Ilkley Manor House

Delve into Ilkley Manor House's past and discover the fascinating history of this medieval building with FREE activities suitable for all.

On the first weekend, children can make their own mini Manor House, learning about its construction and the people who lived here. On the second weekend, recreate the Roman fort of Olicana and learn about life in Roman Ilkley - education and fun rolled into one! No need to book. Afterwards, they can dress up as Romans and play with traditional toys in the courtyard.

At 1400 on 14 Sept and at 1030 on 20 Sept, local experts Alex Cockshott and Mike Dixon will lead tours of the House, telling its story and pointing out important architectural features. Not only is Ilkley Manor House a Grade I-listed medieval building, but it also stands on the site of a Roman fort which existed for 300 years.

At 1400 on 20 Sept, join historian John Cockshott for a Q&A about the Roman fort. Come and learn about the context of the fort, its features, and the intriguing debate about Ilkley's Latin name! Afterwards, explore our remarkable Roman collection, featuring the renowned Verbeia altar stones and a tombstone dedicated to the Romano-British woman, Vedica.

These tours are free, but booking is essential for both. The Roman artefacts are on the ground floor. The tour of the House takes place on the ground floor and first floor, accessible via 18 steps with handrails on both sides.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

1100-1600

Sunday 14 September:

1100-1600, Q&A 1400-1500

Saturday 20 September:

1100-1600, Tours 1030-1130 and 1400-1500

Sunday 21 September:

1100-1600

Location & directions

Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DT

Directions:

Ilkley Manor House is located through the archway next to the traffic lights on Church Street, behind All Saints' Parish Church. It is a seven-minute walk from Ilkley's train and bus stations. If you visit the Riverside Gardens, Ilkley Manor House is a short, uphill walk along Bridge Lane or along the path from Castle Road.

Contact on day:

Alex Wild

Telephone number:

+447791770952

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Tickets are free. There is an option to leave a donation, but it is not necessary. Click the booking links to reserve your spaces on TicketTailor.

Booking contact name:

Alex Wild

Booking telephone number:

+447480064142

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ilkleymanorhousetrust/1666495

Alternative booking website:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/ilkleymanorhousetrust/1666529

Accessibility details

The ground floor is accessible but there are uneven flagstones. The first floor is only accessible via 18 steps - no lift. The loos are unisex. There is one step with railings on both sides to go down to them. There is a baby changing facility, footstool & free sanitary products. The area around the House is cobbled. The House stands on a slope up from the Riverside Gardens. There are 4 Manor House parking spaces - please get in touch in advance if you wish to park here. Dogs are allowed downstairs; assistance dogs permitted throughout the House. There is a space to leave pushchairs and prams.

Additional information

Ilkley Manor House is a historic medieval building home to a museum, art gallery, wedding venue, and event space. It sits on the site of the Roman fort, Olicana. Ilkley Civic Society's Local History Hub meets here, and Ilkley Manor House Trust puts on a variety of exhibitions, concerts, fairs, and workshops throughout the year. The Trust's vision is to create a space that tells the story of the house, the land it sits on, and how this has shaped the development of the town of Ilkley. Entry to the House is free, however donations are always welcome to help us continue our vital work.

Max no of people per tour:

30

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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