or Little House Restaurant serves up a great menu that changes with the seasons. It has a great wine list, too.
