Otley’s heritage dates back to Saxon times. The parish Church displays remnants of its Saxon Heritage with a selection of stone crosses dating back to the earliest Christians who came to live in the area in the 7th century.

Cattle markets began in Otley in 1222, and in 1644, the market square played host to Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentarian army on the eve of the battle of marston Moor – it is said that they drank the pubs dry before their famous victory!

With the advent of the Industrial revolution, a woollen industry began in the 18thand 19thcentury – this saw much progress at a time when Otley helped shape the history of Britain.

The Wharfedale printing press or the Wharfedale Machine which revolutionised the printing industry more than a century ago has now been given a permanent place in the museum of the Liberty of Otley.

The first ‘Wharfedale’ was built in 1856, and although thousands have been built since, the museum machine is one of the originals. Using a cylinder to print rather than a flat plate, it was invented by William Dawson and David Payne and could print over 1,000 sheets an hour – the first one was bought by Cambridge University Press in 1858.

By 1900 the printing machinery trade employed over 2,000 people, with seven machine shops, this was Otley’s most important industry.

Otley Angling club was formed in 1897 by local land owners, it runs regular fishing matches on the River Wharfe through Otley and junior matches on the club pond.

Otley cricket club was founded in 1820 – the team plays in the Airedale and Wharfedale Senior Cricket club – the club has won the league title 13 times.

Otley RUFC plays its home matches at Cross Green.

Otley’s famous people include Robert Chippendale the cabinetmaker. Elizabeth Garnett the missionary to navvies and author.

More recently Lizzie Deignan famous for her cycling and Mike Tindall the England rugby union captain hailed from this vibrant town.

If you are a keen walker then a hike to the top of Otley Chevin, boasts breathtaking views, or if you prefer cycling then follow the tracks of the Tour de Yorkshire and Tour de France.

Places to visit include the Otley Courthouse and Arts centre, Puffin Pottery, Brown’s gallery, Kirkgate Arcade shopping Centre, Wharfe Meadows Park and the Navvies memorial.

Close by are the Emmerdale Village tour, Ilkley Moor, Chevin Forest Park, Fewston Reservoir, Golden Acre Park (situated between Bramhope and Adel), Salts Mill and Roberts Park – all interesting places to visit.

Restaurants include Westbourne Spice, M’deena Moroccan restaurant, Buon Apps Italian Restaurant, Maypole Fisheries and the Red Pepper Indian Restaurant.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a property in Otley, you need an agent that knows the area well. Contact us today to discover how we can help you.