Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, it lies 6 miles (10 km) north of Grassington, at the point where Wharfedale is joined by a minor road (Cam Gill Road) which leads north-east from the village over Park Rash Pass to Coverdale.

[5] Signs of the farming methods of Romano-British and early medieval agriculture can still be seen in terraced fields to the north and the south of the village.

[8] Textiles (and, in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, lead mining) revitalised the village and Kettlewell's appearance today derives much from its past 200 years.

Heavy rainfall descended on the adjacent hills and cascaded down into the village demolishing several houses and causing the residents to flee.

[10] The village is part of Kettlewell with Starbotton parish in the former Craven District of North Yorkshire.

The village is in the parliamentary constituency of Skipton and Ripon; the seat has been held by the Conservative Party ever since its creation in 1983.

Kettlewell is on the Dales Way and is a popular starting point for ascents of Great Whernside and Buckden Pike.

In addition to the three inns, there are numerous guesthouses, holiday cottages and a village shop, a tasting deli, two cafés and a filling station with a mechanic's garage.