Langcliffe Quarry – A History of the Limeworks Industry
Langcliffe Quarry – A History of the Limeworks Industry is an existing initiative to develop a nationally significant site into a unique destination and improve accessibility.
Langcliffe Quarry, located 1.5miles north of Settle, is rich in heritage and ecology. The site features the remains of historic lime production and limestone quarrying, including a Triple Draw kiln, Spencer kiln, and a rare Hoffmann kiln, one of the largest and best-preserved examples in the UK.
North Yorkshire Council, with funding from the Skipton and Ripon Area Committee and UK Shared Prosperity Fund, has been creating a comprehensive interpretative trail, allowing visitors to explore and learn about the area’s industrial past, and designing plans to improve accessibility
To celebrate the project, North Yorkshire Council is hosting a series of events, including guided walks, art exhibitions, and family-friendly educational activities. These activities are all free, with events suitable for all ages.
By enhancing and promoting Langcliffe Quarry, North Yorkshire Council aims to attract more visitors to the region, supporting the local economy and preserving this important heritage site for future generations. Join us in highlighting the fascinating history of the limeworks industry at Langcliffe Quarry!
Family Fun Days
Langcliffe Family Fun Day
Sun 2 February 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Langcliffe Quarry Enterprise Centre, Langcliffe, Settle, BD24 9NU
Family Fun: Kiln Creatives
Join us as we explore the industrial history of Langcliffe Quarry in this fun and interactive family event. Take part in a guided tour investigating how the Hoffmann kiln worked and then it is over to you. Can you build your own mini kilns and heat them up to make your own smores?
Langcliffe Family Fun Day
Sun 2 March 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Langcliffe Quarry Enterprise Centre, Langcliffe, Settle, BD24 9NU
Family Fun: Wonderful Wildlife
In this family friendly event you will get the opportunity to explore the site on a guided tour and learn about its fascinating industrial history and special ecology. As we explore the site you will be encouraged to search for leaves that can be used to create unique artworks for you to take home.
Langcliffe Family Fun Day
Sun 23 March 2025 | 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Langcliffe Quarry Enterprise Centre, Langcliffe, Settle, BD24 9NU
Family Fun: Kiln Creatives
Join us as we explore the industrial history of Langcliffe Quarry in this fun and interactive family event. Take part in a guided tour investigating how the Hoffmann kiln worked and then it is over to you. Can you build your own mini kilns and heat them up to make your own smores?
Talks, Walks and Workshops
Tales of Hoffmann
Thu 13 February 2025 | 7:00pm
St John’s Methodist Church, Settle, BD24 9JH
Landscape archaeologist Dr David Johnson presents Tales of Hoffmann; the man, the kiln, and how Hoffmann technology came to Craven. The talk will last roughly one hour and refreshments will be provided.
Image Credit: Chris Eccleston
Walk: A History of Langcliffe Quarry
Sat 1 March 2025 | 1:00pm
Starting and finishing at Langcliffe Quarry Enterprise Centre, Langcliffe, Settle, BD24 9NU
An informative walk around the Spencer, Hoffmann, and Triple Draw kilns at Langcliffe Quarry with landscape archaeologist, Dr David Johnson. The walks will last roughly three hours and the terrain is difficult, including uneven ground and steep inclines. We recommend you wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing. A torch would also be useful.
Image Credit: Chris Eccleston
Creative Workshop: Let There be Dark
Fri 14 March 2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Langcliffe Quarry Enterprise Centre, Langcliffe, Settle, BD24 9NU
Celebrate some of the darkest places in Great Britain by discovering Langcliffe Quarry. Free your imagination during our sensory walk and creative writing workshop ‘ Let There Be Dark’ lead by local creatress, Rose Wheeler.
The walks will last roughly three hours and the terrain is difficult, including uneven ground and steep inclines. We recommend you wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing. A torch would also be useful.
Further details of the workshop:
- Brief talk on light pollution and its effects on our connection to the night, folklore and the moon cycles. During which we will be tea staining the paper, before we head out.
- Sensory walk around the kiln, discussing what comes up for our senses.
- Draw upon the experience in the creative writing workshop, supported poetry writing session.
- Everybody leaves with a poem written on tea-stained paper.
Walk: A History of Langcliffe Quarry
Sat 22 March 2025 | 1:00pm
Starting and Finishing at Langcliffe Quarry Enterprise Centre, Langcliffe, Settle, BD24 9NU
An informative walk around the Spencer, Hoffmann, and Triple Draw kilns at Langcliffe Quarry with landscape archaeologist, Dr David Johnson. The walks will last roughly three hours and the terrain is difficult, including uneven ground and steep inclines. We recommend you wear sturdy footwear and suitable clothing. A torch would also be useful.
Image Credit: Chris Eccleston