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Otley Parish Church

Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HW

  • 13 Sep 2025
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

Grade I listed medieval church, featuring a display of Anglian cross pieces dating from the 8th, 9th and 10th centuries. Informative guided tours, tower visits, display of historical documents, and self-guided tours for adults and children.

Otley Parish Church has parts dating from the 11th century and is the oldest building in the town. In particular, there is a display of our Anglian cross pieces which show that Christian Worship has taken place here for at least 1,300 years. These include the Evangelists Cross, dating from the 8th century - described as 'one of the finest monuments surviving from pre-Viking Northumbria’ - and the Dragon Cross, dating from the early 9th century. The church architecture reflects development from its Norman foundation, through the Medieval enlargement and the Victorian embelishment.
At 1100 and repeated at 1400, there will be 'The Story of Otley Parish Church in 25 Objects - a guided tour and talk.'
Tower visits are available at certain times during the day. These will include demonstration of bell ringing and opportunity to climb higher and see the bells, but not to the top, for safety reasons.
The impressive, Grade II listed, Navvies’ Memorial in the churchyard will be open for visits. This is a memorial to those who died during the construction of the Bramhope Tunnel and a display inside the church tells more of the story - produced by the Otley Conservation Task Force. Accompanied children are welcome, with self-guided heritage trails available for both them and adults. There will be a display of historical documents and rolling slide presentations, giving detail about the church's stained glass windows and a virtual tower tour.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:
1000-1630

Location & directions

Kirkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire, LS21 3HW

Directions:
Otley Parish Church is located in the centre of Otley about 200 metres from the bus station. Bus services run to Otley from Leeds, Bradford, Harrogate, Skipton and Wetherby. From the bus station, there are also regular buses to Menston rail station which has direct services to Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley. Free parking (up to 4 hours) is available nearby at Sainsbury's on Bondgate - LS21 3AB

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

The sloping path from Kirkgate leads to the north door of the church which provides level access into the building. The main body of the church is fully accessible.

Additional information

Est. tour duration:
1 hour(s) 0 minute(s)

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