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Escape to Whitby on the edge of the North York Moors, whose handsome harbour and medieval streets are famously the setting for Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror story, Dracula, and home to the world’s best fish and chips, for a stay in Larpool Hall. It is a town of two parts, with the River Esk carving its way between a huddle of 18th-century fishermen's cottages along its East Cliff and a genteel Victorian suburb atop the West Cliff.
From our country house base, join a guided walking holiday to explore the North York Moors National Park. Alternatively, from the house itself, set out on one of our guided Tread Lightly Walking Holidays to discover the stretch where the North York Moors National Park meets the North Sea, and mixes dramatic clifftops with picturesque fishing villages and towns. The 26 miles of Jurassic Coast offer superb walking. From the clifftops it’s not hard to imagine small fishing boats being tossed about at the mercy of the sea. While inland lie haunting moorland, wooded river valleys, and ruined castles.
While on a walking holiday, you can look forward to exploring the evocative ruins of Whitby Abbey. History buffs can get inspired by learning more about the history of Robin Hood’s Bay and the region’s rich mining past. Foodies can add the catch of the day from Whitby harbour to their wish list. And those interested in wildlife, birds and flowers will be treated to an array of discoveries throughout the year. Read on for our top experiences and walks in the North York Moors.


Introducing Larpool Hall
This imposing Grade II listed Georgian mansion in Whitby has been part of the town for hundreds of years.It 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 large amount of atmosphere and character. Sweep up the magnificent staircase, marvel at the impressive fireplaces, watch through the large picture windows and feel yourself transported. There are also 14 acres of attractive grounds and views over the Esk Valley; you couldn’t be better placed.
Our top five Experiences and Walks in the North York Moors

1. Robin Hood's Bay

2. The Esk Valley

3. The Cleveland Way

4. Roseberry Topping

5. Dark Skies


Wildlife and nature to look for in the North York Moors
- Curlew breed in huge numbers on the North York Moors although they over-wnter in Scandinavia. They use their distinctive long bill to probe the sand for invertebrates, and can be spotted anywhere on the rugged shoreline.
- Dippers nest alongside fast running streams You can spot them on the river Esk near to Whitby. Incredibly, they feed underwater on invertebrates; their bones are solid rather than hollow so they don't float back to the surface.
- Fulmar glide effortlessly above the Jurassic Coast cliffs, and nest on ledges above the sea.
- Oysercatchers with their orange bill and legs are unmistakable. Look out for them probing for mussels on any beach or rocky shore.
- Wheatears arrive from Africa at the end of March and can be spotted zipping over rocky cliffs searching for insects.
- Peregrine falcons can be seen all along the coast, soaring high above the cliffs and preparing to stoop for prey.
- Edible Crabs can grow up to 25cm wide. Look out for them in large rockpools.
- Squat lobsters also live in rockpools like those at Robin Hood's Bay, where they hide in crevices waiting to grab unsuspecting prey while hoping to stay out of sight of larger predators.
- Wood anemone flower between March and May in old woodlands, creating beautiful carpets of colour.
- Early Purple Orchid are the first orchids to appear, between April and June, flowering in woodland clearings or alongside clifftop trails.
- Harebell are delicate, beautiful clifftop plants. Look out for them in grassland from July to September.