This workshop is unique in that it has been designed to fit comfortably into one day, covering the history and practicalities of mosaic, giving advice, as well as creating your own mosaic through to casting it, which can then be collected once it has cured.

The workshop usually runs on Saturdays, 10am – 6pm, so if you are staying for a few days, the cured mosaic can be picked up on Monday before you travel home or it can be picked up at a later date.

People find the workshops not only informative, but relaxing, therapeutic, and good for their wellbeing.

The workshops give David the opportunity to share the knowledge he has built up over many years on commission work and give people practical advice to help them with their specific projects, whether that is in pebble or other types of mosaic.

Numbers are kept to a minimum, ensuring that everyone gets the best from the day, and his wife Caroline who is a designer and mosaicist provides support throughout the day.

Located alongside the River Wharfe, Ilkley Riverside Gardens has a newly refurbished play area as well as lots of space to play football, walk the dog or simply sit and watch the world go by. The play area is suitable for both older children and youngsters to enjoy, with swings, a climbing frame, obstacle course, slides, a double zip wire and more.
You can also enjoy fish & chips or an ice cream from the Riverside Hotel Kabin at the edge of the park.

Across the road from the park is a ‘beach’ area, where you can enjoy throwing stones into the river.  The paths are pram friendly.  There is a free car park or parking on the street.

You can park for free at Darwin Gardens and enjoy the Millenium Green Maze, 1000 individually donated flagstones which create a maze pathway, perfect for young children.
You can then cross the road, and take a pushchair walk, past Ilkley Paddling Pool to the right, up to Ilkley Tarn, where you can sit and take in the view and feed the ducks. The walk is about 1 mile.

Modern day visitors can still use the plunge bath with New Year’s Day being the most popular day for this activity, with usually over a hundred plungers throughout the day. Visitors wanting to use the plunge pool can check with the staff at the café. Plungers must supply their own bathing costumes and towels and the activity is undertaken at the plunger’s own risk!

There is no charge for plunging, but bathers can buy a certificate to mark the occasion and throw some loose change into the pool.

There are clear paths leading up to White Wells from the main White Wells car park or from Ilkley Tarn and Darwin Gardens, but the paths are not pram friendly.

The cafe is open when the flag is flying.

High on Ilkley Moor the Cow and Calf Rocks are a large rock formation consisting of an outcrop and boulder, also known as Hangingstone Rocks. The rocks are made of millstone grit, a variety of sandstone, and are so named because one is large, with the smaller one sitting close to it, like a cow and calf.

According to local legend, the Calf was split from the Cow when the giant Rombald was fleeing an enemy, and stamped on the rock as he leapt across the valley. The enemy, it is rumoured, was his angry wife. She dropped the stones held in her skirt to form the local rock formation The Skirtful of Stones.

The rocks are a great place to climb and the moor offers spectacular views of Ilkley and beyond.
There is a free car park.

With areas dedicated to babies, high-quality toys and sensory resources, role-play zones, and exciting climbing structures, there’s something for every little adventurer. Parents can unwind in the café, enjoy a cup of coffee, and reconnect while the kids are happily entertained.

If you’ve got children under 8, they will enjoy visiting Dan’s Den; a not-for-profit, warm-hearted soft play centre right in the heart of the town. They can play on a three-level soft play frame with larger and smaller slides, a dizzy disc and lots of obstacles to climb over and through. And toddlers have their own area with toys to play with and books to read, as well as a sensory den.

There is space for prams, two large toilets and a ‘Changing Places’ style changing room. The café serves barista coffee, tea, cake, lunches and snacks. Visit their website for opening times and to book a slot.

If you’ve got children under 8, they will enjoy visiting Dan’s Den; a not-for-profit, warm-hearted soft play centre right in the heart of the town. They can play on a three-level soft play frame with larger and smaller slides, a dizzy disc and lots of obstacles to climb over and through. And toddlers have their own area with toys to play with and books to read, as well as a sensory den.

There is space for prams, two large toilets and a ‘Changing Places’ style changing room. The café serves barista coffee, tea, cake, lunches and snacks. Visit their website for opening times and to book a slot.

Ilkley Manor House is a precious historic asset built within the footprint of a Roman Fort and it’s one of the oldest domestic buildings in West Yorkshire. It’s the perfect place to learn more about Ilkley’s past and you can see displays and artefacts from the Roman era to the present day.  It’s accessible from Ilkley Riverside Gardens and the town centre and is open on weekends, 11am-4pm with free entry.

It is pram friendly, although there are cobble stones in the courtyard and a set of steep steps inside the manor house to the second floor gallery.

Upcoming Events at The Manor House

Nestled in the heart of Ilkley, Mrs. Dutton’s Wondrous Workshops offers a haven for creative minds of all ages. Step inside and discover a world of vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and endless possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a curious beginner, their workshops provide the perfect platform to explore your creativity and learn new skills.

Skilled instructors are on hand to guide you through each step of the process, ensuring you gain the confidence and expertise to create beautiful handmade pieces. From the delicate art of embroidery to the rhythmic joy of knitting and crocheting they offer a diverse range of workshops to cater to every interest.

The Clarke Foley Community Hub is a registered charity that offers a variety of events, activities, and classes for the community.  Immerse yourself in a vibrant hub of activity and connection, where a diverse calendar of events awaits you.

They host exercise classes, educational programs, and social events. They also have monthly craft fairs and entertainment evenings.