4 Night North York Moors Family Walking Adventure
Famous for its showstopping abbey, Dracula connections, and seriously good fish and chips, Whitby has plenty of family-friendly appeal. This superb holiday will have you hunting for fossils on the beach below Whitby’s East Cliff, climbing the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey, and exploring the cobbled streets of Staithes. There’s also the chance to ride a Hogwarts Express-style steam train through the countryside and enjoy tales of smugglers, piracy, and plunder on a clifftop coastal walk to Robin Hood’s Bay.
What you’ll love
- Under 11s GO FREE
- Climbing the 199 steps leading to the ruins of Whitby Abbey
- Playing or relaxing on two beautiful beaches
- Visiting Goathland, the setting of Harry Potter’s Hogsmeade Station
- Spending time in the beautiful village of Robin Hood’s Bay
- Exploring the Captain Cook museum
What’s included
- Family rooms available subject to availability
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals tailored towards families, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walking with experienced HF Holidays Leaders
- Choice of up to four guided walks (on walking days)
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea on arrival including homemade scones with jam and cream.
What your kids will love: Exploring the grounds of Larpool Hall, meeting other families and making new friends.
Option 1 - Ravenscar to Robin Hood's Bay
Distance: 3.5 miles (6km)
Ascent: 400ft (120m)
Today we follow the Cleveland Way as it winds its way along the coastline to the former smugglers’ village of Robin Hood’s Bay. You’ll have plenty of time to explore the beach, rock pools, and look for fossils.
What your kids will love: Searching for fossils on the beach - you might just find an ammonite.
Option 2 - Hawsker to Whitby
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,100ft (360m)
After exploring the beach at Robin Hood’s Bay, our bus takes us to the village of Hawsker where we’ll follow the coastal path to Whitby. We'll pass the ruins of Whitby Abbey, before descending the steps to the harbour.
What your kids will love: Counting the steps down from Whitby Abbey and visiting the place that inspired Bram Stoker to pen his novel about the world’s most famous vampire, Dracula.
Option 3 - Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby
Distance: 8.5 miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,800ft (560m)
We’ll explore the coast path as we walk all the way from Robin Hood's Bay back to Whitby. Keep an eye on the horizon to spot Whitby Abbey.
What your kids will love: Searching the beach at Whitby's East Cliff for fossils and the famous black Whitby Jet stone.
Option 4 - Ravenscar to Whitby
Distance: 11.5 miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 2,000ft (620m)
We start today at the cliffs of Ravenscar before making our way past Boggle Hole, Robin Hood’s Bay, and back to Whitby. Here we’ll have some time to explore before walking back to the house for a well-earned rest.
What your kids will love: Looking for Boggles. Local legend has it that these hobgoblin-like creatures live in natural sea caves along the Yorkshire coast.
Option 1 - Castleton to Danby
Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)
Ascent: 400ft (120m)
We start this walk in a playpark near the village of Castleton before walking along part of the Esk Valley Way to Danby Lodge National Park Centre. Here we’ll have time to explore the centre and play in the playground.
What your kids will love: Tackling the kids-only climbing wall at Danby Lodge National Park Centre. It’s a race to the top.
Option 2 - Castleton Rigg to Danby
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 700ft (220m)
From high on Castleton Rigg, we’ll enjoy a downhill stroll to the village of Castleton and onwards past Danby Castle – once home to Catherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII’s wives. We’ll continue to the Danby Lodge National Park Centre to explore the nature trails and play park.
What your kids will love: Getting lost in Danby Lodge’s labyrinth and following the incredible journey of a salmon travelling upstream to its spawning grounds
Option 3 - Danby Rigg
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,550ft (480m)
This walk takes us over fields and moors, starting with Danby Rigg, where you can spot Bronze Age standing stones and cairns. Crossing the River Esk, we have a bit of a climb on our hands as we ascend onto the moors. There are views in every direction, so the climb is well worth the effort. We end our day with the other groups at Danby Lodge National Park Centre.
What your kids will love: Playing Poohsticks as we make our way over the River Esk.
Option 4 - Atop the Moors
Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 1,800ft (540m)
You’ll need plenty of stamina today as we take in the horseshoe of Westerdale Moor, Castleton Rigg, and Danby Rigg en route to the National Park Centre.
What your kids will love: The bragging rights of completing this challenging walk -there’ll be plenty of fun, excitement, and adventure along the way, too.
Option 1 - Goathland to Grosmont
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 150ft (40m)
Today’s walk starts with some mouse spotting (yes, really!) at St Mary’s church near Goathland. Afterwards, we’ll follow the Esk Valley to the village of Grosmont and end our day with a train ride back to Whitby.
What your kids will love: Searching for mice at St Mary’s church – see if you can spot all 10.
Option 2 - Goathland & Grosmont Circuit
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 950ft (280m)
From Goathland station we’ll cross moorland and farmland to reach Grosmont. Our return route follows the old railway trail between the two villages.
What your kids will love: The chance to see old-fashioned trains at Goathland Train Station. Harry Potter fans may recognise it as Hogsmeade Train Station.
Option 3 - Goathland Circuit
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 950ft (280m)
We start this circular walk in Goathland following the old railway track to the hamlet of Beck Hole. From here we’ll have plenty of adventures as we make our way through woodlands and over moorland to St Mary’s church. We’ll search for mice at St Mary’s church before making our way back to Goathland.
What your kids will love: Spotting trains going in and out of Goathland from high up on the moors.
Option 4 - Moorland above Goathland
Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,160ft (350m)
We’ll make our way to the quiet hamlet of Beck Hole before climbing through woodland. Our first stretch of moorland walking leads us to an old Roman Road and on to Hunt House from where we climb to Simon Howe. We’ll then follow a high moorland path across Howl Moor back down to Goathland.
What your kids will love: Walking in the footsteps of the Romans and Bronze Age residents of the moors.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
See Dates, Prices & Trip Note tab to check which itinerary is running
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea on arrival including homemade scones with jam and cream.
What your kids will love: Exploring the grounds of Larpool Hall, meeting other families and making new friends.
Option 1 - Goathland to Grosmont
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 150ft (40m)
Today’s walk starts with some mouse spotting (yes, really!) at St Mary’s church near Goathland. Afterwards, we’ll follow the Esk Valley to the village of Grosmont and end our day with a train ride back to Whitby.
What your kids will love: Searching for mice at St Mary’s church – see if you can spot all 10.
Option 2 - Goathland & Grosmont Circuit
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 950ft (280m)
From Goathland station we’ll cross moorland and farmland to reach Grosmont. Our return route follows the old railway trail between the two villages.
What your kids will love: The chance to see old-fashioned trains at Goathland Train Station. Harry Potter fans may recognise it as Hogsmeade Train Station.
Option 3 - Goathland Circuit
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Ascent: 950ft (280m)
We start this circular walk in Goathland following the old railway track to the hamlet of Beck Hole. From here we’ll have plenty of adventures as we make our way through woodlands and over moorland to St Mary’s church. We’ll search for mice at St Mary’s church before making our way back to Goathland.
What your kids will love: Spotting trains going in and out of Goathland from high up on the moors.
Option 4 - Moorland above Goathland
Distance: 10.5 miles (17km)
Ascent: 1,160ft (350m)
We’ll make our way to the quiet hamlet of Beck Hole before climbing through woodland. Our first stretch of moorland walking leads us to an old Roman Road and on to Hunt House from where we climb to Simon Howe. We’ll then follow a high moorland path across Howl Moor back down to Goathland.
What your kids will love: Walking in the footsteps of the Romans and Bronze Age residents of the moors.
Option 1 - Mulgrave Woods and Old Castle
Distance: 4 miles (6km)
Ascent: 400ft (120m)
We’ll have a chance to explore the fishing village of Staithes before taking our bus to Sandsend. Walking through the landscaped woods of the Mulgrave Estate, we'll hear about the three castles that have been built here over the centuries and explore the ruins. We’ll return by a different route to Sandsend and spend time on the beach or at the beck.
What your kids will love: Hearing tales of when Norman lords built the castle and when Royalists defended it in the Civil War.
Option 2 - Runswick Bay to Sandsend
Distance: 6 miles (9.5km)
Ascent: 1,000ft (300m)
After exploring Staithes, we’ll board our bus and head off to enjoy the coast between Runswick Bay and Sandsend. We’ll start on the beach, then ascend onto the clifftop path, which takes us around the headland at Kettleness and on to Sandsend.
What your kids will love: Trying to fit down Dog Laup, the narrowest street in Staithes. It’s a bit of squeeze at 45cm wide.
Option 3 - Staithes to Sandsend
Distance: 9.5 miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,750ft (540m)
From Staithes we’ll follow the impressive clifftop section of the coast to Runswick Bay. Our walk continues along Cleveland Way to Kettleness and Sandsend where you’ll have time to search for fossils.
What your kids will love: Look out for the once-thriving harbour at Port Mulgrave, which was built in the 1850s to transport iron ore. You can see the remains of the one-mile-long tunnel that connected the mine to the harbour.
Option 4 - Boulby to Sandsend
Distance: 12 miles (19.5km)
Ascent: 1,900ft (580m)
From Boulby, we’ll follow the coastal path all the way to Sandsend, past the fishing village of Staithes where the children’s TV series, Old Jack’s Boat was set. Continuing around the sweeping arc of Runswick Bay, we might be lucky enough to spot seals resting on the shore.
What your kids will love: Searching for ammonites at Runswick Bay and along Sandsend Beach.
Option 1 - Roseberry Topping
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 750ft (240m)
Today we’ll conquer Roseberry Topping, sometimes known as ‘the Yorkshire Matterhorn’. Grab a picture at the top and then we’ll be on our way through Hutton Woods to the Guisborough Forest Visitor Centre.
What your kids will love: Conquering the summit of Roseberry Topping and taking in the views – just like a young Captain Cook did before his adventures at sea.
Option 2 - Captain Cook's Monument
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,000ft (300m)
We’ll follow the Cleveland Way to the magnificent viewpoint at the Captain Cook monument. We then descend to the foot of Roseberry Topping and on to the village of Great Ayton.
What your kids will love: Walking in the footsteps of the great explorer Captain James Cook who grew up in the village of Great Ayton.
Option 3 - Roseberry Topping & Great Ayton
Distance: 8.5 miles (15km)
Ascent: 1,300ft (400m)
Our route ascends from near Guisborough to the summit of Roseberry Topping, then continues to the equally impressive viewpoint at the Captain Cook Memorial Monument, a tribute to the renowned explorer.
What your kids will love: Searching for Airy Holme Farm from the top of Roseberry topping, James Cook’s home from the age of seven.
Option 4 - Cleveland Way Circuit
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Ascent: 1,700ft (520m)
On this circular walk from Great Ayton, we’ll ascend through woodland and past Cliff Rigg Quarry to reach the summit of Roseberry Topping before continuing along Cleveland Way to visit the Captain Cook Memorial Monument.
What your kids will love: Learning about Cliff Rigg Quarry and how it was formed around 59 million years ago by hot magma.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Larpool Hall
Given that the Yorkshire coast never loses its capacity to enchant, it’s easy to see the appeal of this Grade II-listed house overlooking the Esk Valley and the North Sea. The setting is perfect; in the former fishing town of Whitby that’s best known for its fish and chips, quaint harbour, and Dracula connections (Irish author Bram Stoker drew his inspiration for his Gothic novel when holidaying here in 1890). You’ll have all the sightseeing greats within walking or driving distance, including the 13th century Whitby Abbey, the wonderful Whitby Sands, and the 199 Steps leading up to the old St. Mary’s Church (it’s customary to count them as you climb). Not only are the North York Moors right on your doorstep, but the walk along Cleveland Way to Robin Hood’s Bay is rather special, too.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Larpool Hall has 29 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers.
We love: The spacious Room 15 on the ground floor for its lovely décor, comfy sofa, large fireplace, and views across the Esk Valley. Room 2 on the first floor offers fabulous views while Room 30 on the second floor has eaves and exposed beams.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
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 InformationAddress
Larpool Hall
Larpool Drive
Whitby
North Yorkshire YO22 4ND
Tel: +44 (0)1947 602737
By train
The nearest station is Whitby.
However, travelling to Scarborough station may be more convenient. Check National Rail for routes and journey times.
By taxi
The two-mile journey from Whitby station takes approximately 10 minutes.
From Scarborough train station, it’s a 21-mile journey, taking 40 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Whitby Taxis directly.
Whitby Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Abbey Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1947 601212
Email: abbeytaxiswhitby@gmail.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Larpool Hall.
*Whitby Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
The 93 and 94 buses run regularly between Scarborough station and Whitby taking around an hour. As you approach Whitby, alight by the Larpool Lane Industrial Estate. From here it’s an 800m walk up Larpool Lane to Larpool Hall. Please note that Larpool Hall's driveway is not lit.
Check Traveline for up-to-date bus information.
By car
There’s a free car park at Larpool Hall if you decide to drive.
The A171 from Teesside and the A169 from Pickering converge at a roundabout about two miles outside Whitby.
After this roundabout and as you approach Whitby, cross another roundabout then turn right at the traffic lights signposted Scarborough. Cross over the River Esk, then immediately turn right into Larpool Lane. Towards the top of the hill, turn into Larpool Drive – you'll see Larpool Hall at the end of this road.
By air
The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport.
Catch the airport bus to Leeds where there are connecting trains to Scarborough taking about 90 minutes.
There’s also Manchester Airport, which is served by a range of long-haul flights. From here, there are trains every hour to Scarborough with one change at Manchester Piccadilly or York. Allow around three hours to reach Scarborough.
Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option but it’ll take you around 4.5 hours to reach Scarborough. From Heathrow first take the Piccadilly line to London Kings Cross station, then connect to Scarborough (with one change at York).
Check National Rail for train information.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
Larpool Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Members save £30 on all prices. Join today! Click here or call us to find out more.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
26 May - 30 May 2025 4 nights |
Family Walks Single from £859 Double from £859 pp |
from £859 pp |
from £859 |
Trip Notes
|
Enquire | |||
|
18 Aug - 22 Aug 2025 4 nights |
Version 2 Single from £859 Double from £859 pp |
from £859 pp |
from £859 |
Trip Notes
|
Enquire | |||
|
25 Aug - 29 Aug 2025 4 nights |
Version 2 Single from £859 Double from £859 pp |
from £859 pp |
from £859 |
Trip Notes
|
Enquire | |||
Important information
Maximum 3 free child places under 11 years per full paying adult price on UK country house stays.
Family rooms are subject to availability. Sole occupancy charges may apply.
Children under 11 go free
Children 11-17 years on (3-night breaks £75pp, 4-night breaks £89pp, 7-night breaks £149pp)
All children's rates are based on sharing a bedroom with one or more adults.
Children under 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult on all walks, though this need not be a parent or guardian
Parents should bring car seats/carriers for children under 3yrs of age, these items can be left on the coach whilst walking.
96Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
