Farmers have been selling their goods in Otley for almost 800 years and that tradition continues today with a thrice-weekly market and a monthly farmers’ market offering artisan and local produce. To this day, the town features a series of great independent shops and shopping areas. This trail takes you on a small selection of them
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On market days, where the cobbled streets around Market Place bustle with people and traffic is reduced to a trickle thanks to the market stalls, the atmosphere in the town would be little different from the early 13th century when King Henry III granted a Royal Charter for a market in Otley: traders calling to offer their goods and the local populace stocking up their larders, all under the watchful guard of Otley Chevin.
The market may be an evocative place to shop, but the surrounding streets are also lined with many specialist and artisan shops, some of which you might not expect to find in a small West Yorkshire town.
Follow this simple shopping trail that picks out some of the highlights of a visit to Otley. Have fun exploring – and expect to go home laden with goods.
About this walk
Length: 0.9 miles (1.5km)
Time taken: 30 minutes (brisk) to 1.5 hours (slow), depending on the amount of shopping you wish to do
Difficulty: Medium
1 Jenni’s Dresser
Looking for something special for a night out? This fabulous treasure trove of a shop offers women’s pre-loved designer clothing at a fraction of the original price, all curated by owner and fashion guru Jenni Small. Jenni and her team are on hand to offer fab fashion tips and help co-ordinate outfits ready for you to create that wow look.
2 Simon & Becky
Simon & Becky operated a market stall on Otley Market for more than a decade… and when that stall became so large it had ‘alleyways’ through it, it was time to move into the bricks and mortar shop they now occupy on Boroughgate. The shop is a real Aladdin’s Cave of a grocers, laden with fresh fruit and veg in a range of colours, as well as Yorkshire and British produce: fine cheeses, yoghurts and deli meats.
3 Bay Horse Court
Off Boroughgate and by the Bay Horse pub is a small ginnel that leads to this quaint open courtyard of shops.
4 Dodgshons Kitchen and Sugarcraft
For those bitten by the Great British Bake Off bug, Dodgshons is the place to go. From cupcake cases to cutters and storage containers to sprinkles, this little iced gem has everything you need, including kitchenware, to turn you into a superstar chef. As a long-standing, family-run business, you can expect a highly personalised service and staff who will offer tricks of the trade to help your buns rise to any occasion.
5 Courtyard Planters
Set in the historic cobbled stable yard of what was once the Half Moon Inn, Courtyard Planters is a garden centre with a difference, offering its own nursery, a garden school and lots of friendly advice. Whether you’re a budding botanist or a green-fingered guru, you’ll find something here to help your garden bloom.
6 Otley Market Place
Otley’s historic cobbled Market Place is the heart of the town. Home to our iconic Jubilee Clock, it plays host to a market three times a week, as well as a bi-monthly specialist farmers’ market offering mainly local produce. The surrounding streets are home to a number of Otley shopping heroes.
7 The Bookshop on the Square
There’s a real homely feel to this fabulous independent book shop set right on Market Square selling all manner of tomes, as well as design-led gifts, greetings cards and wrapping paper.
8 The Orchard Florist
Fabulous florists offering a personalised high-quality service from bespoke bouquets to awesome arrangements by owner Alishia East.
9 Orchard Gate
A central, premier shopping area in the heart of town, Orchard Gate is home to a number of unique businesses from pet shops to specialist drinks outlets, as well as the Town Council offices, bus station, public (and accessible) toilets.
10 Like Nana Did
This treasure trove of a shop offers dried groceries and cleaning products old-school style. Buy products by the 100g and take them away in provided paper bags (for dry goods only!) or in your own containers and bottles.
11 New Inn Court
Tucked away in buildings on the west side of New Market is this open courtyard of hidden gems including shops and cafés.
12 Chez Vin
This specialist wine merchants stocks more than 350 wines sourced from around the world, as well as some 50 single malts, ports, sherries and spirits, with gin being a popular favourite. Special events and tasting evenings are also available, and owner David Lawson is always on hand to offer tips on his favourite tipples.
13 Kirkgate Arcade
This covered Victorian arcade is worth a visit just to look up and see its old glass ceiling and quirky architecture. Stay awhile to discover a range of shops offering collectors’ items and bric-a-brac.
14 Glide + Slide
Under the shadow of Otley Chevin lies this super ski gear shop, one of the best speciality stores in the country. It offers a range of top brands such as Strolz, Atomic and Lacroix, industry-leading ski boot fitting, and ski and snowboard servicing – all designed to get you kitted out in style and ready to zigzag down the slopes.
15 Bondgate Bakery
Baking like it should be: there are no additives, pre-mixes, preservatives, hydrogenated fats, improvers or artificial colours in any of the goods from this fabulous bakery and shop that opened in 1984. It has since been named as Best Independent Retailer in the Food and Farming Awards.
16 Yorkshire Runner
Whether you like to hit the hills or pound the pavements, Yorkshire Runner will get you kitted out. The shop offers shoe fitting via gait analysis, and clothing and nutrition from some of the biggest names in running.
17 Chevin Cycles
TV commentary at the 2018 Tour de Yorkshire proclaimed Otley as the cycling capital of England and this store, jam-packed with equipment and a knowledgeable team of cycling experts, has gone a long way to securing that prestigious title. Award-winning service, a workshop and demo hire bikes (including electric ones to take the strain out of riding our surrounding hills) are hallmarks of a visit.
18 Modelsport
This specialist hobby store selling radio-controlled cars, trucks and spare parts not only offers a fabulous walk-in service, but will ship all over the country.
And there’s more…
We have butchers (three of) to go with the bakers, but it’s true, we’re missing a candlestick maker. You can furnish the house, buy coffees and teas, or tuck into cake, if that’s what you please. There are jewellers in which to buy that special ring – and plenty of gift shops to make your heart sing. Find something rare from an antiques store; our galleries will ensure your walls are no bore. Pick up toys for the kids, or spruce up your ’do, we’re sure Otley shopping has something for you.