BRADFORD Council has congratulated “everyone who makes Ilkley the great place it is” after the town was named best place to live in the UK.

The Sunday Times announced that the town in the North of the Bradford District had been awarded the accolade on Friday.

After the announcement a Council spokesman said: “The award shows the variety that the district has to offer and why it is both on the City of Culture 2025 shortlist and the UK’s best levelling up opportunity.”

Jason Longhurst, Strategic Director for Place, said: “This is fantastic news – we have always known our district is one of the best places in the world to live, work, play and invest, so it’s great to get recognition that one of our amazing towns has been given this accolade.

Ilkley is named as The Sunday Times Best Place To Live 2022

“Big, young and diverse, Bradford district is home to more than half a million people, vibrant communities, innovative businesses and institutions.

“It’s alive with energy, enterprise and goodwill and represents unrivalled potential, a growing pipeline of talent and exceptional quality of life at the heart of the north.

“I’d like to congratulate everyone who contributes to making Ilkley the great place it is.”

Ilkley was praised by The Sunday Times judges for its ‘top schools, varied high street, spectacular scenery and convenient rail links’.

The judges were also impressed by its sports clubs including Ilkley Lido. The Lido which regularly features in the top 10 of outdoor pools in the UK, and has recently seen £1.18m in investment for refurbishment works.

The judges also liked the sense of community displayed across Ilkley with people pitching in and volunteering. Examples of this include local people working to secured the country’s first Bathing Water Status for a river with support from the Local Authority and the organisation of Ilkley’s Real Food Market which is run entirely by volunteers.