Ben Rhydding was once called Wheatley. The name Ben Rhydding was given to the hydro that was built in the 19th century.

With the arrival of the train in 1865, the area developed around the hydro. The settlement of Ben Rhydding expanded out around the shops on Bolling Road and the Wheatley Arms on Wheatley Lane.

Shops continue to thrive on Bolling Road today, with a butchers, a florist, an estate agent and a number of hairdressers. The area retains two churches and a well-regarded primary school.

Trains, buses and the A65 connect Ben Rhydding to Leeds and Ilkley.