Ten things to do in Settle

Located on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park where it is surrounded by high peaks, underground caves and limestone scars, Settle is a market town that is ideally placed for scenic walks and outdoor adventures.

Once a local hub for a booming cotton and lime industry, the traditional 17th and 18th-century buildings have become vibrant shops, cafes, venues and museums. This variety of attractions means there is plenty to do in Settle, even when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

If you fancy spending time in this historic Yorkshire market town, we have rounded up some of our favourite things to do in Settle as well as some of the best places to stay for a short break or longer holiday.

Skip to: 

• Settle to Carlisle Railway 
• Waterfalls near Settle
• Settle Victoria Hall
• Settle caves
• Museum of North Craven Life at the Folly
• Places to eat in Settle
• Pubs in Settle
• Settle walks
• Shops in Settle
• Settle Flowerpot Festival
• Map of things to do in Settle  

Settle to Carlisle Railway 

With an incredible 20 viaducts to zip over and 14 tunnels to thunder through, the Settle to Carlisle Railway must be one of the most memorable things to do in Yorkshire. Over the 72-mile journey, there’s gorgeous villages to discover, such as Dent and Hellifield and endless stunning scenery whizzing past your window.

We recommend hopping off the railway at Horton-in-Ribblesdale. This picturesque village sits at the bottom of majestic Pen-y-Ghent, which is one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks. The station acts as the perfect starting point for a scramble up to the top of the large fell, a ramble around it or even just an amble near it with your dog, as they can travel for free on this superb railway line.

Waterfalls near Settle 

The geography of this area of North Yorkshire really comes into play when you go in search of waterfalls, as the steep inclines and limestone cliffs create a natural platform for rivers and streams to tumble over. Add to this a generous amount of rain that keeps the landscape lush and green, and you have the perfect environment for gushing waterfalls. 

Scalebar Force

The nearest of these waterfalls to Settle is Scalebar Force, which is found within the Scalebar Wood Nature Reserve located at the edge of town. The walk through the woodland is a little challenging with steep, narrow paths, but it’s well worth it to see the mighty 40ft drop into a crystal-clear pool.

Stainforth Force 

A 5-mile drive from Settle takes you to Stainforth Force, a stepped waterfall on the River Ribble that’s close to an ancient packhorse bridge. It’s mesmerising to watch the water flowing over moss-covered rocks, and in autumn, you may be lucky enough to see salmon making their way upstream to spawn.

Catrigg Force 

Heading west out of Stainforth takes you to Catrigg Force, hidden in woodland but well worth searching out. The composer, Elgar, was said to frequent it when he visited Yorkshire - be sure to hum Pomp and Circumstance as you admire the foaming display.

Settle Victoria Hall

Image credit: Settle Victoria Hall

Established in 1853, Settle Victoria Hall is the world’s oldest music hall and is still going strong today with over 170 events every year. Inside the splendid Grade II-listed Victorian building is a capacious auditorium, perfect for the varied programme of events, including films, live bands, musicals and comedy. 

During the summer season, Miss Victoria’s Refreshment Gardens provides an outdoor performance space complete with an al fresco café. Over the winter, the café is brought indoors with warm meals to enjoy, plus a range of games and toys for children to play with. Dogs are welcome inside the cafe, too.

Settle caves

A free and exciting adventure that’s easily walkable from Settle is a visit to Victoria Cave and the nearby smaller Jubilee Cave. There are also other unnamed cavelets (if that’s a word!) nearby for you to discover, but head to these two first to get your bearings. There are none of the usual tourist trappings, such as a café or gift shop, but the unspoilt natural phenomena make for a great afternoon in the fresh air. The stomp up the hill from the town is well worth it as you have the dramatic crags of Warrendale Knots to aim for, plus the stunning Attermire Scar in the distance.  

Victoria Cave has been excavated in the past, and the fascinating archaeological remains found there include an 11,000-year-old harpoon point, the first signs of human activity in Yorkshire. You can look at the finds at the Museum of North Craven Life. On the journey home, take a detour to Castleberg Crag, the stony outcrop that looms over the market square.

Museum of North Craven Life at the Folly

The grand 17^th-century stone building in Victoria Street was originally a ‘gentleman’s residence’, but now it’s home to the Museum of North Craven Life at The Folly (fact fans may like to know that North Craven is an ancient area of North Yorkshire that was mentioned in the Doomsday Book). The museum celebrates the culture of the area through its collections of artefacts, exhibitions and family-friendly activities. 

Be sure to visit the café, appropriately located in The Folly’s kitchen, where you can try a scallywag, which is a Yorkshire delicacy that’s a cross between a rock cake and a scone. 

Places to eat in Settle

Just like Settle itself, there are both ancient and modern options – with traditional tearooms nestling alongside more contemporary eateries. The intriguingly named Ye Olde Naked Man Cafe and Bakery (look for the carved figure on the front of the café) offers up delicious sandwiches, hot lunches and cream teas, while The Nettle has a selection of small plates using up-to-the-minute ingredients (and is open for both daytime bites and a proper evening out). 

A little farther out, with unbeatable views of Ingleborough and the Dales, is Rind, where wood-fired pizzas are topped with exceptional cheeses from the neighbouring cheese shop, The Courtyard Dairy.

Pubs in Settle

Experience the famous Yorkshire hospitality at the inviting pubs in the Settle area. The tiny Millers at Bar 13 serves an unmissable mix of cask ales with a regularly changing menu of guest beers, an incredible 45 brands of gin, including rare artisan distilleries and everything else in between – catering for all palates. The quirky setting makes it a must-do on your tick list. 

Head to The Talbot Arms for a traditional Yorkshire pub in the heart of Settle with CAMRA accreditation and the largest beer garden in town. For Sunday lunches and a fun day out, you could take the Settle-to-Carlisle train one stop to The Craven Arms near Giggleswick, where a beautiful old pub sits surrounded by stunning Yorkshire Dales scenery.

Settle walks

Put a spring in your step during a visit to Settle with some truly uplifting Yorkshire walks that start in and around the market town.

Settle to Langcliffe circular

This Settle walk rewards the fairly steep start with wonderful views of Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough. As you walk alongside the chalky drystone walls that embroider the rolling countryside, you’ll see how they echo the startling crags in the distance. One stretch takes you along the Pennine Bridleway, a centuries-old packhorse route that lends itself perfectly to walkers and mountain-bikers.

Settle and the River Ribble circular

A lovely walk that incorporates both Stainforth and Catrigg Force waterfalls as well as the charming village of Langcliffe. You’ll also see manmade and natural features of disused lime kilns and hilltop caves. There’s the option of extending the walk to take in Attermire Scar, a rugged line of steep cliffs cutting through the landscape. 

Malham Tarn circular

The highest lake in England, this Malham Tarn walk provides a 360-degree perambulation around it. A short diversion through woodland and past the elegant Tarn House will bring you out with a prime view of the tarn. There are also bird hides along the way to admire the feathery population.   

Shops in Settle

Retail therapy is at its best in Settle, as the abundance of independent businesses means you’re getting quality products while boosting the town’s economy – a win-win. A good starting point is The Watershed Mill, a department store in miniature with outdoor gear, clothes, toys and gifts. Inside The Shambles, an arcade with six arches, is Limestone Books, where you’re sure to linger over the carefully curated selection. Children will love a visit to The House that Jack Built, an independent shop that sells a range of traditional toys.   

When you’re planning your evening meal, look no further than Drake and Macefield for premium, locally sourced meat. This family-run butchers has been around in Yorkshire since 1898 - you can’t get a better recommendation than that. If you’re in the area on a Tuesday, don’t forget Settle Market, where stalls line the cobbled Market Place (where else?) offering a cornucopia of locally produced goods.

Settle Flowerpot Festival    

: Settle Flowerpot Festival

The charming Settle Flowerpot Festival is the epitome of rural life, when every July and August the community creates playful flowerpot sculptures to display outside their homes. Previous artworks include depictions of Harry Potter, Nora Batty and Snow White and the seven dwarfs. What began as a casual event has gained momentum and is now run by a Community Interest Company (CIC). 

Map of things to do in Settle

Plan your Settle getaway with this handy map of things to do in and around Settle:

Book your getaway in Settle

Every day will be so packed full of fun activities you’ll be glad to get back to your cosy cottage and ‘settle’ down on a comfy sofa. Take a look at our selection of homes in and around the area, from quiet retreats tucked away in the heart of the town to dog-friendly cottages nestled in the hillside. Which one will you pick for a Settle getaway?

Written by Emily Cunningham

Freelance writer

I’m a mum of two who loves strolls on the beach and even a dip in the sea! Ever since my adventure holiday in Settle as a child, where I tried abseiling and orienteering, I have loved exploring the wild and wonderful landscape of Yorkshire.