7 Night North York Moors Family Walking Adventure
It’s easy to see the appeal of our family holidays in Whitby. Famous for its showstopping abbey, Dracula connections, and seriously good fish and chips, this seaside stalwart has plenty to please. Hunt for fossils on the sands of West Cliff Beach, explore the ghostly ruins of Whitby Abbey, and climb to the top of Roseberry Topping for epic views over the Yorkshire Coast. 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
- 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, 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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival.
Option 1 - Ravenscar to Robin Hood's Bay
Distance: 3½ miles (6km)
Total ascent: 400 feet (120m)
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 - Hawsker to Whitby
Distance: 7 miles (11km)
Ascent: 1,100 feet (360m)
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 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 to Whitby
Distance: 8½ miles (14km)
Ascent: 1,800 feet (560m)
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
Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km)
Ascent: 2,000 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 to Danby
Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)
Ascent: 400 feet (120m)
In summary: Starting in the village of Castleton we join the Esk Valley Way through Danby Park before ending our walk at The Moors Centre at Danby Lodge.
Highlight: Take time to explore the Moors Centre and learn more about the National Park.
Option 2 - Castleton Rigg to Danby
Distance: 6 miles (10km)
Ascent: 700 feet (220m)
In summary: Starting 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 - Danby Rigg
Distance: 9½ miles (15.5km)
Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m)
In summary: From Castleton we make our way across fields and Danby Rigg to reach Little Fryup Dale. We continue via Danby Crag before crossing the River Esk to arrive at the pretty village of Houlsyke. After a short, sharp ascent will bring us to a quiet road and track from where we will enjoy splendid views of the Esk Valley before descending to The Moors Centre.
Highlight: Look out for the standing stones, cairns and long barrows on Danby Rigg - evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age.
Option 4 - Atop the Moors
Distance: 10 miles (16.5km)
Ascent: 1,800 feet (540m)
In summary: Explore the moors above the Esk Valley. From Castleton we will take in Westerdale Moor, Castleton Rigg punctuated by tranquil green valleys, we then follow Danby Dale back to the Moors Centre.
Highlight: Enjoy sweeping views from the top of the moors over the national park, and down the Esk Valley towards Whitby.
Discover more about Larpool Hall and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
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: From Goathland station we cross moorland & farmland to reach 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 through 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 moorland path across Howl Moor back down to Goathland.
Highlight: Walk in the footsteps of Romans & Bronze Age residents of the moors with superb views in all directions.
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 - Roseberry Topping
Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)
Ascent: 750 feet (240m)
In summary: We start our walk in Newton under Roseberry, following the trail up through Newton Wood onto the summit of Roseberry Topping. We then descend into Hutton woods following the trail to Pinchinthorpe.
Highlight: Reaching the summit of Roseberry Topping 'the Yorkshire Matterhorn' and taking in the views.
Option 2 - Captain Cook's Monument
Distance: 7 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: 8½ miles (14km)
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)
Ascent: 1,700 feet (520m)
In summary: From Great Ayton ascend past Cliff Rigg quarry through mixed woodland to reach the summit of Roseberry Topping, then continue along the Cleveland Way to visit Captain Cook’s Monument before returning to Great Ayton.
Highlight: Soak up the sweeping panorama over Teesside and the surrounding countryside; a great contrast of natural and man-made landscapes.
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, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surrounds. 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, and comfortable mattresses.
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 |
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 InformationEssential 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, preferably insulated
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat (or sunhat)
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- A small torch
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone and portable charger
- Watch
- 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
- Spare pair of socks
- Energy snacks
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles, useful for descents
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Gaiters
- Blister kit
- Waterproof rucksack liner
- Head torch
- GPS device
Larpool Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
26 Jul - 02 Aug 2024 7 nights |
Family Walks Single from £1,285 Double from £1,285 pp |
from £1,285 pp |
from £1,285 |
Trip Notes | Enquire | |||
|
02 Aug - 09 Aug 2024 7 nights |
Family Walks Single from £1,285 Double from £1,285 pp |
from £1,285 pp |
from £1,285 |
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 7-night breaks £99pp for 2023 and £109pp for 2024
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
7 nights
from
£1,285pp
Under 11s go free
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here
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