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
- Open-top bus tour with fish and chips
- 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
You're welcome to check-in to your room from 2:30 p.m. onwards (upgraded rooms from 1 p.m.) Please join us for afternoon tea.
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 - 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 & Whitby
Distance: 6 miles (9½km)
Total ascent: 950 feet (300m)
In Summary: After time exploring Robin Hood’s Bay, our coach takes us to the village of Hawsker. A track from here joins the coastal path which we follow to Whitby. We'll pass the iconic ruins of the Abbey, before descending the steps to the harbour.
Highlight: The ruins of Whitby Abbey stand prominantly on the headland above the harbour. Discover how this dramatic setting inspired Bram Stoker's gothic novel Dracula.
Option 3 - 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
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 - 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.
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 whole shed-load 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.
At the house
- Excellent boot and drying rooms
- Lounge with a central dance floor
- Two additional lounges
- Bar
- Outside terrace
- Dining room
- Range of board games and books
- Free WiFi available in public rooms
- Extension views from the front of the house across the esk Valley
- Gardens include a putting green and croquet lawn
Dining
All holidays at our Country Houses are full board accommodation including an evening meal on arrival to breakfast on the day of your departure. All of our Country Houses have a well-stocked bar serving local beers, wine and spirits.
- Start your day with our extensive breakfast.
- Take your fill from our famous self-service picnic lunches
- A relaxed social dinner is a highlight of any stay at our Country Houses
Your evenings
Just relax and take it easy, or if you'd like to continue to chat with our guides and fellow guests then why not grab a drink or take part in one of our optional evening activities.
All of our bars are stocked with locally sourced drinks so you can really soak up your surroundings.
Additional information
- Fire procedure is displayed in each room and explained to guests on arrival. Guests requiring assistance at an evacuation are identified at this time and door hanger cards are issued
- Mobile phone reception is generally good from the main building
- Assistance dogs accompanying visually or hearing impaired guests are welcome; dogs must be kept on a lead or harness at all times
- Information can be provided in large print
- Staff have received disability awareness training
- Special diets can be catered for. Specialist food can be obtained with prior notice
- Hired equipment can be arranged for your stay with prior notice
- Fridge for medication can be supplied
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, larger television, enhanced toiletries and a fluffy bathrobe & slippers – upgrade your stay for just an extra £15-20 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 InformationWhat to Bring
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 and prices are subject to change.
Non-member associate fee: £10 per person.
Holiday Prices
| Date (Start - End) | Version | Price | Status | Trip Notes | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | |||||
| 13 Apr - 17 Apr | 2019 Itinerary | £539 | Under 18s Go Free - Call To Book 020 3974 8865 | Book Now | |
| 18 Aug - 22 Aug | 2019 Itinerary | £586 | Under 18s Go Free - Call To Book 020 3974 8865 | Book Now | |