Settle in the Yorkshire Dales is a small historic market town situated near the A65 Skipton-Kendal road and offering easy access to the Forest of Bowland, Dales National Park and the Lake District.
Here is the start of arguably the most scenic of Britain’s Railways, The Settle – Carlisle Railway via the Ribblehead Viaduct with links from Skipton, Leeds, Carlisle, Lancaster and Morecambe and all accessible from further afield.
Children of primary age in Settle have the benefit of a new school with the latest facilities located in Bond Lane. Additional primary education is also provided in the nearby villages of Leck, Ingleton, Austwick, Giggleswick, Long Preston, Hellifield and Gargrave. Older children in the area are catered for by Settle College, a specialist Technology College. There is also a Public, independent co-education day and boarding Senior, Junior and Prep School in the nearby village of Giggleswick.
Further education courses are run through Craven College in Skipton
Settle is fortunate to have a well equipped Health Centre situated at Townhead which cares for the people of Settle and outlying villages.
There is also a satellite surgery at Hellifield.
There is another excellent practice at Bentham
Depending on where you live patients are either referred to Airedale General Hospital or Lancaster General Hospital which both have 24 hours Accident & Emergency cover.
There is also Westmorland Hospital in Burton Road, Kendal with more restrictive accident facilities.
At the heart of the town is the Market Place which is surrounded by a wide variety of shops and businesses. The Market Place also plays host to other events throughout the year such as Bank Holiday Markets, Community Festivals and the annual switching on of the Christmas lights. Parking is free for up to 2 hours.
Every Tuesday a traditional market is held here with traders offering fresh produce including fish, cheese, bread, cakes etc as well as groceries, clothes, household items, plants & flowers, picture frames and even second hand books and maps etc.
There is also an undercover market held on Tuesdays in the Victoria Hall in Kirkgate with traders offering a variety of products and produce.
During the summer season, a Farmers Market is held in Settle on the 3rd Sunday of each month.
From Easter to September a car boot fair is held at the rear of Settle Social Club.
For convenience the Premier shop is open till late every night and the Co-Op meets most day to day needs, both located in the Market Place. Settle also has a Booths supermarket in Kirkgate with parking, where one can also relax in the nearby Commemorative Garden.
For leisure activities Settle and area is a wonderful base for exploring the Dales either by train, bus, foot or car or a combination of all 4. The Tourist Information Offices in Settle Town Hall, Ingleton and Bentham can provide books, maps and leaflets about the area. Settle has an excellent indoor swimming pool, Golf Club, Bowling Green, Rugby Club, Football Club, Cricket, Tennis and a variety of fitness classes. For the adventurous the area is well known for it’s potholes and the Cave Rescue Organisation is based in Clapham. To keep fit there is a fully equipped gym situated on The Sidings in Settle. For the intrepid Ingleton has a splendid 4.5 mile Waterfall Trail and at Clapham Ingleborough Cave with underground tours. The Dales Way is a 80 miles (129km) walk from Ilkley to Windermere through spectacular countryside. The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway starts in Settle and comes through Settle on a tour of the Dales. The Way of the Roses is a bike route from Morecambe to Bridlington passing through Settle. For those who prefer to amble, the Tot Lord Town Trail around Settle offers an opportunity to appreciate the scenery.
For children there is a beautiful big outdoor play area in Giggleswick and an outdoor play area by the Primary School near to Booths Supermarket.
Take away is also available with fish and chips, pizzas, Indian and Chinese cuisine.