Distance from Peaks & Pods: 5 miles
Settle is a lovely little market town full of quality independent shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants, and is home to the world famous Settle-Carlisle Railway.
The town is surrounded by a stunning limestone landscape with dry stone walls, meadows, scars, peaks, field barns, waterfalls, becks, caves, potholes….and sheep! It’s a brilliant destination for fell walking, cycling, mountain biking and sight-seeing.
Most days (except Tuesdays), you can park in the centre of Settle – in and around the Market Place – for free for two hours (although you must display a car parking disc, available from nearby shops). If you wish to stay longer, use one of the several pay and display car parks near the centre.
Information
Settle Market every Tuesday
A weekly market is held in the centre of Settle every Tuesday, with lots of regular stalls offering a great range of food and goods.
www.visitsettle.co.uk/settle-market
Booths Supermarket
Booths is a fabulous supermarket on the edge of the town and offers a great range of top-quality food and drink.
www.booths.co.uk
Settle to Carlisle Railway
Explore one of the world’s greatest rail journeys along the stunning 72-mile route from Settle to Carlisle. Running through some of the most attractive scenery in the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbrian Fells, the Settle-Carlisle railway is world famous for its Victorian architecture, huge stone viaducts, long tunnels and remote wayside station buildings. It is not a preserved heritage railway – it is part of the UK rail network. The diesel sprinter trains carry well over a million passengers every year and provide a vital link to the remote communities they connect. It’s well worth a trip, even if you only go as far as Ribblehead, Dent or Garsdale. There’s a vast amount of information on their website.
www.settle-carlisle.co.uk
Castleberg Rock
The tall limestone rock of Castleberg, just on the edge of town, has been recognised as a beauty spot for centuries. The Council manages the site, both as a haven for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit. Entrance is free.
www.visitsettle.co.uk
Settle Swimming Pool
The town is proud to have its own community-run swimming pool measuring 20m x 7m, offering a range of sessions for all visitors. The pool was extensively refurbished in 2022.
www.settleswimmingpool.co.uk
Settle Riverside Walk
Walk along the banks of the River Ribble on Settle’s Riverside Walk, suitable for wheelchairs, pushchairs and cyclists. Pass old cotton and snuff mills, and see the award-winning Settle Hydro.
www.visitsettle.co.uk
Shopping in Settle
Settle has many superb shops (see visitsettle.co.uk) and these are just a few to mention:
- Car & Kitchen (quality gifts, clothes and contemporary cafe)
- The House that Jack Built (top quality children’s toys, clothes and cards)
- Cottontail Crafts (craft shop selling a wide range of craft materials)
- Wholesome Bee (health food shop with natural skincare products, Fairtrade and gifts)
- Lay of the Land (wonderful, family-run, pocket sized garden centre and gift shop with café)
- Truly Scrumptious sweet shop
- Courtyard Dairy (cheese, cured meats and gifts) – (a short drive out of town)
- 3 Peaks Cycles (bike shop, repairs and cafe)
- Castleberg Outdoors (outdoor gear)
- Watershed Mill Visitor Centre (large shopping destination for clothes, gifts and homeware, with parking, toilets and cafe).
Eating in Settle
There are many excellent places to eat and drink in Settle (see visitsettle.co.uk) and here are just some:
- Ye Old Naked Man – well-known cafe serving tasty food (with attached sandwich shop and bakery)
- The Golden Lion – Good pub food in attractive surroundings
- The Talbot – tasty pub food
- Ruchee – Indian restaurant and takeaway
- Royal Spice – Indian restaurant and takeaway
- The Fisherman – fish & chip restaurant and takeaway
- The Shambles – fish & chip restaurant and takeaway
- Darlings of Settle – Thai takeaway and restaurant
- Rosa & Matteo’s – authentic Italian food down the steps at The Shambles (under the arches)
- The Little House (superb, seasonal food at weekends – pre-book)
- Car & Kitchen
- 3 Peaks Cycles Café
- Lay of the Land Cafe and Coffee Shop – contemporary cafe adjoining garden centre
- The Folly Coffee House and Cafe – lovely cakes and food
- High Street Coffee – cafe
- The Wonky Cake Cafe
- Falcon Manor – beautiful surroundings and great food in bistro or restaurant (check first)
- Rind (near Settle off A65) – excellent wood-fired pizzas and artisan cheeses
- Craven Arms (Giggleswick) – Cosy bar and excellent food a short drive from the town centre
- The Plough (Wigglesworth) – Stylish country pub with good food and interesting menu
- Black Horse (Giggleswick) – lovely food in a cosy environment
- The Knights Table (Stainforth) – superb food and nice walks from here
- Hart’s Head (Giggleswick) – great food in attractive surroundings
- The Traddock (Austwick) – for a tasty meal or special occasion