Our country houses - Larpool Hall

For beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, the Yorkshire coast never loses its capacity to enchant. So it’s easy to see the appeal of this Grade II-listed Georgian mansion just 1.5 miles from Whitby – the idyllic former fishing town that’s adored 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). Here’s what makes a stay at Larpool Hall so special.

Built in 1780s on a site dating back to Norman times, the three-storey Larpool Hall was first owned by Sir Jonathan Lacey – a Whitby ropemaker turned shipbuilder who operated a shipyard on the estate. It was later purchased by King George III’s physician, Dr John Turton, whose role in delivering babies had made him a favourite courtier of Queen Charlotte.  

The house remained in the family thereafter. His descendent, Sir Edmund Russborough Turton, 1st Baronet and Conservative Party politician, sold the house to the National Children’s Home in in 1919 and it provided residential care to boys up to the age of 16 until 1968. It was converted into a hotel in 1986 and has been part of our HF Holidays line-up since 1998.   

Nowadays, there’s no shortage of period grandeur to marvel at; from the grand mahogany staircase to the open-arched porch, original doorway, and Ionic column Venetian staircase window. 

Open March to November and during the festive season, Larpool Hall has 29 well-appointed guest rooms in three categories (Classic, Premium, and Superior), some of which blend contemporary design flourishes with original features such as fireplaces and exposed ceiling beams. You’ll find a comfortable lounge, dining room, licenced bar, boot and drying room, and 14 acres of lovely grounds. There’s also a Discovery Point offering a wide range of easy-to-follow routes, maps, and local information for self-guided walks. 

You’ll have all the sightseeing greats within walking or driving distance, including the 13th century Whitby Abbey, Whitby Sands, and the 199 Steps leading up to the old St. Mary’s Church (it’s customary to count them as your climb). You’ll also have the North York Moors on your doorstep – the national park that covers 554 square miles and has 26 miles of coastline and 1,408 miles of footpaths. Some of our favourite walks include Cleveland Way to Robin Hood’s Bay, Goathland to Grosmont, Runswick Bay to Staithes, and around Danby Dale, Botton Village, Roseberry Topping, and Captain Cooks Monument.

Whether you’re enjoying one of our guided or self-guided walking holidays, there’s plenty to see and do within easy travelling distance of Larpool Hall. Here’s some of our favourites:  

Whitby Abbey: as one of the most atmospheric attractions along the Yorkshire coastline, this looming clifftop landmark was founded by the Saxon King of Northumbria in AD657. It can be reached by climbing the famous 199 steps and it’s well worth the effort for the views. 

Whitby Whalebone Arch: as a nod to Whitby’s whaling industry heritage in the 18th and 19th centuries, a huge whale bone arch was erected on West Cliff in 1853. Nowadays, it’s an irresistible photo opportunity although this version is not the original and dates from 1963. 

Whitby Harbour West Lighthouse: of the two lighthouses at the mouth of the River Esk, this taller tower was built in 1831. Open to the public during the summer months only, there’s 81 steps leading all the way up to the lantern room. A small entrance fee applies. 

North Yorkshire Moors Railway: running for 24 miles from Pickering to Whitby, this scenic rail route takes just under two hours. The historic stations are well worth a visit, especially Goathland which was transformed into Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone. 

Staithes: only a 20-minute drive away, this pretty fishing village was the home of Royal Navy captain and explorer, Captain James Cook. Must-dos include exploring the cobbled streets, spending time at Staithes Gallery, and taking a stroll down to the scenic harbour. 

Scarborough & Stephen Joseph Theatre: as Britain’s very first theatre in the round, this iconic performance space was established by stage director Stephen Joseph in 1955 and moved to its current home in 1976. The building has two auditoria: the 404-seater Round and the 165-seater McCarthy. 

Rydale Folk Museum: this open-air museum is set in over six acres in Hutton le Hole – a pretty village just under an hour’s drive away. There are approximately 40,000 objects on display in over 20 rescued and restored buildings, all of which relate to historic North Yorkshire life. 

Castle Howard: probably best known as the location for the TV series Brideshead Revisited, construction of this grand stately home started in 1699 and took 100 years to complete. Highlights include the year-round exhibitions and the sumptuous gardens with ponds and fountains.