Settle is a historic market town in North Yorkshire, situated at the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The town developed as a market and trading centre for the surrounding farming communities and is surrounded by some of the most distinctive limestone landscapes in northern England.
Settle: Historical sights and information
Facts about Settle
- Latitude:
- 54.068029
- Longitude:
- -2.277524
- GPS Coordinates:
- 54°04' N, 02°17' W
The historical and tourist significance of the town
Settle's historic market square and surrounding streets contain traditional stone buildings, inns and shops reflecting its long history as a rural market centre. The town is closely associated with the Settle-Carlisle Railway, one of Britain's most scenic railway routes, which passes through the surrounding Dales landscape.
The area offers extensive opportunities for hiking, cycling, caving, climbing and wildlife watching. Nearby attractions include Malham Cove, Malham Tarn, Ingleborough and the Ribblehead Viaduct, while the Yorkshire Dales National Park provides numerous scenic routes.
Food and shopping
Settle has cafés, restaurants, traditional pubs, bakeries, delicatessens, galleries and independent shops. Yorkshire cheeses, local lamb, beef, seasonal vegetables and traditional bakery products feature prominently in the regional food culture. Spring through autumn is particularly suitable for exploring the Dales and limestone scenery, while the Settle-Carlisle railway and historic town centre provide year-round interest.