Your Ilkley Radio

6:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

Myles Smith

Stargazing

Listen Live Podcasts

New owners plan to restore Craiglands Hotel to its former grandeur

Thursday, 10 April 2025 15:23

Following its sale, the hotel will now undergo a comprehensive and sensitive refurbishment, with the aim of repositioning it as a leading 4-star wellness destination.

Rambler Group Holdings has announced the acquisition of the historic Craiglands Hotel in Ilkley, under its premium hospitality brand, Aura Hotels.

The acquisition marks the first step in Rambler’s ambitious 24-month, £30 million growth strategy to build a national footprint in the UK hospitality sector through the acquisition and transformation of landmark hotels.

Built in 1859, The Craiglands Hotel is one of the region’s most iconic Grade 1 Victorian buildings, set against the stunning backdrop of Ilkley Moor. Known for its rich history as a hydropathic retreat.

A centrepiece of the transformation will be the Verbeia Spa & Wellness Centre, which recently benefited from a £2.2 million investment. Aura Hotels plans to reopen and enhance the spa to deliver a best-in-class experience for guests and locals alike.

“The Craiglands Hotel is a property of remarkable heritage and untapped potential,”

said Qasim Ahmed, CEO of Rambler Group Holdings.

“This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter — not only for the hotel, but for our growing presence in the UK hospitality sector. Our goal is to restore Craiglands to its former grandeur, while creating something truly special for both Ilkley and our guests.”

Aura Hotels is the luxury hotel division of Rambler Group Holdings, a diversified business spanning transport, tourism, leisure and hospitality. Each Aura property is selected for its heritage and transformed with exacting standards, timeless design, and a deep sense of place.

The sellers of The Craiglands Hotel commented:

“Working with Rambler Group Holdings and Qasim was an absolute pleasure. The transaction was handled with professionalism, clarity, and efficiency from start to finish. It was evident from the outset that we were dealing with a serious, well-backed group with a clear vision for the hotel.

We’re confident that under their Aura Hotels brand, Craiglands is in the best possible hands for its next chapter”

This acquisition is the first of several for Aura Hotels as it builds a curated collection of elegant, experience-led properties across the UK.

More from Local news

The Ilkley Cow enters search for UK's Favourite Local Business

The Ilkley Cow is calling on customers for support after entering a nationwide competition to find the UK's Favourite Local Business.
New Ilkley care home announces opening date following 11 month refurbishment

Verbeia Grange will open on Monday 5th October, providing residential care for people aged 65 and over.
Ilkley team raises £3,300+ for The Principle Trust in Three Peaks challenge

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre, Son & Hartley has taken on the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for a local children’s charity.
Classic film meets live rock concert at Ilkley's King's Hall

A show combining classic cinema with live rock music is coming to Ilkley's King's Hall this Friday (25th September).
Reform leaders urge Mayor to drop tourist tax plans

Reform UK's leaders across West Yorkshire are clashing head on with the region’s Mayor over proposals to introduce a “tourist tax.”
Free dementia awareness event to be held in Ilkley

A free community event aimed at raising awareness of dementia and the support available locally is coming to Ilkley next month.
Ilkley restaurant celebrates Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

The Ilkley Cow is celebrating after receiving a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award.
Women’s business network celebrates second birthday in Ilkley

More than 60 women in business came together in Ilkley as a Yorkshire networking group celebrated its second anniversary.
Food waste collections set to be introduced in Ilkley

Households across Ilkley will soon receive new bins as Bradford Council prepares to introduce separate food waste collections.
Climate Café to offer space to talk about climate concerns in Ilkley

A new Climate Café is being held in Ilkley tonight, offering people a space to talk openly about their feelings surrounding climate change and the ecological crisis.
Ilkley restaurant Forde features on Channel 5's Our Great Yorkshire Life

Ilkley restaurant Forde Ilkley has appeared on Channel 5 as part of the latest episode of Our Great Yorkshire Life.
Scientific study launched to help restore Ilkley Tarn

An ambitious project has been launched to restore Ilkley Tarn and transform it into a thriving habitat for wildlife.
Leeds United legends coming to Ilkley for special fans' night

Leeds United fans will have the chance to hear from two former Elland Road strikers when Jermaine Beckford and Michael Bridges visit Ilkley later this month.
Alpamare waterpark to be sold to 'protect its future' with private investment

A major waterpark in North Yorkshire is expected to be sold to a new owner after it was taken over by North Yorkshire Council.
Dacre Son & Hartley team conquers Yorkshire Three Peaks for children's charity

A team from Ilkley-headquartered estate agent Dacre Son & Hartley has completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge to raise money for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity.
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway set for Oktoberfest takeover

A taste of Bavaria is coming to the Yorkshire Dales next month as the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway hosts its own Oktoberfest celebration.
Dates announced for Ilkley Christmas Tree Festival 2026

Dates have been announced for the return of Ilkley’s popular Christmas Tree Festival later this year.
Mayfield View named winner of Ilkley wheelbarrow competition

Mayfield View has been crowned the overall winner of a floral competition which has seen businesses across Ilkley create colourful wheelbarrow displays.
Pizza company announces new home at Burley in Wharfedale pub

A pizza company is moving its regular Burley-in-Wharfedale pop-up to a new home this weekend.
Sporting legends tee off as Yorkshire Invitational gets underway in Ilkley

A host of sporting legends descended on Ilkley yesterday (Wednesday) as the Yorkshire Invitational got underway.