An extraordinary historic house and museum in Settle, nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales

The Museum of North Craven Life is temporarily closed for renovation until 2027.
The Folly Coffee House is open Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4pm.

The Folly is a unique Grade I listed gentry house. Built in 1679 as a gentleman’s residence and lawyer’s office, it has also been a farm, a lodging house, a furniture warehouse, doctor’s surgery, holiday let and even a fish and chip shop.

 

More about the building

The Folly is home to the Museum of North Craven Life

Visit us when we reopen to discover the stories of Settle and its surroundings and check out our changing exhibitions featuring art, history and everything in between!

We look forward to welcoming you when the repairs to the building are completed. In the meantime, look out for temporary exhibitions and events that we are running elsewhere in North Craven or explore our virtual museum via Bloomberg Connects.

The Museum was created by the people of North Craven to reflect life in this area of the Yorkshire Dales. We are museum run by the community for the community, and for our visitors from around the world. To ensure we are here for you and future generations, find out how you can support us.

 

More about the museum

What’s on

All what's on

  • Colour photograph of a building. It has dark grey/brown stone bricks and eight windows - two ground floor, three middle, three upper - all surrounded by a pale frame. It is taller than the two buildings on either side, both of which are two stories high, one of which is white with a sign saying 'Field to Home' in green, and the other built from a similar grey/brown brick and a sign saying 'Car and Kitchen'. It is a sunny day with blue skies and some cloud.

    Tours of Dr Buck’s House

    Sun, 11 October 2026

    Explore Dr Buck’s House – a derelict Georgian Townhouse being restored to community use in Settle. Book in for a...

  • A picture of a Christmas wreath is next to some text on a red background. The text reads: Christmas Wreath Workshop, with The Folly, hosted at the Drill Hall, Castleberg Lane, Settle

    Christmas Wreath Workshop

    Fri, 27 November 2026

    Get into the festive spirit with our wreath making workshop. Enjoy an afternoon of Christmas crafting with The Folly, hosted...

  • Octameron group singing

    Octameron at Christmas

    Thu, 10 December 2026

    Octameron will perform a mix of Christmas music from classical to modern favourites in our cosy Coffee House Octameron will...

Visit us in Settle

Victoria Street, Settle, North Yorkshire, BD24 9EY

The Museum is fully closed for renovation until 2027.

The Museum is normally open:
Tuesday – Saturday and bank holiday Mondays, 11:00am to 4:00pm (last admission 3:30pm)
We close for around 6 weeks in January and February each year

The Folly Coffee House is open:
Monday-Saturday 10:00am to 4:00pm

Plan your visit

THE FOLLY Victoria Street Settle North Yorkshire BD24 9EY