Kirkgate Arcade, Otley

29/09/2026

“Every single individual out of 651 surveyed confirmed they'd recommend their friends and family visit, reports the Express.
Such a statistic establishes an incredibly high benchmark. Yet within 20 minutes of exploring the town centre and chatting to its business proprietors, the weather became irrelevant.
It transpires that Otley's genuine appeal isn't simply its waterside parks or the renowned Chevin backdrop - it's the residents, who are intensely proud of their hometown and won't allow a spot of poor weather to dampen the mood.”

Otley is all about community - it's amazing, and that's one of the things that distinguishes it from surrounding towns," he explained. "When anybody does anything from Otley, we're fiercely proud of Otley and what people do. Everybody is really supportive of the businesses."

Eight-century-old Otley - situated between Leeds and the Yorkshire Dales - recently achieved a UK first. Out of more than 350 towns examined over the last decade by research company People & Places Insight, Otley stands as the sole location to have ever secured a flawless 100% recommendation rating.

23/09/2026

Thank you very much to the Yorkshire Chronicles for their post on us 😊

OTLEY’S HIDDEN EDWARDIAN GEM — KIRKGATE ARCADE

You can walk past it a hundred times and still not properly take it in.

Kirkgate Arcade has been part of Otley’s shopping life for around 125 years. It was built around 1901, with units being advertised to let from late 1901 and throughout 1902—meaning it is technically Edwardian, despite often being called Victorian.

Look closely and you can see why it has such character: the old covered glass roof, decorative ironwork, stone frontage and those wonderfully quirky details that simply would not be built today. Behind the entrance is a proper little world of independent businesses, antiques, collectables, jewellery, coffee and the sort of shops where you never quite know what you’ll find.

It is not just a shortcut or somewhere to shelter from the rain. It is one of those corners of Otley that still feels personal—full of small businesses, conversations and memories.

Who remembers the arcade in the 1960s, 70s, 80s or 90s?
What shops do you remember being inside? And did you ever work there, own a shop there, or have a favourite little place to visit?

Please share this post so we can collect the stories behind one of Otley’s best-loved hidden gems. If you have old photographs, send them directly to Yorkshire Chronicles by Messenger so they can be credited and archived properly.

📸 Photograph by Sean-Jordan Baruch | Yorkshire Chronicles

17/09/2026

Another of our businesses along the Kirkgate Arcade, Otley is locally owned and independent Just Cuts. A huge wealth of knowledge about hair cutting. Men, women and children welcome. Ange has the knowledge and skills to cater for all. Just walk up, sit down on the bench outside and wait your turn for a great and reasonably priced hair cut.

14/09/2026

Prima blinds have been going for years and there's a reason for that. They are good at what they do.
They are only open on a Saturday in our Arcade because they run another shop in Horsforth, make the blinds to measure and will only employ extremely knowledgeable people so that you get the best service.
Come down and have a look. Take a card from outside the door and book your personal consultation.

11/09/2026

Tansy from Menna Tansy Pearl.Made with love. Is actually trained in skin therapy and perfumery but always says that the real training started with making potions as a child and never really growing up!

She has a vast knowledge and develops all their products from scratch, often using ingredients from their own garden here in Otley.

We are very lucky to have this shop. Come and pay it a visit

10/09/2026

Victoria from Out of the Eaves Furniture has a huge amount of knowledge about restoring furniture and reclaimed materials. You give her an item and within minutes she has come up with an amazing idea about how to repurpose it. Not only are her ideas excellent so are the finished items she creates.
Come and talk to her about your furniture needs. Come and browse this treasure trove of a shop and pick up a gorgeous, unique item that will make you feel happy ethically and personally.

08/09/2026

If you want to know anything about gemstones or jewellery come and see our very own Mr Gold at Gemporium Jewellers at the entrance of the Arcade.

07/09/2026

Another very good reason to shop local!

We have a wealth of knowledge about our trades along the Arcade.
Bekselectrical Otley for all of your DIY and household needs. I'm continually amazed at how much knowledge he has. From the correct hoover belt to hard woods to what nail and screw for the job you are doing. Amazing.

Our local, independent shops along the Arcade are experts in our fields.

02/09/2026

Good luck to all of you and your children starting new schools. All of the Arcade wish you a happy first day.