About Raygill

Raygill Lakes is a very hidden almost forgotten part of the world. Visitors comment on its beauty and marvel at the fact that we are only a few miles from "civilisation"  (The famous market town of Skipton & Bronte Country - Haworth, Oxenhope -  are as little as 5 miles away). Raygill is peaceful, tranquil and very very beautiful. Throughout the entire village there is NO mains water, NO mains gas supply and VERY LIMITED mobile phone signal.

As a small family run business, we are always looking for ways to diversify and think Raygill would be a great Yorkshire location for film and TV companies. We have lots of car parking space, cafe, toilets, and some of the most scenic views in Yorkshire, all at your disposal. The lakes are spectacular and the history is unbelievable.

                           
Over 150 years ago, Raygill began life as a lime and Barytes quarry. Bones were uncovered here in 1875 by the Yorkshire Geological & Polytechnic Society. The site became famous in geological circles and was known as the
"Raygill Fissure".

Animal remains found here included STRAIGHT TUSKED ELEPHANT, BISON, BEAR, HIPPOPOTAMUS, CAVE LION, HYENA and ROEBUCK 

These bones and teeth found here at Raygill are still on display in Cliffe Castle Museum, Keighley in the Geological section.

In 1987, The Clement family (A Lothersdale family) purchased Raygill after mining and quarrying stopped in the late 70's. Bernard Clement and his son discovered that the natural lagoon's mineral content and limestone water was such that it was perfect for rearing fish. Raygill Fisheries was born in that year and since then, 3 manmade lakes have been added to this spectacular site. The family has landscaped Raygill to incorporate the beautiful flora and fauna you will see as you walk around the lakes and surrounding area.

The new wildlife and history trail take you on a beautiful stroll around Raygill Lakes to view the spectacular lakes and scenery and, the children's model animal hunt will ensure that the kids enjoy it as much as you do! A great deal of grass planting has taken place and the cliffs that were once just bare and grey are now green and lush once again. What 50 years ago were grey heaps of rock are now woodland, ponds, a plantation and areas of natural beauty.

Pheasants, Turkeys and Ducks are reared at Raygill and we also have deer and other animals wandering about the place!

We have peregrine falcons every March nesting here too. 

Bernard Clement Jnr now manages Raygill Lakes and has incorporated a cafe and clothing shop in the new lodge.

Bernard says, "We love it here at Raygill and feel very fortunate that we can not only work here, but live here too. It's our home. We want to preserve it for future generations to enjoy".

Raygill has been taken back to how it once looked before all the quarrying and blasting too place and is extremely beautiful in every season, be it sun or snow, hail or shine!

Come and have a look around. Pop in to the lodge and say hello and your journey of discovery can begin. We look forward to meeting you.

Below are some views of Raygill. For more information, please pay us a visit. There's lots more to show you.

QUARRY LAKE

Autumnal Large Coarse Lake

 
Early Summer on the large coarse lake
 

Another angle of large coarse lake taken from the Lodge
 

Delf Lake & Quarry Lake

The beautiful Lodge

 Fish feeding pond
Another view from the Delf
Raygill is a wild place to be but beautiful.

 Also, right next door to all this land is Raygill House. A beautiful period house set in its own fabulous well kept grounds.

Inside there are a lot of the original features. There is a croquet lawn and a recently restored kitchen garden at the rear.