Westbourne House

Westbourne House, located on the outskirts of Otley, was once the residence of William Ackroyd, a prominent industrialist who owned Otley Mills and was one of the town’s leading employers in the early 1800s. To honour his achievements and social standing, Ackroyd had the house built around 1840.

The property still retains much of its original architectural beauty, featuring large, airy rooms and expansive gardens that enhance its period charm. With FREE extensive parking for 60-70 vehicles and facilities that are fully accessible to all visitors, Westbourne House offers both convenience and comfort for it’s guests.

Centrally situated in Otley, the house is just 10 minutes from Leeds Bradford Airport, 1.3 miles from Menston Railway Station, and well-served by local bus routes. Additionally, a variety of excellent hotels are nearby for added convenience.

Westbourne House is an exceptional venue for all types of events. Blackmoor Dining and Events, who operate from the venue, have extensive experience in hosting weddings, celebrations (birthdays, anniversaries, and life milestones), corporate events, and more. Renowned for their exquisite culinary expertise, Blackmoor is also highly sought after for their specialty event catering services.

In addition, the picturesque grounds and spacious interiors make Westbourne House an ideal setting for seasonal events, including festive markets, summer fairs, and open days that encourage wider community engagement. The venue’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that people of all ages and backgrounds can enjoy and benefit from its facilities.

By offering a versatile and beautifully maintained space for both private and public events, Westbourne House continues to serve as a cornerstone of the Otley community, blending history with modern-day hospitality to create a truly special gathering place.

Beyond private functions, Westbourne House is a valued space for the local community, regularly hosting a variety of events and activities that bring people together. From charity fundraisers and craft fairs to wellness retreats and educational workshops, the venue provides a welcoming environment for both social and cultural gatherings. Local clubs and organizations also make use of the house for meetings, community group activities, and networking events

Leodiensis 4029 at a Glance

Leodiensis Lodge, established over 100 years ago, holds its meetings at Westbourne House in Otley.

For individuals interested in Freemasonry but with limited time, we may be the ideal choice, as we hold only five formal meetings each year, starting at 6:30 pm. These meetings occur on the second Thursday in June (for our Installation), as well as in October, December, February, and April.

In addition to our formal meetings, we gather at least a couple of times each month for regular practices and social events.

The annual membership fee is currently £190. The dress code for our Lodge is a dark suit and white gloves.

 
 
 
 
 

Leodiensis Lodge No 4029

Why Consider Freemasonry?

Are you at a stage in life where you’re looking for something more—a chance to join an organization that truly makes a positive difference? If so, Freemasonry could be exactly what you’re seeking.

Freemasonry is unlike any other group. It unites individuals from all walks of life, regardless of background, gender, or faith. It’s a community of like-minded people, all bound by a common dedication to helping others and living lives filled with purpose and fulfillment.

If you have a genuine desire to contribute, connect, and grow in meaningful ways, take a closer look at what Freemasonry has to offer.

What makes Freemasonry unique among organizations?

When you join Freemasonry, you begin a journey of personal discovery unlike any other. One of the defining aspects of Freemasonry is the “shared experience” of the Initiation Ceremony—a profound moment for many that marks the start of this path.

Every Mason undergoes this experience upon joining, and several similar rites follow throughout the early stages of Masonic membership. Each step reveals something meaningful about yourself, others, and the rich history of Freemasonry—a tradition practiced across the United Kingdom and worldwide.

What can you expect from Freemasonry.

Moral and Ethical Growth – Freemasonry promotes virtues such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and charity. Members work on improving themselves to become better individuals.  Strong Bonds – Freemasonry fosters deep, lifelong friendships among members who share common values.

Support System – Freemasonry emphasises care for one another, offering emotional and practical support during challenging times.