Embracing Life in Otley
When I tell people about my life — growing vegetables, cultivating superhot chillies, producing electronic music, and practicing mindfulness — they sometimes ask why I do it all from Otley rather than a big city.
The answer is simple: this is where it all makes sense.
The Space to Grow
Living in Otley gives you something cities can’t — space. Not just physical space for a garden, but mental space to think, create, and experiment without the constant noise and pressure of urban life. The Chevin at our back and the River Wharfe nearby mean nature is never far away.
Community Connection
In Otley, people know each other. My neighbours swap seeds and surplus vegetables. The local community garden brings together people of all ages. There’s a genuine sense of connection that’s harder to find in larger places.
The Creative Advantage
Some of my best music has been written on quiet Otley evenings when the only sounds outside are owls and wind. There’s something about the stillness of this West Yorkshire town, nestled in the Wharfe Valley at the foot of the Chevin, that feeds creativity.
Finding Your Balance
Life in Otley isn’t for everyone, and it’s not without its challenges. But for someone who values nature, community, and the space to pursue multiple passions, it’s hard to beat.
The internet means I can share what I create with the world while staying rooted in Otley — the place that inspires it all.
Neil Charlton
Passionate about vegetable gardening, growing superhot chillies, producing EDM, and practicing mindfulness. Based in Otley, West Yorkshire — writing from the Wharfe Valley.
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