This spa bath, believed to have been built around 1700, was a key part of Ilkley's establishment as a desirable spa town. Today, visitors can still take a dip in the plunge bath, though they'll need to supply their own bathing costumes. Hikers are more likely to make use of the cafe and toilets here. Amongst the many visitors to White Wells, Charles Darwin is perhaps the most notable. He 'took the waters' here in 1859.

Adventurer Nic

December 17, 2021

Hiking

Sadly the cafe was closed when we passed along the Dales High Way in early December 2021 (not sure if this is a permanent closure or temporary). We found shelter from the howling wind in the little tunnel!

Cragsman Daz

March 28, 2024

Hiking

Walked past this with little knowledge of the place..amazing what you find exploring

Routes here

Best routes to White Wells Spa Cottage and Plunge Pool

4.4

(24)

hikers

1. Ilkley Moor loop

11.6km

03:20

270m

Hike the moderate 7.2-mile Ilkley Moor loop, gaining 898 feet, to discover ancient stone circles and panoramic views over Wharfe Valley.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.8

(53)

267

hikers

2. Ilkley Moor Stone Circle – The Tarn, Ilkley Moor loop from Ilkley

10.7km

03:14

340m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

4.4

(22)

hikers

3. The Tarn, Ilkley Moor – Ilkley Moor Stone Circle loop from Ilkley

4.67km

01:29

180m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Save

Easy

Details

Informations

Elevation 220 m

Weather

Today

Saturday 28 February

7°C

2°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

Most visited during

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

See routes here

Take Me There

Location: Ilkley, Bradford, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

Other Popular Places to Check Out

The Tarn, Ilkley Moor

Cowper's Cross

Middleton Woods, Ilkley

Puddle Stone (Stanza Stones Trail)

Bolton Abbey Ruins

Millennium Way Woodland Path

Lippersley Pike Summit Cairn

The Poetry Seat, Ilkley Moor

Cow and Calf Rocks

Stone Bridge over the River Wharfe (Dales Way)

Cow and Calf Rocks Summit

Streamside Dipping Spot

White Wells Spa Cottage and Plunge Pool

1. Ilkley Moor loop

2. Ilkley Moor Stone Circle – The Tarn, Ilkley Moor loop from Ilkley

3. The Tarn, Ilkley Moor – Ilkley Moor Stone Circle loop from Ilkley

Other Popular Places to Check Out

Sign up or log in to keep exploring this route

We value your privacy ⛰️

We value your privacy ⛰️