Outdoor Pursuits

For lovers of all outdoors, we are delighted to have the beautiful North York Moors just on our door step with Whitby, Scarborough & Filey all just a stones throw away.

Goathland- Situated between Pickering & Whitby, Goathland village sits 500 feet above sea level and has history that extends back to Viking times. It is a picturesque village with lots of common open grassy areas. Often known as Heartbeat County, it was the setting of the 1960's ITV police drama Heartbeat. Toady you can still recognise many of the landmars including stores, the garage/funeral directors, the public house & of course the North York Moors Railway. It was also the bewitching Hogsmeade in the first Harry Potter film.
Grosmont- A small village in the Esk Valley & part of the North York Moors national park. Includes a 1952 style British Rail station & engine restoration sheds. Grosmont is named after the Grandmontines Priory that was once there (1204-1536).
Levisham- A small, picturesque village & civil parish in the Ryedale District. It is also a stop on the North York Moors Railway.
Lockton- Home to the beautiful medieval St Giles Church, Lockton is a peaceful rural village with a population of around 150!
Hutton-le-Hole- One of North Yorkshire's most popular villages due to the lush green grass, a perfect picnic spot in the summer months. There is also a delightful little stream running through the centre of the village which is perfect for a paddle. Here you will find the historic Ryedale Folk Museum which is worth a visit.
Sandsend- Just two miles along the coast from Whitby, it is a delightfully charming village consisting of small fisherman's cottages nesting in the valley facing the long sandy beach. The beautiful beach offers plenty of activities such as swimming and sea-angling and is one of the best surfing beaches along this coastline.
Runswick Bay- With it's sweeping, sheltered bay & charming red roofed fisherman style cottages, this has to be one of the prettiest destinations on Yorkshire's coast. It's sandy beach once provided anchorage for brightly coloured fishing boats. Now it is a family favourite for rock pooling, fossil hunting and excellent coastal walks with the most breathtaking views.
Robin Hoods Bay- Laying in the ancient parish of Fylingdale, this small fishing village is located 5 miles south of Whitby. The town itself consists of a maze of tiny streets, has a tradition of smuggling and there is rumoured to be a network of underground passageways linking the houses.
Staiths- Once one of the largest fishing ports on the north east coast and an important source of minerals such as Jet, Iron, Alum & Potash. Today Staithes is a very attractive tourist destination.
Filey- A traditional English seaside resort that consists of a long, sandy beach set in a wide bay and the stunning Bempton Cliff's. They also have a museum of local history and birdwatchers are well catered for with two viewing hides. Filey Dams Nature Reserve is also of botanical interest & is home to a number of mammal, insect & amphibian special.
Scarborough- Scarborough is divided into the North Bay & South Bay by the Castle Headland. The south bay forms the romantic Old Town district & was the site of the original early medieval settlement & harbour. This remains the most popular area for tourists with a sendy beach, cafe's, amusements, theatres & entertainment facillities. The North Bay has traditionally been the more peaceful end of the resort and is home to Peasholm Park, an oriental themed municipal park. The spectacular Scarborough Castle is a must see whilst visiting the area. Ince the glary of Scarborough, this ancient castle was built in the reign of King Stephen. Scarborough is also home to the Scarborough North Bay Railway, a miniature railway built in 1931 & runs for approximately 7-8 miles & Scarborough Sealife Centre which houses thousands of fascinating sea creatures.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre- The largest open air theatre, opened in 1932 is situated in Northstead Manor Gardens, stages a mixed entertainment programme including music concerts, opera productions & community events and has even been know to show the most important football matches on a giant screen.
Whitby- Visitors to this attractive port-cum-resort at the mouth of the Esk cannot help falling under it's spell at the stunning setting, sights & atmosphere. The old town is south of the river and has 199 steps to climb to the cliff-top fortress-like St. Mary's parish church & the romantic ruins of Whitby Abbey. A swing bridge separates the inner & outer harbours, crossing the Esk leading to the new town which is more spacious and noted for the elegant Georgian & Victorian hotels in the West Cliff district. The views of the town & river from high ground above the estuary are a must see! One panarama is said to have inspired Bram Stoker to use Whitby as a settling for his classic novel Dracula. Whitby is also host of an annual Regatta, usually taking place mid August. The Regatta offer's three days of entertainment including yacht & rowing races, Army & Navy displays, vintage car displays and all finished with a huge firework display & prize presentation. A must see whilst visiting Whitby is The Whitby Jet Heritage Centre which, as well as producing fine hand-crafted jet jewellery, is also home to the last remaining example of an authentic Victorian Jet workshop.
Bempton Cliffs- A huge family favorite! Situated between Flamborough & Filey in Bempton village, here you will find more than 200,000 seabirds (between April & August) including puffins, gannets, kittiwakes, razorbills & guillemots, all nesting on these breathtaking cliffs. They have a live CCTV camera through the breeding season & information assistants.
Bridlington- With a range of attractions in Bridlington, there is always something for everyone including its two golden beaches flanked either side by a historic harbour, plus theaters, stately homes, galleries, amusements & museums. The atmospheric harbour, still a renowned shell fishing centre is a very enticing scene. Best of all is the colourful Old Town, some of whose charming narrow streets, alleys & historic buildings dates back to the Medieval times.
Flamborough Head- This windswept headland, designated a Special Area of Conservation and jutting defiantly into the North Sea, is perfect for bracing walks along chalky cliffs. The focal point is the newer of two lighthouses. This 87 foot (26.5m) structure was built in 1806 and opens for short tours run by Trinity House. The original lighthouse, opened in 1674 and known as the Chalk Tower lies inland and is the oldest complete example in England.
Thornton-le-Dale- This picturesque village's loveliest sight is the thatched Belle Isle cottage in an outrageously beautiful setting alongside Thornton Beck. Nearby are Lady Lumley's Alms Houses, built in 1670 and kindly donated to the village. The village annual show takes place in August and attracts a huge 15,000 onlookers. Thornton is home to the North Yorkshire Motor Museum, a fine collection of classic & vintage cars, commercial vehicles & motorbikes where many have been restored to their natural beauty.
North York Moors- For some the name suggests a vast upland wilderness, albeit one that becomes radiantly colourful when, for a fleeting handful of summer weeks, its heathery dressing is transformed into an ocean of purple. Yes there are romantically moody heights scattered with ancient standing stones and crossed by lonely country roads but so much more besides. Numerous stunning dales, among Yorkshire's finest, puncture the flanks of the moors.
Cleveland Way- Opened in 1969, this was the second National trail to be officially recognised in England & Wales & is 109 miles in total through ever changing scenery & landscape. The super fit can normally do it in a week! Starting in Helmsley, the early stages via Rievaulx Abbey are fairly easy. Sutton Bank is a shock and heralds a lively encounter with the Hambleton Hills. The Cleveland Hills, including the Wainstones & Roseberry Topping, follow before the cost is reached at Saltburn.Turning south the towering headland of Hunt Cliff, Staithes, Runswick Bay, Sandsend, Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay, Ravenscar, Scarborough & Cayton Bay provide supreme entertainment before the finish line is crossed in Filey. Phew!
Wolds Way Lavender- Seven heavenly scented acres of Lavender is just the start at the family run farm, there's plenty to keep everyone entertained! Once you've marvelled at the range of lavender gifts, checked out the colourful plant centre & sampled a Lavender scone in the tearooms, stretch your legs on the nature & wildflower sculpture walks or enjoy the raised beds, sensory area, games maze & narrow gauge railway. You can also see lavender oil being distilled.
Coast to Coast
Moors to Sea Cycle Route- A long distance cycle route linking the towns of Scarborough, Whitby & Pickering through some of the most dramatic scenery in North Yorkshire. Set across 80 miles of forest tracks, green lanes, minor roads & a dismantled rail track, this would usually provide 3-4 days of varied cycling.
Mallyan Spout- This stunning 60 foot waterfall is best viewed just after a spell of wet weather, ideally winter or early spring when the trees around have lost their leaves. Mallyan Spout is the tallest on the Moors.
Helmsley- This pretty market town at a key location on the southern fringe of the moors gets incredibly busy at the height of the season. With it's Cotswold-esque honey-hued cottages, rambling market place & tempting range or shops & eateries, Helmsley is a popular stop of point for visitors heading either north to the moors or east to the coast. Three of the main reasons to visit Helmsley are the beautiful ruins of Helmsley Castle, Duncombe Park & the restored Walled Gardens.
Wykeham- A small village which consists of just a main street. If you delve a little deeper you will find the North Wall remains of Wykeham Priory, a late twelfth century cruciform Cistercian priory church. Wykeham Lakes are perfect for fishing, sailing, canooing & wind surfing whilst The Dawnay Estate is an excellent shooting destination.
Racing- There are two racecourses locally for Horse Racing. The closest is York Racecourse, which has recently won Flat Racecourse of the Year Award. The course offers three enclosures, the champagne sipping County Stand, the informal Grandstand & Paddock & the family friendly Course Enclosure. Thirsk Racecourse is also only 45 minutes away and also has a park & view area in the family enclosure.