Ilkley has been officially awarded Coach Friendly Status by the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT), underscoring the town’s dedication to providing outstanding facilities and a warm welcome to coach groups and their passengers.
The Coach Friendly Status is a distinguished accreditation that acknowledges destinations demonstrating a significant commitment to accommodating coaches, their passengers, and drivers.
Achieving Coach Friendly Status involves meeting rigorous criteria, including the provision of suitable coach parking, excellent passenger facilities, and clear, helpful information for coach operators. Ilkley's success in attaining this status highlights the town's proactive approach to promoting sustainable tourism and enhancing the visitor experience.
The official presentation of the Coach Friendly Status took place on Tuesday 1st April. Ian Tetley, CPT’s Yorkshire Chair, presented the award, with Sarah Brookfield-Almond, Manager of Ilkley Business Improvement District (BID), and Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw accepting on behalf of the town.
Ilkley BID has played a pivotal role in achieving this status, working collaboratively with local businesses and stakeholders to ensure the town meets the necessary criteria.
Sarah Brookfield-Almond said:
“We’re very proud that Ilkley has been officially granted Coach Friendly status and we’re looking forward to welcoming coach tours and passengers to our town. This award demonstrates the value we place on tourism and the benefits it brings to the town, its businesses, residents and visitors. Furthermore, all coach drivers arriving in town will be provided with a £10 Ilkley Gift Card to spend in over 80 participating businesses, adding to additional revenue for Ilkley’s shops and hospitality venues.
"Our special page on our Discover Ilkley website has all the information coach drivers and passengers need to plan a great day out with us.
“I’d personally like to thank Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw for his support on this project and our previous BID Manager, Helen Rhodes, for initiating the campaign to become a coach-friendly town.”
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Planning & Transport on Bradford Council, said:
“Our Highways team have been working with Ilkley BID to secure this status and I’m delighted we’ve been successful. Having just been named the best place to live in the North by The Sunday Times, there’s never been a better time to visit Ilkley, especially during our year as UK City of Culture, and hopefully this will help the tourism industry in Ilkley go from strength to strength.”
Andrew McGuinness, CPT's Regional Manager for the North of England, said:
“We’re delighted to present Ilkley with Coach Friendly Status. With a great range of shops, restaurants, riverside walks, and museums, the town is well-suited to welcome coach passengers and drivers. Ilkley’s charm and hospitality make it a natural choice for group travel, and its inclusion as part of Bradford – the UK City of Culture 2025 – adds even more appeal for visitors exploring the region’s cultural and heritage attractions. We’re confident this recognition will help drive sustainable tourism and bring long-term benefits to the local economy.”
Ilkley joins a select group of UK towns and cities recognised for their commitment to providing exceptional services to coach visitors. This accolade is expected to boost tourism, benefiting local businesses and the community by attracting more coach groups to experience all that Ilkley has to offer.
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