Olicana Roman Fort

Walking through the streets of modern Ilkley, you'd be hard-pressed to imagine Roman soldiers once marched here. Yet beneath your feet lie the remains of Olicana, a fort built around AD 79 to guard the strategic crossing of the River Wharfe.

What survives today is admittedly sparse - sections of wall foundations and earthworks that require a fair bit of imagination to bring to life. The fort's outline is most visible from Ben Rhydding Road, where you can trace the rectangular perimeter that once housed auxiliary troops. History enthusiasts will appreciate the significance, but casual visitors might find themselves wanting more.

The real appeal lies in combining your visit with a proper walk around Ilkley itself. The Roman Bath House Museum nearby helps flesh out the story, and the town makes a lovely base for exploring the wider Wharfe Valley.

Families staying at nearby sites like Brown Bank Caravan Park or Clarion Lodge Campsite will find this works best as part of a larger day out rather than a destination in its own right. Allow 30 minutes unless you're particularly keen on Roman military architecture.

It's free to wander around the visible remains, and the location right in town means it's easily accessible. Worth a quick look if you're in Ilkley anyway, but don't make a special journey unless you're completing a Roman Yorkshire trail.