The Racehorses hotel is situated at the southern end of the village, over Town Foot bridge, bounded on two of its four sides by water. The Park Gill Beck runs through the centre of the village and to the south of the Hotel.

To the west runs the River Wharfe, dominating the dale. The hotel also has a new picturesque beer garden overlooking the River Wharfe.

Held tightly in the grip of the Pennine crags, Kettlewell is a haven for travellers between Wharfedale and Wensleydale, and for climbers and walkers exploring some of the finest parts of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Its steep surroundings have prevented any sprawling growth and it's buildings still cluster by Park Gill, near where it joins the River Wharfe beside the Racehorses Hotel.