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
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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Option 1 - Staithes & Sandsend
Distance: 4 miles (6½km)
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 (9½km)
Total ascent: 920 feet (280m)
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 - Boulby to Sandsend
Distance: 12 miles (19½km)
Total ascent: 1,900 feet (580m)
In Summary: Our walk starts on top of the towering Boulby Cliffs. 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 at Kettleness.
Don’t miss: 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 & Grosmont Circuit
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Total ascent: 100 feet (30m)
In Summary: Starting at Goathland, Aidensfield in television’s Heartbeat and Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films, we take a disused railway track to Grosmont. Time to look round Grosmont and its engine sheds, then return to Whitby on the steam train.
Highlight: Wild garlic growing along the disused railway track and Hagrid spotting at Hogsmeade!
Option 2 - Goathland & Mallyan Spout Circuit
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Total 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 - Over the Moors to Goathland
Distance: 11 miles (18km)
Total ascent: 1,520 feet (460m)
In Summary: Starting above the Hole of Horcum we descend steeply into Newtondale, where we may see a steam train as we cross the railway. We continue on forest and moorland tracks to Simon Howe, before descending to Wheeldale and a section of the Roman Road. Our route continues to Goathland via Mallyan Spout and the incline of the old railway track.
Highlight:Discover the impressive Mallyan Spout, hidden in a deep wooded ravine below Goathland village.
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.
Need to know
Important Covid-19 steps we have taken for guest safety: Please Read
As we slowly reopen in the wake of the Coronavirus lockdown, our country house stays are set to be organised a little differently; extra steps have been taken to keep our guests, house teams and leaders safe while we return to action. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place.
Initially the overall capacity of the houses has been reduced. Guests must wear face coverings in public spaces. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, we have taken the necessary steps to space out furniture and seating in public areas. In addition, a one-way system will be in place around the house. Adequate signage will be displayed to support the direction of travel to be followed by guests and house teams.
As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We have removed all non-essential and reusable items from our rooms for the meantime including cushions, hairdryers, bathrobes, bed throws, and printed materials to reduce the number of items that need to be disinfected. Hairdryers will be available on request. Clean towels will be available on request. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails.
For now, there is no cream tea on arrival day. We have also adapted our food offering to remove all buffets and open food items. Different sittings may be required for breakfast and dinner due to the occupancy and size of the house. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. The bar in each country house will be open, and we will be offering a table service for drinks. At this time there is no, or only a very limited, evening social programme available. Outdoor swimming pools at those houses that have them will re-open throughout August, except at Freshwater Bay House, where the pool will remain closed for 2020. Indoor swimming pools will remain closed.
For more information and to see all the steps taken, visit our page on how house stays will be adapted.
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 Good, Better and Best 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 ‘Good’ rooms are ensuite and furnished to a high standard. There are also several ‘Better’ and ‘Best’ 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. Lunch is a chance to stock up on our famous picnic snacks. Food at Larpool Hall is varied and tasty and has a strong emphasis on ingredients from the area and seasonal produce. Once a week the dining room hosts a Local Food Night, when, over a sociable evening, you might try a five-course feast of local flavours.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865

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
Guest Reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Prices are subject to change.
Prices based on two people sharing. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £20 per person.
Holiday Prices
Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | |||||||
21 Aug -
24 Aug
|
3 | Guided Family Walks | £445 | Available | Trip Notes | Enquire |
Important Information
Maximum 3 free child places per full paying adult. Child price up to 17 years. Sole occupancy charges may apply. Family rooms are subject to availability.
3 nights from £445pp
Under 18s GO FREE
...or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ people click here