3-Night North York Moors Family Walking Adventure
Whitby provides the perfect base from which to explore the beautiful North Yorkshire coast, Esk Valley and moors. As well as the area’s scenic beauty, there is a rich cultural heritage. Captain Cook was born and grew up here and Bram Stoker found his inspiration for the story Dracula. The pretty stonebuilt towns and villages have been used as TV locations and the railway station at Goathland was used as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. There are quaint fishing villages to explore, time to go rock-pooling on the beach and hear stories of smugglers. Out on the moors there are glorious elevated views and the sight of steam trains puffing their way through the countryside. Climb to the top of Roseberry Topping and see the view that may have inspired Captain Cook to explore the world.
Holiday Highlights
FAMILY FUN AT LARPOOL HALL
- Ride on a steam train
- Play fun games together
- Hunt for fossils on the beach
THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO SEE...
- Explore Jorvik Viking Centre in York
- Captain Cook’s Monument (on the Cleveland Way)
- North York Moors Railway
- Whitby Abbey
- Danby Castle
- Esk Valley Railway
What’s included
- Full Board en-suite accommodation.
- Max guests in house: 68
- Family rooms: 11
- A full programme of walks guided by HF Leaders
- All transport to and from the walks
- Free Wi-Fi
Trip Notes
Trip notes are detailed, downloadable PDF’s for each holiday, please click the button below to find the right trip notes for your departure date.
On our Guided Walking holidays, we believe that choice is key. Our walks descriptions will help you choose according to your interests and fitness. The walks are grouped together with care by local experts to give the best experience. While every effort will be made to adhere to the described itinerary, we may occasionally vary the sequence shown here or substitute an alternative route to suit local conditions or for other operational reasons, potentially at short notice. Some of our breaks have more than one itinerary. To check which itinerary is running on your holiday date please refer to the Dates, Prices & Trip Notes tab.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Mulgrave Woods and Old Castle
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In Summary: After a visit to Staithes, we start our walk at Sandsend through the landscaped woods of the Mulgrave Estate. We'll hear about the three castles that have been built there over the centuries and explore the ruins. We return by a different route to Sandsend to spend time on the beach or at the beck before our return coach.
Highlight: Imagining the Norman lords who built the castle, and the Royalists who defended it in the Civil War.
Option 2 - Runswick Bay to Sandsend
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In Summary: Enjoy a glorious section of the Yorkshire coast between Runswick Bay and Sandsend. We start along the beach, then ascend onto the cliff-top path which takes us around the headland at Kettleness and on to Sandsend.
Highlight: There's time to explore Staithes before rejoining the coach to start our walk at Runswick Bay. Staithes is a timeless fishing village with cobbled streets and historic buildings.
Option 3 - Staithes to Sandsend
Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,750 feet (540m)
In Summary: Starting from Staithes we follow the impressive cliff top section of the coast to Runswick Bay. Our walk continues along the Cleveland Way to Kettleness and Sandsend.
Highlight Look out for the once-thriving harbour at Port Mulgrave, built in the 1850s to transport iron ore. You can see the remains of the 1 mile tunnel that connected the mine to the harbour.
Option 4 - Boulby to Sandsend
Distance: 12 miles (19.5km)
Ascent: 1,900 feet (580m)
In Summary: From Boulby we follow the coastal path all the way to Sandsend, taking in the quaint fishing village of Staithes, the sweeping arc of Runswick Bay, and the remote headland of Kettleness.
Highlight: As you approach Sandsend there's a glorious view along the 2½ mile long beach towards Whitby, with the ruins of Whitby Abbey prominent in the distance.
Option 1 - Goathland to Grosmont
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 150 feet (40m)
In Summary: From Goathland we follow the Esk Valley through Beck Hole and on to Grosmont.
Highlight: Goathland is the setting of the village of Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat then on to Grosmont station, why not take a look around the impressive engine sheds.
Option 2 - Goathland & Grosmont Circuit
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 950 feet (280m)
In Summary: Walk from Goathland past the Mallyan Spout waterfall, heading down the valley to the neighbouring village of Grosmont. Our return route follows the old railway trail between the two villages.
Highlight: Today's walks centre on the village of Goathland - made famous as the setting for the TV series Heartbeat. You may also recognise Goathland station from its role in the Harry Potter films.
Option 3 - Goathland Circuit
Distance: 8½ miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 950 feet (280m)
In Summary: From Goathland, a gentle descent along the old railway track takes us to Beck Hole. Woodland and field paths will take us to Wheeldale Beck from where we make our way across a lovely moorland path via a secluded tarn to Goathland church. From there, feld paths & more of the old railway track bring us back to Goathland.
Highlight: A stretch of walking along a moorland edge give views of the magnificent scenery in the heart of the National Park.
Option 4 - Moorland above Goathland
Distance: 10½ miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,160 feet (350m)
In Summary: We make our way to the quiet hamlet of Beck Hole before climbing though woodland. A first stretch of moorland walking leads us to Wheeldale Road, an old Roman Road. A delightful walk along the Wheeldale Beck takes us to HUnt House from where we climb to Simon Howe on part of the Lyke Wake Walk. We then follow a high morrland path across Howl Moor back down to Goathland.
Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of Romans & Bronze Age residents of the moors on superb views in all directions.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Larpool Hall
Escape to Whitby, whose handsome harbour and medieval streets are famously the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and home to the world’s best fish and chips, for a stay in Larpool Hall. This imposing Grade II listed Georgian mansion has been part of the town for hundreds of years and has evolved to offer an updated take on traditional hospitality. The Hall retains its original grandeur and styling, while offering guests the perfect mix of contemporary comforts to deliver a large amount of atmosphere and character. Sweep up the magnificent staircase, marvel at the impressive fireplaces, watch through the large picture windows and feel yourself transported. With 29 rooms, 14 acres of attractive grounds and views over the Esk Valley, you couldn’t be better placed. Step out to explore the coast, Captain Cook country or walk on the Cleveland Way. Discover Robin Hood’s Bay and hunt for fossils or head deep into the North York Moors for a contrasting landscape carpeted in sweetly scented heather.
Rooms
Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi
Stay in one of the Hall’s smartly presented rooms, where contemporary design touches complement the original architecture and features. With 29 bedrooms, Larpool Hall has plenty of space and there’s a range of Classic, Premium and Superior Rooms to choose from. Choose the very spacious Room 15 on the ground floor for its lemon and grey styling, super-comfy sofa in front of a large fireplace and views across the Esk Valley. Climb to Room 2 on the first floor for similarly expansive vistas from the front of the house, or settle in under the eaves and exposed beams of beautiful Room 30 on the second floor of the house.
All ‘Classic’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Premium’ and ‘Superior' Rooms that are either larger or have a desirable view, a more luxurious mattress and larger television – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-25 per person per night. You can choose a specific room for an extra £30 per room, subject to availability. Upgrade supplements still apply.
Facilities
Free Wi-Fi, boot room and drying room, extensive garden, multi-purpose activity room, three lounges, library and board games to borrow
After a day exploring the tight and twisty streets of Whitby or the windswept headlands and smugglers’ haunts of the Yorkshire coast, come back to the house and its specially tailored walkers’ facilities. Relax outside in the pretty courtyard or stroll the 14 acres of grounds and gardens with their manicured lawns and mature trees. Grab a well-thumbed copy of Dracula and hole up in the lounge, or join fellow guests in the large ballroom with its comfy seating and central dance floor to discuss your own adventures. The small, sociable bar provides another great space in which to relax.
Food & Drink
As at all our country houses, holidays are full board, from afternoon tea served as a welcome treat through that evening’s meal to a hearty breakfast on the day of departure. Food at Larpool Hall is varied with a strong emphasis on the use of seasonal British produce. Our experienced chefs create each dish using only the freshest ingredients and, when in season, use home grown herbs and vegetables taken from our own gardens to give a true taste of the local area.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Larpool Hall
Getting to Larpool Hall
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential Information
Suggested Kit List
- a rucksack,
- a waterproof jacket
- waterproof over trousers,
- a spare jumper or fleece,
- sun protection cream,
- a water bottle (at least 1 litre),
- some spare high-energy food such as a chocolate bar
- a small torch
- first aid kit – your leader’s first aid kit doesn’t contain any medication or blister kits (such as Compeed).
(in spring, autumn and winter)
- a hat and gloves (Britainis famous for its changeable weather after all!)
- You might find walking poles useful, particularly for descents (the kids usually find their own big stick en route!).
- thermos flask for a hot drink
- sun hat
- towel for paddling on hot days
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