Ilkley Manor House
Ilkley Manor House, Castle Yard, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 9DT
Delve into Ilkley's Roman past at Ilkley Manor House on 7-8 and 14-15 September, from 1100 to 1600! Join us on weekends for FREE to discover the town's fascinating ancient history through exciting activities suitable for all ages. 1100-1230, Saturday 7 and Saturday 14 September (booking preferred) - Ilkley Manor House stands on the site of a Roman fort which existed in Ilkley for roughly 300 years. Join local expert John Cockshott on guided tours around the perimeter of the fort's outer walls. The hour-long walking talk starts at Ilkley Manor House at 1100, where John will highlight the main Roman routes through the town, the strategic reasons for the fort's location, and the intriguing debate about its Latin name! After the walk, explore Ilkley Manor House's remarkable Roman collection, featuring the renowned Verbeia altar stones and a tombstone dedicated to the Romano-British woman, Vedica. This tour is free, but booking is essential. N.B. The Roman artefacts are located on the ground floor. 1100-1600, both weekends (booking not required) - Join us for family-friendly activities centred around life in Roman Ilkley! Create your own mini Roman road using paper and other materials while learning about the methods used by ancient engineers. Engage with the local heritage by dressing up as a centurion and marching around the fort like a real Roman legion. Design and colour a striking Roman shield. Take home your unique creations as beautiful mementoes of your time with us!
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 1100-1600, Tour 1100-1230
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1100-1600
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1100-1600, Tour 1100-1230
- Sunday 15 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:
- +447480064142
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking preferred
- Booking conditions:
- Sign up for the Roman tour via Eventbrite (link here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/castrum-tour-of-ilkleys-roman-fort-tickets-883520302007) or email [email protected] to be added to the list. Entry to the House does not require booking, and both activities are free.
- Booking contact name:
- Alex Wild
- Booking telephone number:
- +447480064142
- Booking email:
- [email protected]
- Booking website:
- https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/castrum-tour-of-ilkleys-roman-fort-tickets-883520302007?
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:
- 25
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
