July 2025 by Robert Gray
A lovely church with peaceful gardens. Well, mostly peaceful - you see dear reader every year, on the final Wednesday in June, All saint's church bears witness to the finish of one of the foremost town centre criterium races in the UK (Video taken from pov of church). On this night, usually sleepy Otley is buzzing with the sights, sounds, and smells of elite bike racing, as competitors from around the UK and sometimes further afield gather for a night of action packed racing. The men's elite race is a round of the British national circuit series, a 5-7 round (depending on the year) string of similar races across the country, Otley is generally the opening round of this series. In recent years Ilkley has played host to round 2 on the friday 2 days following Otley, meaning that riders have an easier time with travel, and the literal tens of punters which flock to this corner of wharfedale at this time can enjoy 2 nights of action packed racing within 3 days.
The circuit at Otley has not changed for years. It has a climb but this is a fast one, and the finish in front of the sainsbury's and Wetherspoons is preceded by a rapid descent which sees riders hit 70kph+ through a fast left hander to the finish. This years race was marred by scandal, as former track scratch race world champion, Will Tidball, deviated from his line in the sprint and impeded a fast approaching Matt Bostock of Tekkerz racing.
The commissaires took the requisite action of relegating Tidball's position, but his actions had slowed Bostock considerably, and Allowed Tim Shoreman (Wheelbase) to pass on the open side. The result; 1. Shoreman 2.Bostock.
Controversy erupted. The Tekkerz team, led by UK crit racing stalwart Alec Briggs (Brigga to friends and fans) were justifiably irate. They had this race win stolen from themselves and Bostock. Luckily they didn't have long to wait, as prodigious first year junior talent Milo Wills tasted glory for himself and his team at the aforementioned Ilkley town centre race just 48 hours after this calamity, and went on to back this up with another win at Guildford and solid performances throughout the series.
Bostock himself was also able to fight back in the face of this adversity, taking a popular win at the Sheffield GP around a month after Otley. All in all this meant a positive series result for Tekkerz, and the entire domestic scene breathed a sigh of relief.
Anyway the church is nice and the gardens are quite pretty too, not bike races happening here too often but fun when they are. Nice cafes, bars, and walks to be found around Otley too - try the Chevin country park.
May 2025 by neil thomson
We travelled down from Scotland for my nephew's wedding.. Lovely church
December 2024 by Daniel So
Thank you for having Christmas day service.
October 2024 by Amanda Child
Beautiful
October 2024 by Elisabeth Pugh
Went to see our grandchildren
December 2023 by Stephen Anderson
This church is happening in the best sense of the word when applied to the interest and attendance of the congregation.From what I have seen the leadership - the vicar - is truly a man who understands the nature of living and the significance of the birth and resurrection of Jesus and what God wills for us through his relationship with us
December 2023 by Joyce Walls
A warm welcome and a wonderful display of Christmas trees.
October 2023 by Bob Reid
Incredible acoustics, the best venue around for folk and other subtle genres of music. Tardis like in its ability to accommodate a sizeable audience. Nice area at the back for bar and other facilities. Thanks to all for making it available for public events.
August 2023 by Pauline Coultas
I go most Sundays and pop in during the week when l go into town.Find it a very peaceful atmosphere during the week and on a Sunday it is such a warm and welcoming church, everyone makes everyone welcome even if it's the first time visiting, no one is ignored.The tea and coffee and cakes after the service is served with a smile.
January 2023 by Christopher Patinios (Bongle Dingle)
Some of the most humane people I've ever met in my life so far.
December 2022 by NEIL CLARKE
Lovely church and service for a friends funeral
December 2022 by Sue Dockar
The church was welcoming and the Carol service was beautiful, but we sat with our coats on. It was freezing and my poor son was just in a shirt as required for the school choir. When he had finished singing, he did not want to stop for a drink, he just wanted to go home and get warm.
December 2022 by Gee Bee
Visited the Otley Christmas Tree Festival here recently. I really enjoyed it.
November 2022 by Susan Rigby
Lovely friendly church, everyone made to feel welcome. Amazing history.
November 2022 by David Nicholls
Lovely baptism service. Needless to say that the church was full.
