The Settle Area
A Magical Land of Peaks, Dales, Caves and Waterfalls with a Bustling, Traditional Market Town at its Heart.
Beautifully Positioned Between the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland.
Welcome to Settle
Settle is an ancient market town with a charter first granted by Henry III in 1249. Its name derives from the Old English word 'Setl' meaning a seat, an abode or a dwelling - probably because of its lofty setting in the Yorkshire Dales.
It is a picturesque and unspoilt place with lots to see and do for visitors and a thriving community for those who live here. At the gateway to Upper Ribblesdale it remains a hub for the many villages in the surrounding area, once linked by pack-horse trails and drovers roads. These ancient routes survive as scenic footpaths and bridleways to explore across the distinctive limestone landscape. Immediately overlooking the marketplace is Castleberg, a 206 feet (63 m) limestone crag.
Much of Settle is designated as a Conservation Area, with many 17th and 18th-century buildings, including stone cottages and fine houses around steep lanes and narrow 'ginnels'. The town boasts an impressive 76 listed buildings, some of which are open to visitors including The Folly (Grade I), and the world’s oldest music hall Victoria Hall (Grade II).
Settle offers a thriving range of independent shops, galleries, cafes, traditional pubs and places to stay. With a modest population of 2600, the town has all the amenities essential to a busy community – health centre, dentists, veterinary practice, schools, college, swimming pool, library, Post Office, building society, professional services, supermarket, petrol stations and parking. It is served by the world-famous Settle-Carlisle railway line and is just off the A65, a main arterial north-south trunk road running alongside the Yorkshire-Lancashire border.
Settle is a fantastic base for a holiday with all the attractions of the surrounding countryside to explore, including the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Lake District National Park and the Forest of Bowland National Landscape and as any local will tell you, a hugely rewarding place to live and work.
Spectacular Landscape
300 million years in the making
Fascinating Heritage
12,000 years of human activity
Glorious Nature
Savour the sights, sounds and smells
Peace, Calm and Tranquillity
perfect for recharging your batteries
Exciting Adventures
for both the daring and not-so daring
Unforgettable Experiences
try something different - learn a new skill
Delightful Places to Stay
something to suit everyone
Delicious Places to Eat
for all tastes and budgets
Friendly Independent Shops
proudly owned by local people
Enjoyable Events and Festivals
full programme throughout the year