HF Ukulele Mele in the North York Moors
Whether you’re new to the ukulele or keen to polish your playing skills, this holiday strikes the perfect chord. Morning sessions are led by expert tutors, each with their own musical specialism, and split by ability. Beginners enjoy a structured introduction to chords, strumming patterns, and tablature, while advanced players join lively sessions on ensemble playing, rhythmic techniques, and expanding their repertoire. Afternoons and evenings are relaxed and sociable, with plenty of opportunities to get together with fellow players, to share songs, and make music. Please note participants are required to bring their own ukulele and music stand.
What you’ll love
- Guidance from expert tutors
- Meeting and connecting with other ukulele enthusiasts
- Joining morning sessions and learning a variety of new music pieces
- Spending your evenings playing with other musicians
- Practising independently in your free time
- Exploring the local area at your leisure
What’s included
- All sheet music and other resources
- 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
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information available 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.
Check-in at the hotel is available from 16:00. If you are a member you can arrive at the house from 14:00 in 2026. Enjoy a complimentary cream tea at 16:30 and meet other guests.
Each morning, you'll take part in guided music sessions led by our expert HF Leader team, exploring a range of styles and techniques to suit your level and interests. Beginners will build a solid foundation, learning essential chords and strumming patterns before applying them to familiar, well-loved songs in a group setting. Advanced players will dive into more intricate rhythmic work and fingerstyle techniques, with a focus on ensemble playing and musical expression.
Afternoons are yours to enjoy - whether you want to practice at your own pace, relax, or explore the beautiful countryside around the country house.
In the evenings, we’ll gather informally for relaxed jam sessions. Share music, unwind with a drink, and enjoy making music together in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
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.
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, 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.
Food & drink
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.
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.
For the HF Ukulele Mele
As well as your chosen instrument, you should also bring a music stand as these cannot be provided at the country house. You may also wish to bring along some of your own sheet music for the informal evening jam sessions.
For those wishing to use routes from the Discovery Point
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
- First-aid kit
Larpool Hall Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Catherine Embleton
Catherine loves her creative life as a musical performer, conductor and teacher, playing clarinet and saxophone with a variety of ensembles, including dance bands, orchestras and chamber groups. But she gets a big thrill from sharing her passion with others in her role as an expert tutor on our special interest breaks. In recent years Catherine has discovered her second calling as an award winning abstract visual artist.
Ralph Shaw
Ralph has toured widely in the USA, Canada and Australia as “The King of the Ukulele” and now calls Yorkshire home. His wide-ranging repertoire includes music of the 20s, 30s, and 40s, many hilarious originals, folk songs and songs of the 60s, 70s and 80s. His acclaimed performances, ukulele workshops and Ukulele Entertainer books have reached thousands in his 25+ years of performances. He enjoys his role as one of the expert tutors on our special interest breaks.
Pete Arnold
Pete is a multi-instrumentalist, performer and teacher. After several years working as a Headteacher in International Schools in Africa, Pete returned to the UK and, in 2013, fulfilled his dream of opening a music school in his local town. Based in Norfolk, Pete runs a social ukulele group, called Ukaholics Anonymous, and plays in the ukulele jug band, Daisy & The Continentals. He also organises the annual Diss Ukulele Day festival and runs regular workshops in East Anglia. Topics include Blues, Rock & Roll, Swing, Country and Latin ukulele styles.
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
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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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||||||||
|
13 Nov - 16 Nov 2026 3 nights |
Itinerary Single from £509 Double from £479 pp |
from £479 pp |
from £509 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||