Fidelma O'Neill

Otley, West Yorkshire. Route: A659. Population 13,800. Industrial market town (Fridays and Saturdays). Situated on the river wharfe, where various types of boats can be hired. the nearby Bronte parsonage can be visited and the visitor can step back in time while taking a ride on the old steam train. Cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale (1711-1799) was born here.

Farmley House (not open) 11/2 miles north east of town centre is an Elizabethan house where Turner often visited with his local friend, Walter Fawkes (descendant of guy fawkes). the artist used a view of the Chevin during a thunderstorm in his painting of Hannibal crossing the Alpes.

Harewood House (3/4 miles northwest) is an historic house with important grounds and bird garden. It is one of the treasure houses of England and was used as a film set for the Emmerdale television series. This local beauty spot offers miles of hiking trails with well maintained footpaths (maps available), tearooms and picnicking facilities. Ponytrekking can be arranged.