Heritage
All Saints Church holds an important place in the history of Ilkley and has a unique story to tell that dates back to 627AD, when Christians first worshipped on this site. The first church here is thought to have been built from stone taken from the abandoned Roman fort of Olicana, which had previously stood on this spot.
It is the perfect place to discover something new, whatever your age. We hope that all visitors to Ilkley will come to visit the Church, the oldest building in the town. The magnificent building we see today is in part medieval, but was largely rebuilt in Victorian times and even underwent some twentieth-century additions. Despite these developments over time, the Gospel message itself has never changed: 'Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever'.
We are proud custodians of the rich heritage visible in the fabric of this building, and as lived through the lives of the people who worshipped here through the centuries.
Start exploring
Visitors are always welcome! Our usual opening times are here but if you are making a special trip, please contact us first to check that church will be open.
With thanks to a National Lottery Heritage Grant awarded in 2018, as part of a wider church development project (please see below for more information), we have information boards, multimedia displays and children's activity backpacks that will help you delve into the past and explore the story of All Saints Church and the important part it has played in the development of Ilkley from the time of the Romans to the modern day.
Please help yourself to an information leaflet / map from the welcome desk, which will also help you explore some interesting features of the church.
Guided visits and school trips
We hold guided tours throughout the year - follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram for updates.
If you are interested in a guided group visit or school trip, please contact our Heritage team who are keen to support any group that wishes to enjoy and explore the rich and special heritage that All Saints Ilkley offers.
Our school trips can be based on pretty much any subject: History, Geography, Sociology, English, Maths, Music, Religious Education, Archaeology, Architecture, the list goes on! We have also developed our own set activities and resources so we can provide teachers with everything they need for the day.
National Lottery Heritage Fund and Church Development Project
From 2016 to 2022, the National Lottery Heritage Fund (previously HLF) gave support to elements of the capital redevelopment works in our buildings and to an extensive heritage activity programme reaching out to the community. The full details and evaluation of the project are contained in the report that can be found here.
Coming soon...
- Education resources for teachers, parents and carers to download
