Otley Museum is housed in the Civic Centre and covers the history of the town and the surrounding Wharfedale area. The collection reflects Otley's two main historical identities: as a market town serving the farming communities of the valley, and as a printing and publishing centre of some significance during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
The printing displays are the most interesting part — Otley was home to several significant printers, and the town produced newspapers and books that circulated across Yorkshire and beyond. The museum also covers local geology, agriculture, and the lives of ordinary Wharfedale residents. It is volunteer-run and opens limited hours; check before visiting.