4-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 - Roseberry Topping
Distance: 4 miles (6½km)
Total ascent: 700 feet (210m)
In Summary: From Newton Under Roseberry we then continue over Roseberry Common and woodland to reach Pinchinthorpe Visitor Centre, with its excellent playground.
Highlight: Topping Roseberry Topping!
Option 2 - Capt Cook's Monument
Distance: 6½ miles (11km)
Total ascent: 1,000 feet (300m)
In Summary:Follow the Cleveland Way to the magnificent viewpoint at Captain James Cook’s monument; we then descend to the foot of Roseberry Topping and on to the village of Great Ayton.
Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of Captain James Cook who grew up in the village of Great Ayton. There may be time to visit the Captain Cook Schoolroom Museum at the end of the walk.
Option 3 - Roseberry Topping & Great Ayton
Distance: 8 miles (13km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In Summary: Walk along the escarpment of the North York Moors. Our route ascends from near Guisborough to the summit of Roseberry Topping, then continues to the equally impressive viewpoint at Captain Cook's Monument and Great Ayton.
Highlight: The distinctively shaped summit of Roseberry Topping - the Yorkshire Matterhorn - dominates the local skyline.
Option 4 - Cleveland Way Circuit
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In Summary: A circular walk from Great Ayton, taking in Roseberry Topping and Captain Cook’s Monument. For part of the day our route follows the Cleveland Way along the Moors escarpment.
Highlight: Soak up the sweeping panorama over Teesside and the surrounding countryside; a great contrast of natural and man-made landscapes.
Option 1 - Ravenscar to Robin Hood's Bay
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Total ascent: 300 feet (90m)
In Summary Starting at Ravenscar we follow the Cleveland Way along the sweep of the coastline to the smuggling village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Explore the beach, rock pools and look for fossils. Returning to Larpool Hall, there’ll be time for games in the garden.
Highlight: Cracking rocks on the beach to find fossils.
Option 2 - Robin Hood's Bay, Hawkser & Whitby
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1200ft (350m)
In Summary: Explore Robin Hood's Bay before heading to the village of Hawkser. From Hawkser we head towards to the coast path and walk north towards Whitby, with views stretching across the endless horizon of the North Sea.
Highlight: The beautiful Saltwick Bay.
Option 3 - Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby
Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,600 feet (500m)
In Summary: Follow the glorious coast path from Robin Hood's Bay back to Whitby. We'll round the first headland then head towards the landmark of Whitby Abbey.
Highlight: The beach below Whitby's East Cliff is a good spot to look for fossils, and jet. In the nearby shops you can see how craftsmen have carved this into jewellery and ornaments.
Option 4 - Ravenscar to Whitby Coast Path
Distance: 11½ miles (18½km)
Total ascent: 2,050 feet (620m)
In Summary: A glorious coastal walk starting high on the headland at Ravenscar. We'll initially head to Boggle Hole and the quaint fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay, before rounding the headland and continuing along the coast to Whitby.
Highlight: We'll descend the famous 199 steps from Whitby Abbey and enjoy the classic view over the bustling harbour.
Option 1 - Castleton Rigg & Eskdale
Distance: 3 miles (5km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In Summary: Starting from a play area in the village of Castleton, we walk the Esk Valley Way to the National Park Centre at Danby. Specially designed for children, the centre has nature trails, an adventure playground, wildlife exhibition and café.
Highlight: Wildlife & nature spotting on the way to the Moors Centre.
Option 2 - Danby Rigg and Danby Castle
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Total ascent: 550 feet (180m)
In Summary: Starting high on the moor, we visit the Seated Man, an intriguing sculpture high on Castleton Rigg. We then descend along the Rigg, following field and moorland paths to visit Danby Castle, home of Katherine Parr, before crossing the Esk Valley railway to arrive at the Moors Centre.
Highlight: The Moors Centre has excellent interpretive displays about the national park, and a rolling programme of exhibitions by local artists.
Option 3 - Castleton to Danby via Heads
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 480m
In Summary: Walking from Castleton this route takes in some of the moorland surrounding Danby before finishing at The National Park Centre.
Highlight: Exploring the wild moorlands and peaceful valleys of this area.
Option 4 - Atop the Moors
Distance: 10 miles (16½km)
Total ascent: 1,800 feet (540m)
In Summary: Explore the moors above the Esk Valley. Starting from Castleton we take in three hills: Westerdale Moor, Castleton Rigg and Danby Rigg punctuated by tranquil green valleys.
Highlight: Look out for the standing stones, cairns and long barrows on Danby Rigg - evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards.
Option 1 - Views to Whitby
Distance: 4½ miles (7km)
Ascent: 350 feet (100m)
In Summary: This delightful walk starts from Larpool Hall and follows a circuit taking in the views of Whitby town and the coast.
Highlight: Beautiful views across the cliffs.
Option 2 - Robin Hood, Little John and the Cleveland Way
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Ascent: 900 feet (280m)
In summary: We begin following the cinder track and then farmland, passing a site commemorating a visit to Whitby by famous outlaws, then take a fabulous cliff top walk along part of the Cleveland Way back to Whitby.
Highlight: The ruins of Whitby Abbey stand prominently on the headland above the harbour. Discover how this dramatic setting inspired Bram Stoker's gothic novel Dracula.
Option 3 - Robin Hood's Bay and Clifftop Views
Distance: 12.5 miles (20km)
Ascent: 2,050 feet (640m)
In summary: We follow the cinder track all the way to view historic Robin Hood's Bay, before returning to Whitby along the Cleveland Way with fabulous coastal views.
Highlight: The coastal route back to Whitby is not to be missed and was recently voted in the Top Twenty of ITV's 'Britain's Favourite Walks'.
Option 1 - Sneaton and Stainsacre
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 750 feet (220m)
In summary: We make our way to Ruswarp then ascend, with great views as far as Whitby Abbey, to the village of Sneaton. Our return takes us via the village of Stainsacre.
Highlight: Check out the award winning ice cream maker in the village of Sneaton.
Option 2 - Iburndale & Ugglebarnby
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: We follow the Esk valley to Sleights before ascending through Iburndale to the delightfully named Ugglebarnby then on to Sneaton and Stainsacre.
Highlight: Walk through pretty villages and enjoy lovely riverside vistas.
Option 3 - Ugglebarnby, Rigg Mill & Stainsacre
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 1,200 feet (360m)
In summary: We walk along the Esk valley to Sleights then beside lovely Iburndale Beck before ascending to Ugglebarnby. Our return journey takes us via the site of a disused water mill once belonging to Whitby Abbey.
Highlight: A lovely leg stretcher through beautiful countryside taking in quaint villages along the way.
Option 1 - Sneaton Castle, Briggswath & Rusthwarp
Distance: 8 miles (12.5km)
Ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: We walk through the outskirts of Whitby past Sneaton Castle, then descend through farmland to the River Esk. We then follow the river back in to Whitby.
Highlight: Our walk ends by crossing the Larpool viaduct; a 13 arch brick structure built in 1884 to carry the now closed Whitby to Scarborough railway over the River Esk.
Option 2 - Aislaby and along the Esk
Distance: 9 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,150 feet (360m)
In summary: Walk through the fields to the village of Aislaby with fantastic views across the Esk valley, we then descend and follow the River Esk to Whitby and Larpool Hall.
Highlight: The River Esk has healthy stocks of Atlantic salmon and sea trout. If you're lucky you may spot kingfishers, dippers, otters and water voles, all of which live in the river.
Option 3 - Aislaby, Briggswath & Ruswarp
Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: Taking a longer route to Aislaby enjoying fine views as we go, we then join the River Esk and follow the riverside and railway back into Whitby.
Highlight: Enjoy fantastic views right across and up the beautiful Esk Valley.
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
Following the relaxation in government guidance on 19 July, we are continuing to take extra steps to keep our guests leaders, and staff safe in our HF country houses. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place.
The English, Scottish and Welsh governments are not in sync, so measures in our country houses will vary between the nations. With the relaxation of social distancing in England, from 19 July we will be allowing larger groups to dine and relax in the bar together. However, we will still give guests space e.g. we will seat 6 people at a table where pre-pandemic we may have seated 8. We will ensure our public rooms are well ventilated by opening doors and windows wherever possible. If you have any concerns about distancing, please speak to the House Manager. The government recommendation for England is to wear face coverings in crowded areas.
In Scotland and Wales physical distancing is still in place so this will be adhered to indoors and outdoors. Guests will need to wear face masks in public areas except when eating and drinking. The Scottish and Welsh governments are reviewing their guidance in August and we will adapt our measures in line with any updated guidance at this time.
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 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. Menus for the week will be available in your room on arrival. A self-service breakfast will be served from 7.45am – 9am. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. Evening meals will be table service. A dinner order form will be available in each room for completion. Dinner is served at either 7.15pm or 7.30pm. Please check at the house for details. The bar will be open. We will be offering a table service but guests can also come to the bar to order (depending on local restrictions).
At this time the evening social programme has been replaced by individual or small group walks talks which allow guests to talk through the following day’s walk options with leaders. All of our swimming pools have opened as planned, except for Brecon and Glen Coe, which have delayed pool re-openings. Guests may need to book a time when they wish to swim (30-minute slots) if the number of guests exceeds the pool capacity.
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 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
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: £30 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Nights | Itinerary | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | |||||||
|
17 Aug -
21 Aug 2021
|
4 | Guided Family Walks Verison 1 | £609 | Unavailable to Book Unavailable | Trip Notes | ||
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.
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