3 Night North York Moors Festive Guided Walking Holiday

Larpool Hall

3 nights at an HF Country House

Availability Dec 2026, Dec 2027

One itinerary available

Full Board

Grades 1, 2 & 3 details

110kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£649

pp

Members From

£619

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Whitby might be better known as a summer destination, but the Yorkshire coast never loses its capacity to enchant. Spend the festive season surrounded by the wintry landscapes of the North York Moors with a stay at Larpool Hall – our characterful country house overlooking the Esk Valley and in easy reach of sightseeing greats like Whitby Abbey. We pull out all the stops at this time of year and welcome you with a sprinkling of festive cheer, seasonal food, and plenty of yuletide treats. So wrap up warm and step into Christmas with HF Holidays.

Accommodation

HF Country House
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.
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What You’ll Love

  • Getting into the festive spirit with a guided walking holiday 
  • A choice of winter walks with our experienced HF Holidays Leaders  
  • Discovering the stunning landscapes of North York Moors on foot 
  • Staying in our charming country house near Whitby
  • Enjoying festive fare and leaving all the organising to us 

What's Included

  • En-suite accommodation in our 4-star 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 three guided walks (each walking day) from March to October, and two from November to February.
  • 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

Reviews


Itinerary

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.

Twixmas

Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.

Option 1 - Skinningrove to Staithes

Distance: 6 miles (10km)

Ascent: 950 feet (300m)

In summary: A walk along a section of the coast with glorious views. After exploring the old ironstone-mining village of Skinningrove, we ascend steadily to the highest point on England's east coast before descending to the historic village of Staithes.

Highlight: Staithes is a timeless fishing village with cobbled streets and historic buildings.

 
Option 2 - Old Saltburn to Staithes

Distance: 9 miles (14km)

Ascent: 1,400 feet (440m)

In summary: Starting from Old Saltburn we follow two impressive cliff top sections, part of the England Coast Path, past sculptures called the Charm Bracelet & the Repus, before making our way to Staithes. 

Highlight: The views both ways along the coast from the cliff tops are tremendous.

 
Option 3 - Skelton to Staithes

Distance: 11.5 miles (18km)

Ascent: 1550 feet (475m)

In summary: This walk follows part of the Cleveland Way, one of our National Trails. A delightful woodland section leads us down from the former mining village of Skelton to Old Saltburn before we join the cliff top path to Skinningrove and then Staithes.

Highlight: Look out for the impressive railway viaduct in Skelton Woods. Look up in wonder as you walk beneath it.

Option 1 - Grosmont to Whitby

Distance: 7 miles (11.5km) 

Ascent: 950 feet (300m) 

In summary: The River Esk flows through the North York Moors to the sea at Whitby, carving a tranquil green valley through the high moorland. We'll follow the valley from Grosmont to Larpool Hall. 

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 - Egton Bridge to Whitby

Distance: 8 miles (13km) 

Ascent: 1,000 feet (300m) 

In summary: We start at Egton Bridge and follow an old toll road along the valley towards Grosmont. We'll pass the village of Sleights before ending the walk across the towering Larpool Viaduct. 

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 - Glaisdale to Whitby

Distance: 10 miles (16.5km) 

Total ascent: 1,200 feet (360m) 

In summary: Follow the River Esk from the heart of the national park towards the sea. We'll walk through the ancient woodlands at Arncliffe to the stepping stones of Egton Bridge, then continue downstream past Grosmont to Larpool Halll. 

Highlight: See the Beggar's Bridge and discover the legend of the 17th Century romance between Tom Ferris, a local farmer and Agnes Richardson, the squire's daughter. 

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.

Daily Walk Options

Grade 1 Grade 2

Easier Walks

Walk at a relaxed pace, often spending time at places of interest en-route. Walking experience isn’t necessary as distances are quite short and gradients generally easy.

Grade 3

Medium Walks

Walks follow well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough or steep in sections and will require reasonable fitness.

Accommodation

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.

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, HF Holidays Inter-House Quiz night held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided waking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.

Walks talks 
Our HF Holidays walk leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on guided walking holiday arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s guided walks (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.  

The walking day
Prior to setting off on guided 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. 

You are welcome to check in from 4pm at the earliest. HF Members can check in earlier, from 2pm. 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. Check out 10am.

  •  29 well-appointed guest rooms  •  Exclusive occupancy: 42 guests minimum  •  Check in from 4:00pm • For members check in from 2:00pm • Free Wi-Fi  •  Free on-site parking  •  Local launderette available in town • Boot room and drying room  •  Travel cot & 2 high chairs  •  Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks  •  Books and games to borrow  •  Licensed bar  •  Lounge  •  Garden  •  Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point Visit England - Guest Accommodation

Seasonal dining, tailored for you

Our team of skilled chefs design our dinner menus to showcase the best of each season, from warming winter comfort food to vibrant summer dishes, including vegetarian, vegan  and high-protein options. We also source fruit and vegetables within a  40-mile radius of each house, open every break with a Chef’s Special menu inspired by dishes and flavours of the local area, and are able to adapt dishes to suit special dietary requirements.

Welcome Cream Tea

What better way to start your stay than with a cream tea, served fresh on arrival to make you feel instantly at home.  A quintessentially English tradition, our scones are baked in-house and served with preserves and clotted cream, providing the perfect opportunity to meet fellow walkers.

A hearty breakfast to start the day

Start the day with a freshly-prepared cooked breakfast  and a wide choice from our continental buffet, including  hot drinks, juices and fresh fruit. Our team offer a quick  and friendly service, leaving you fuelled and ready for your day’s adventures.

Our famous picnic lunch

Our personalised picnic lunches are perfect for a day out walking, ready to enjoy when hunger strikes. Choose from a large selection of fresh sandwiches and salads, freshly baked cakes and snacks, including the ever-popular Freddos chocolate bar! Everything is designed to fit neatly into your rucksack, and all of the packaging we provide is recyclable or compostable.

3-course evening meals

Our à la carte evening menus feature a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, made with seasonal ingredients and, wherever possible, herbs and vegetables from our own gardens. Shared around sociable tables, dinners are relaxed occasions, with drinks available to order at the table or from the bar, and a traditional Sunday roast to round off the week.

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. 

 

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 

For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Larpool Hall

Getting here

Address

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. 

More Information

Walking safety

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Packing list - UK Guided Walking

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  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles

Carbon Footprint - 110kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

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Code: WBY03-XFW03

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Dates & availability

3 Night North York Moors Festive Guided Walking Holiday

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. You can join during booking process. Read more about membership

2026

27 Dec - 30 Dec 2026

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£649

pp

Members

£619

pp
Single rooms

£679

pp

£649

pp

2027

27 Dec - 30 Dec 2027

3 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£669

pp

Members

£639

pp
Single rooms

£699

pp

£669

pp
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent & group bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

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