OTLEY - WEST YORKSHIRE

A journey of just ten miles north of the City of Leeds presents a transformation from a dynamic city to the beautiful and undisturbed countryside of Lower Wharfedale. Fans of the popular, long running rural soap series "Emmerdale" will no doubt recognise much of the Lower Wharfedale scenery. A great deal of the outdoor film is shot here and Otley is in fact "Hotton" the market town featured in the programme. More recently Otley played host to the much-acclaimed rural police series "Heartbeat".

Steeped in history, Otley has much to interest the visitor. The River Wharfe, running through the town provides an ideal location for anglers, bird-watchers or for relaxing riverside walks. Wharfemeadows Park, beside the river, has attractive gardens, boating facilities, tennis courts, a cafe and children's play areas. The town retains a host of Victorian, Georgian and still earlier buildings which give it a unique atmosphere. All Saints' Church has an early 14th century tower. There is a Norman doorway, Georgian porch, decorated and perpendicular windows and fragments of 9th - 11th century Anglo Saxon crosses.

Thomas Chippendale, renowned furniture maker is one of Otley’s best known sons. His family were joiners by trade and he worked alongside his father and served his apprenticeship in Otley. Joseph Mallord William Turner, made his first visit to Otley in 1797 when aged 22, he was commissioned to paint watercolours of the area. So attracted was he to Otley and the surrounding area, that he returned time and time again.

The geological feature - Otley Chevin - dominates the town. More than just a place of outstanding natural beauty, it caters for the rambler, picnickers, horseriders, climbers, dog exercisers and kite flyers or those just looking for a bit of peace and quiet. It offers superb views over Otley and Lower Wharfedale.

Otley is twinned with Montereau which is about 60km South of Paris, near Fontainbleu.