We are fortunate to live within a magnificent landscape, and Westerdale is surrounded by superb walking country.

 

You can set off on foot from the cottage garden to pick up the Esk Valley walk, but if you prefer to go further afield by car here are a few ideas:-

 

Hutton - le - Hole

 

Hutton le Hole is a very picturesque village with a beck running through it and sheep grazing between the cottages. Here you will find shops, tea rooms and the Crown Hotel which serves food. The Ryedale Folk Museum is worth a visit to see life on the moors in days gone by.

 

The road to Hutton takes you past the Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge, famed for its warm welcome, atmospheric rooms and its remoteness. When it snows here in winter it might mean that you cant leave!!! Food is served here everyday from 12 noon until 10 pm

 

The North York Moors National Park has The Moors Centre at Danby which is about 20 mins from the cottage. You can spend time here as well as picking up some information about lots of local walks and activities.

 

      *Exhibitions, tearooms and outdoor play area*

 

 

 

 

 

                                                     

                                                        

 

The pretty and historic harbour town of Whitby is on the coast to the east of Westerdale. This is a popular destination for visitors all year round with its shops, wide range of restaurants , pier and boat trips out to sea. Whitby is famed for its connections to the novel Dracula and the author Bram Stoker and the Goth Weekends are a popular occasion for Goths and non-Goths!   The remains of Whitby Abbey stand on the headland - accessed by the famous 199 steps. After this climb you can reward yourself with fish and chips  - fresh fish is caught by the local fishermen. Dont go home without your Whitby  Glass Lucky Duck!! or some Whitby jet.

 

 

                                                                                                          

 

"Heartbeat" country lies between us and Whitby. Visit the village of Goathland and you will be transported to the village of "Aidensfield" complete with Aidensfield Arms and Mr Scripts garage from the famous series.  The North York Moors steam railway passes through Goathland.

 

Other lovely seaside villages to visit include Staithes, Robin Hoods Bay and Sandsend. To the north there is the Victorian seaside town of Saltburn, famous for smugglers in days gone by, while to the south of Whitby is the large seaside resort of Scarborough with beaches, shops and amusements.

 

If you fancy a day cycling, there is cycle hire at Dalby Forest, Thornton le Dale (near Pickering). Ride around miles of specially created trails in a glorious forest setting.   

 

Historic York is about 1 hours drive south - besides fantastic architecture, museums and shopping, you will find The Yorvik Viking Museum, York Dungeons, river walks and boat rides and much more. How about a day at the races?

 

Flamingo Land Zoo and Theme Park  is about 45 minutes drive to the south (at Kirby Misperton, near Malton). Fantastic rides!