Otley is one of those smaller towns that serve as the suburbs of
Leeds. With its stone cottages, centuries-old civil parish, and even some megalithic stone boundaries, the neighborhood is as historic as it gets in West Yorkshire. Yet the vibe isn't just that! At its core, Otley is a lovely countryside town right by the River Wharfe and located not too far from the city centre of Leeds. Beyond its old-world charms, this is still a bustling place where people are out and about, dining in pubs, shopping in the local boutiques, and playing at the park.
Where is Otley in Leeds?
Otley is located in the Lower Wharfedale Valley, which is around 10 miles northwest of the City Centre. Though it's a fair distance away, the town is still close enough that it's considered a
neighborhood of Leeds. It's even become one of the city's most popular suburbs, with families settling down here while they work/study nearer to the City Centre. This distance works, too, since Otley provides a more peaceful area that's also far from the hustle and bustle of Leeds. The town still has its commercial areas, but they're far less hectic than the metropolis.
Is it Safe in Otley, Leeds?
Not only is Otley largely considered a safe place, but it's also regarded as one of the safest towns in all of West Yorkshire. This alone already answers the question! And it doesn't come as a surprise, too, considering that Otley is a market town that's basically in the countryside. It may still be part of Leeds, one of the UK's largest cities, but it's also much safer compared to the City Centre. That's also on top of the fact that the
crime rates in Leeds were never that high to begin with. They're only moderate, complete with a current general crime rate of only 50.48%.
What's The Vibe in Otley, Leeds?
Otley blends the cosmopolitan vibes of a city district and the idyllic serenity of a small town in the
English countryside. At its core, the place has always been a combination of the two. It's a market town with a bustling commercial scene located near the scenic Yorkshire Dales. The center of town can still be as bustling as the Leeds City Centre itself, while the rest of the town is largely residential, and natural wonders abound. Hence, you get the best of both worlds in Otley. It's one of the main reasons why it's among the most popular neighborhoods in Leeds.
Is it Expensive in Otley, Leeds?
Yes, it is. Otley is practically a step away from West Yorkshire's “golden triangle,” which includes North Leeds, Harrogate, and York. These three are among the most expensive parts of the entire county, so for Otley to only be one level below truly means that it's a pricey town. And it is! From rent and utilities to shopping and even dining out, expect to pay a lot to have a comfortable stay here. If you eat out, for instance, the average prices per meal range from £18.00 to £35.00 in inexpensive to mid-range restaurants.
What to See in Otley, Leeds
Even with how bustling a town it is, Otley isn't necessarily a place for sightseeing. There's certainly a lot of history here, but the landmarks are not that famous. They're still worth seeing, though, especially Knotties Stone on Otley Chevin, the Thomas Chippendale statue on Manor Square, and the Navvies' Memorial. The rest are the natural wonders that surround the town. The famous Yorkshire Dales, for example, will take your breath away. It boasts the most scenic fields in all of the English countryside, so much so that it's worth devoting an entire
day in Leeds to check out.
What to Do in Otley, Leeds
If you want to
move to Leeds to enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle but not in a remote rural town in the middle of nowhere, settle down in Otley! As already mentioned, Otley maintains a nice balance between an idyllic countryside suburb and a bustling market town with lots to see, do, and eat. This is one of the best places to enjoy long strolls, be it along lush fields or on the cobbled streets in the town center. You can also dine in the local pubs and meet new people, make friends with the locals, and have the time of your life. What's not to love?
The Best Restaurants in Otley, Leeds
Otley's identity and history as a market town have also allowed it to foster an exciting culinary scene. This isn't an ordinary countryside town where the only places to eat are the local pubs. Otley certainly has a lot of them on offer, and they're great for enjoying a warm meal with locals, but the town also has other types of eateries. A Casa di Alessia on Orchard Gate and Il Vicoletto on Mercury Row, for instance, serve the finest Italian dishes this side of West Yorkshire. Not only are they some of
Leeds's best restaurants, but they also prove that Otley welcomes foreign cuisines just as it treasures traditional English food.
Try any or all of Otley’s best-known places to eat, especially:
- A Casa di Alessia on Orchard Gate
- Buon Apps River Lounge and Italian Restaurant in Hartley House on Mill Lane
- Efes Bar & Bistro on Kirkgate Arcade
- Fare on Orchard Gate
- Il Vicoletto on Mercury Row
- MISTÅL Kitchen on E Chevin Road
- The Roebuck Pub on Roebuck Lane
- The Royalty on York Gate
- Treehouse Bar and Kitchen on Bondgate Street
- Westbourne Spice on Bradford Road
What to Know About Renting in Otley, Leeds
The average rent in Otley truly proves that it's a fairly expensive town in West Yorkshire. While it's possible to find a small property to rent for only about £700.00 to £1,000.00 per month, the common rental prices here usually range from £1,018.00 to £2,800.00 per month. And these aren't even for the biggest luxury apartments to rent in Leeds! If you want to get a bigger place, expect to pay a lot more. Fortunately, however, Otely is a big enough town to have a diverse rental real estate market, making it fairly easy to find a nice place that's just the right size and price.
Even as one of the many suburbs in Leeds, Otley is still a fabulous and exciting neighborhood. It’s the quintessential countryside English district, blending historic and contemporary vibes in a fairly idyllic part of Yorkshire.
