Archives: Activities

Lonscale Fell

Lonscale Fell is a relatively small hill (with a 650ml ascent) which often gets included on walks up Skiddaw. Consider enjoying it on its own instead and this route which takes you via Burnt Horse Ridge captures many beautiful views and the chance to see the craggy east side of the fell. It’s a 10km route which is relatively easy and should be no problem with your four-legged friends, with only a few potential hazards on the route.

The Route

The route begins at the car park at the end of Gale Ghyll Road. You head through the gate and turn left along a path which follows a wall. You can simply follow the trail around and go through two gates. At the second gate bear right, heading away from the wall onto a path which descends and expands to track width. As you follow the path, which is part of the Cumbria Way, you’ll soon reach the hillside and the lower slopes of Lonscale Fell.

Head into the river valley, above Glenderaterra Beck and benefit from beautiful views down into the valley. You’ll soon spot a rock marked out on OS 25K maps as a “guide stone” as it features Keswick sketched into its stone and an arrow pointing back along your route. Continue on to the fence and gate.

Rather than going over the gate turn left and follow the path alongside a tumble down the wall, you will soon see a further fence and the option to head up towards the summit or continue into the valley. Follow the old fence along the ridge and be ready for a steep grass climb, to the top of Lonscale Fell. To reach the summit you need to bear left and if you want to see the east side follow a path through a fence you need to step over, although your dog may need to jump up or scrabble under.

Once at the summit you can simply retrace your steps to the fence junction, go through the gate, follow the path down to a boggy col and you’ll find another gate. Once passed through this one you are descending a path along upper Whit Beck which will rejoin the main Skiddaw path. This is where you bear left and will return to the car park.

Recommended For

This walk is a relatively gentle ascent with only occasional need for stepping up or over things. The stiles on the route are dog-friendly so it is a great choice for anyone and their four-legged friend ready for a good three or so hours out and about.

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey North Yorkshire
One of the most celebrated and visited sights on the North Yorkshire coast, the ruins of Whitby Abbey are home to a fascinating history and awe-inspiring to behold.

There has been a monastery or similar on the site since 657 and it formerly held the title of one of the world’s most important religious settlements – in 664 becoming the setting for the Synod of Whitby, a landmark event in the tapestry of the Church of England.

The Abbey was founded in 657 by Oswy, the Saxon King of Northumbria and initially known as Streanshalh and Lady Hild (later Saint Hild the Abbess) offering accommodation for Benedictine monks and nuns.

The building you see today was probably under construction from around 1220 (though the foundation lines of an earlier religious dwelling can also be seen) and the monasteries of Whitby spared no expense when transforming their home into a place of workshop. As such, when finished, it represented some of the finest pieces of early Gothic architecture in Britain.

By the early 19th century, Whitby had gained real popularity as a tourist destination and at the same time, the Abbey ruins became a must-visit spectacle. The author Bram Stoker even visited the area and was later inspired to incorporate the setting into his novel, Dracula (which, when published in 1897, helped Whitby gain even more spooky appeal and literary association).

Modern Day Whitby Abbey

The Abbey ruins today attract visitors in their droves and are a prominent point of the UK’s archaeological significance, offering stunning views out across the North Sea and bustling harbour below from atop the 199 steps. There’s also an interactive visitor’s centre which takes you on a journey through many fascinating artefacts and maritime events, from Anglo-Saxon through to the Medieval ages and you’ll find plenty of places to refuel close by (or a picnic spot within the gardens, if you prefer to dine alfresco) while parts of the grounds can be explored with four legged friends. Plan your visit here.

Whitby Abbey is just a short drive from our North Yorkshire Moors and Coast cottages. Providing the perfect base from which to explore the surrounding scenery and shoreline. 

Peasholm Park

Peasholm Park
Peasholm Park is a picturesque natural space in Scarborough, North Yorkshire and a perfect spot to visit with the whole family, four legged friends included.

Peasholm Park boasts a large lake which comes alive in the summer months and showcases just a small selection of the wonderful wildlife that calls Scarborough home, from the geese and ducks that take to the waters to squirrels scampering up and down the neighbouring canopy.

There are boats for hire and other activities to enjoy, including classic rowing, pedalos and dragon-headed vessels which are particularly popular. There is also a floating bandstand and free concerts to enjoy when the warmer weather arrives.

Relax in Peasholm Park

Peasholm Park in Scarborough is built around a natural glen and stream at its heart. But if you explore further afield, you’ll find stumble upon plenty of interesting spots and sights. Look out for babbling waterfalls and fish filled ponds, one of which is known for its popularity with model sail boat enthusiasts.

During “tourist season”, there are two cafes where hot and cold drinks can be purchased and, of course, ice cream. Plus sandwiches and full meals if wanted. Offering a beautiful spot to sit sipping coffee. Or, if you prefer, you can bring your own picnic. As there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy an afternoon alfresco,

There’s a decorative Oriental theme to the space, with bridges and pathways capturing this style. As well as plenty of wild flowers and trees to look out for, many of which are rare and unusual breeds and an abundance of wildlife,

Peasholm Park is a fabulous spot for a day out and even during the busier spring and summer months, there’s still a quiet spot or two to be found. If you can drag yourself away from our collection of cottages close to Scarborough, that is.

North York Moors Railway

North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A wonderful way to see the surrounding scenery for travellers of all ages.

There are over 550 volunteers working on the North York Moors Railway – ensuring a fantastic experience for the entire family and offering a unique opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of the surrounding countryside.

Hop aboard and enjoy 24 miles of beautiful landscapes, traveling on a genuine heritage steam locomotive as you take a step back in time and explore the many stations along the journey, which have been cleverly themed to represent different stages of history.

The original route was planned by famous engineer George Stephenson and operates in the same way as it did nearly 200 years ago.

There are plenty of things to keep you entertained along the way, including an opportunity to explore the Railway Camping Coach and enjoy an entirely unforgettable meal in the luxurious Pullman Dining Train. There are also special attractions for younger guests, with Peter’s Railway Engineers’ Centre providing plenty of fun and hands on activities, as well as arrival spotting at Grosmont Station.

Another benefit of travelling aboard the North York Moors Railway is the contribution you’re making to the local community, as every ride and associated costs are another step towards the preservation of the railway experience.

Starting at Pickering Station, the rural trail will take you through Levisham, Newtondale, Goathland (which transformed into Hogsmeade in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as well as part of Aidensfield in 1990s drama Heartbeat), Grosmont and finally, Whitby.

Along the route there are plenty of opportunities for adventure, with stations like Levisham offering a chance to spot local wildlife aplenty and stop off at the spectacular Mallyan Spout waterfall and Grosmont serving up a more traditional feel, with on-platform facilities and a chance to explore the running shed.

The North York Moors Railway is one of the most accurate examples of traditional steam travel in the world and a chance to celebrate a huge feat of engineering. Not to mention discover the sheer beauty of our surroundings… and all from the doorstep of our North Yorkshire cottages.

Falling Foss Waterfall and Tea Garden

A beautiful natural waterfall hidden just to the south of Whitby, Falling Foss is a popular yet relatively secluded spot nestled in the North Yorkshire Moors and a lovely place to while away a morning or afternoon.

Falling Foss is accessed via woodland on either side of the villages of Littlebeck and Maybeck. If travelling by car, simply follow the B1416 road and signs for parking at Sneaton Forest Car Park. There is also picnic area nearby, woods to play in and a footpath which takes you to Midge Hall.

Falling Foss Waterfall

The waterfall is 30-foot high and a beautiful attraction after heavy rain and there are many walking routes and mapped trails in the area. Many purposefully bringing walkers to Falling Foss to discover the beauty of the surrounding scenery.

Midge Hall and Falling Foss Tea Gardens

Midge Hall was originally a gamekeeper’s cottage, believed to date back to the 1780’s and is now home to a quaint tearoom. Between the 1960s and 2008 the property was left in ruin, but new owners have brought it back to life and given visitors to Falling Foss another wonderful reason to stick around.

The Falling Foss Hermit

Another local point of interest you can explore is ‘The Hermitage’. Which is just a short walk from the falls. Here, a cave is carved out of a huge bolder and dates from as far back as the 18th century and was once the secluded home of a hermit who foraged in the nearby woodlands.

Falling Foss Waterfall is easily accessible from our North Yorkshire Moors and Coast holiday cottages. Which are the perfect spot from which to explore the stunning surrounding countryside and shoreline.