
Folly Museum
A free museum in a historic building, showcasing Settle's rich local history, art, and geology with a delightful cafe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Folly Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free museum in a historic building, showcasing Settle's rich local history, art, and geology with a delightful cafe.
"A superb museum, well laid out and much better curated than the usual small town museum."

🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Admission is free, but donations are vital for this community museum. :heart:
☕ Delicious Cakes & Coffee
Don't miss the adjoining cafe for freshly baked cakes, especially the carrot cake! :cake:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Folly Building Itself
The Museum's historic structure
Explore the fascinating history of this Grade 1 listed building, with clues hidden in its stonework and beams.

Settle-Carlisle Railway Exhibit
Interactive display area
An engaging look at the construction of this iconic railway line, featuring an interesting computer program.

Local Women's Lives
Dedicated display section
Discover the extraordinary stories and contributions of remarkable women from the local area.

Endangered Curlew Exhibit
Natural history section
A thought-provoking exhibition on the plight of the endangered curlew and its conservation needs.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Big Impact
Discover Local Stories
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Admission is free, but donations are vital for this community museum. :heart:
☕ Delicious Cakes & Coffee
Don't miss the adjoining cafe for freshly baked cakes, especially the carrot cake! :cake:
🤝 Knowledgeable Volunteers
Chat with the friendly volunteers; they're a wealth of local history and information. :speech_balloon:
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The museum is accessible, allowing the whole family to enjoy the exhibits together. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Entry, Donate Generously
Admission is free, but donations are vital for this community museum. :heart:
☕ Delicious Cakes & Coffee
Don't miss the adjoining cafe for freshly baked cakes, especially the carrot cake! :cake:
🤝 Knowledgeable Volunteers
Chat with the friendly volunteers; they're a wealth of local history and information. :speech_balloon:
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The museum is accessible, allowing the whole family to enjoy the exhibits together. :wheelchair:
🕰️ Check Opening Times
Opening hours can vary, so check their website before you visit. :clock:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Folly Museum for its free entry, engaging exhibits, and the warmth of its knowledgeable volunteers. The adjoining cafe, particularly for its cakes, is also a popular highlight. While some may find the exhibits compact, the overall experience is highly valued as a worthwhile and accessible glimpse into local history and culture.
"Beautiful building housing the free museum and adjoining café. Museum and gallery is upstairs with the shop downstairs. Plenty of information boards about local life and when I visited there was a thought provoking exhibition about the plight of the endangered curlew. The RSPB logo is the curlew. And who knew, but in order to survive, only one curlew chick needs to survive every two years - this is not happening. Mousie Thompson furniture about, so keep an eye open for his meeces. Worth a visit, as is the caff next door."
Photos Only as G Maps deletes reviews
"Lovely building with exhibitions about life in the Dales. Tea room was good, freshly baked cakes. Volunteers are really knowledgeable and helpful. Free entry, just asks for donations."
Chris Walton
"Superb museum which is well laid out and very much better curated than the usual, small town museum.
Highlights for me were the sections of the displays dealing with (1) the extraordinary lives of some local women and (2) the building of the Settle to Carlisle railway line. The interactive computer programme on the latter was especially interesting."
Rich B
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Folly Museum is located in the heart of Settle, Yorkshire. It's easily accessible on foot from the town center. If arriving by train, Settle station is a short walk away.
Parking is available in nearby public car parks.While there isn't dedicated parking directly at the museum, Settle has several public car parks within easy walking distance. Some local pubs might offer parking for patrons.
Yes, the Folly Museum is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhibits and facilities.
This makes it a great option for extended families.Settle is a charming market town. After your museum visit, explore the local shops, enjoy a meal at a cafe, or take a stroll through the picturesque streets.
Absolutely! The Folly Museum is a perfect addition to a day trip to the Yorkshire Dales. It's easily combined with exploring the town of Settle and the surrounding natural beauty.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Folly Museum is free! However, they kindly request donations to help maintain the museum and its exhibits.
No, advance booking is not required for the Folly Museum as entry is free. You can typically walk in during their opening hours.
Opening hours can vary seasonally and may differ on public holidays. It's always best to check the official Folly Museum website or their social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
The museum often hosts thought-provoking temporary exhibitions, such as the one on the endangered curlew.
Check their website for current displays.Yes, donations are gratefully accepted at the Folly Museum. There are usually donation boxes available, and your contribution helps support this valuable local resource.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll find a diverse range of exhibits covering local life in the Dales, the history of the Folly building itself, geology, and local art. There are also special displays like the Settle-Carlisle railway and the curlew.
The volunteers are consistently praised for being knowledgeable and helpful, offering insights into the exhibits and local history.
Yes, the museum offers something for most visitors, including interactive elements that can engage younger audiences. The variety of topics ensures there's something to spark interest.
Generally, photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask a volunteer if you're unsure, especially regarding flash photography.
A visit can range from an hour to a couple of hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and if you plan to enjoy the cafe afterwards.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an adjoining cafe that is highly recommended. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the museum.
The cafe offers refreshments, including hot drinks and freshly baked cakes. The carrot cake is particularly noted as delicious.
While the cafe is known for its cakes and refreshments, it's primarily a tea room. You can enjoy a lovely snack or light bite there.
As the museum is in the center of Settle, you'll find numerous other pubs, cafes, and restaurants in the immediate vicinity offering a wider range of dining choices.
Information on dog-friendliness for the cafe isn't explicitly stated in the provided reviews, but many cafes in Yorkshire welcome well-behaved dogs. It's best to inquire directly.
📸 📸 Photography
The historic Folly building itself offers great exterior shots. Inside, the exhibits on the Settle-Carlisle railway and local history provide interesting visual content. Look for details in the stonework and wooden beams.
Personal photography is generally allowed, but always check for specific signage or ask a volunteer. Avoid flash photography, especially near delicate displays.
Settle's market square and surrounding streets offer picturesque views. The nearby Ribblehead Viaduct, a key part of the Settle-Carlisle line, is a must-photograph spot if you have time.
Weekday afternoons might offer softer light and fewer people, making for more relaxed photography. The exterior can look lovely in morning or late afternoon light.
While one review mentioned ghost stories related to a 'Riddick's Folly House Museum' in Suffolk,
there's no indication of such stories being associated with the Folly Museum in Settle in the provided content.For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making a stop at the adjoining cafe for a treat after your visit; the cakes are a hit! The interactive elements, particularly the railway exhibit, can be a highlight for younger visitors. It's a perfect way to spend a few hours learning about the Yorkshire Dales in a relaxed setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
While entry is free, remember that donations are highly encouraged and crucial for the museum's upkeep. You can also enjoy affordable refreshments at the adjoining cafe, making it a complete and inexpensive outing. It's a fantastic way to experience local culture and history without breaking the bank.
📚 History Buffs
Don't miss the sections dedicated to local women's lives and the natural history displays, such as the curlew exhibit. The knowledgeable volunteers are also a fantastic resource for deeper insights and context, making it a truly enriching experience for anyone passionate about history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Folly Building: A Historical Marvel
Visitors can appreciate the architectural nuances and imagine the lives of those who inhabited or worked in the building throughout its existence. The museum's exhibits often tie back to the building's heritage, providing context for its preservation and current use as a community hub.
Voices of the Dales: Local Stories
Furthermore, the museum offers insights into pivotal local developments, such as the challenging construction of the Settle to Carlisle railway line. The interactive computer program dedicated to this topic is particularly lauded, offering an engaging way to understand the engineering feats and human stories behind this iconic route. These narratives bring the history of the Dales to life, making it relatable and memorable for visitors.
Community Spirit and Volunteer Power
This strong community involvement is also reflected in the museum's free entry policy, with a reliance on donations to sustain its operations. This model fosters a welcoming atmosphere and encourages a sense of shared ownership and appreciation for the local heritage. The volunteers are not just staff; they are ambassadors for the museum and the Settle community.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit