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Tucked away in the sheep-dotted hills of the North Yorkshire Moors, The Forge and neighbouring Seaview Cottage had fallen into disrepair when purchased by Cottage Escapes in 2016, but a whirlwind few years of hard work have resulted in a total transformation.

Here, owners The Durbin family talks about the inspiration and determination behind bringing a former blacksmith forge and lodge near the picturesque village of Staithes back from near dilapidation and what lead them to turn a series of stunning stone-built cottages into two marvellously welcoming homes for four, complete with spectacular views overlooking the rolling countryside and out to sea.

What lead you to The Forge and Seaview Cottage?

Happy co-incidence. Our builder lived next door, so logistically it seemed the ideal development for us – mainly because of the stunning views out over Staithes and across the Yorkshire coast. The Cottage had previously been occupied, albeit untouched for some 40 years, and the Forge was an open vacant space full of old tools and materials. Effectively, it was a blank canvas, so we could completely start from scratch, creating two characterful and modern properties inside a very old stone skin.

What did the restoration entail?

Both properties needed completely stripping, a new roof, flooring and major wall repairs – and that was just to get the basic shell in good order.  New water, electric and sewerage systems and drains were needed, on top of the creation of the outside terraces and building new external stonewalling to match the properties.

Was this your first cottage restoration?

Since 2007, we’ve been building our unique portfolio of holiday cottages, which began to take shape when we purchased a very sad and dilapidated flat in central Keswick. With the help of our loyal team of skilled tradesmen, we fully refurbished the flat and transformed it into our very own Marley’s Den.

Today, we have built a collection of luxury self-catering cottages that’ll provide you with anything but ordinary. Every property is owned by Cottage Escapes and has undergone extensive development and refurbishment to a create fabulous retreat with every convenience for our guests.

What advice would you give to anyone thinking of taking on a similar restoration?

Work with an architect and builder who are used to doing that type of development work. Make sure the property plans show all the right boundaries and ownership and rights of way and alike are all fully understood. Make sure the infrastructure can be delivered to the site if not already in situ. Prepare for a lengthy project – costing more than you had expected, if you want a superb job at the end of it all. But don’t skimp towards the final stages and spoil all the hard work that’s been done.

What projects are you working on at the moment?

We are very excited to be completing three additional barn conversions at Thirley Cotes Farm, near Scarborough later this year. These will complement our five existing properties at the farm, which are already proving very popular. When complete, we will have the capacity to accommodate 42 guests across the site.

All the cottages at Thirley Cotes Farm are conversions of 1850s old stone barns and have been furnished to a very high standard, complete with outside terraces and private hot tubs in a beautifully peaceful location just a stone’s throw from Harwood Dale.

Tell us a little bit about Cottage Escapes

Cottage Escapes is not a holiday cottage agency, nor a cottage listing website; at Cottage Escapes we do things very differently. We bridge the gap between traditional and modern; purchasing and restoring beautiful period properties to their former glory, with the addition of the latest amenities and facilities, and the style and privacy of English countryside and coastal living.

Each of our properties is brought back to its original beauty and taken to the next level by our team of architects, designers and talented professionals, who are involved at every stage. After all, who wants to settle for off-the-shelf, when you can experience off-the-charts. From cosy Lake District hideaways suitable for couples, groups and families to Thirley Cotes Farm in the North Yorkshire Moors; accommodating up to 28 people, across five cottages, with five private hot tubs to match, Cottage Escapes have something for everyone.

It was a long to-do list, but The Forge and Seaview Cottage are open for bookings for 2020 and 2o21! Another of our recent restorations, Pear Tree Cottage is also open for bookings, as well as brand new Mulberry and Walnut Cottage.

If you’re interested in booking a stay at one of these stunning self-catering holiday cottages and would like to find out more, browse our North Yorkshire cottages collection or call 01723 871782 to speak to a member of the Cottage Escapes team who can assist you.

It goes without saying that North Yorkshire is a hiker’s paradise, with its sweeping bays, world famous moorlands and epic coastline and we think it’s only fair that our four-legged friends get to explore too.

Whether you want to let them run like the wind or pop into a few pooch-welcoming establishments along the way, here are some of our favourite dog friendly walks across the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast.

Runswick Bay

With its red roofed cottages, Runswick Bay is one of the North Yorkshire Coast’s prettiest destinations. The beautiful beach, which once provided anchorage for fishing boats, is now a family favourite for fossil hunting and rock pooling and it’s a great place for swimming, if you don’t mind towelling down before you get back in the car. Admire the breath-taking sea views at Kettleness Point, before making your way along the golden sand and onto the rocks (if you’re feeling adventurous) or head to the picturesque village and pay a visit to The Royal Hotel, which is dog friendly inside and out.

Flamborough Head

This beautiful three-mile circular coastal walk between Filey and Bridlington Bay takes you on a mini-tour of spectacular scenery, epic chalk cliffs and a lighthouse (or two) and there’s plenty of space for a good run.

Staithes

Get some North Sea air on this 4-mile circular walk around the Yorkshire Heritage Coast. Set off from Staithes harbour, weaving in and out of the winding alleys, cobbled streets and harbourside cottages, before you take the Cleveland Way National Trust Trail up to Port Mulgrave and enjoy the wonderful coastal views. You can let your loyal companion loose to run ahead through the fields and woodland by the small hamlet of Dalehouse and if you’re thirsty, pop into The Cod and Lobster or The Royal George for a quick pint, they love dogs.

Clay Bank

This 3-mile woodland route in the Cleveland Hills offers lots of space to run and incredible views across the Cleveland plain, with landmarks like Roseberry Topping and the Captain Cook Monument in the distance. Why not stop to recharge at Greenhow Plantation, where you can escape the sun and let loose for much of the route. Thirsty? Make the short walk to The Buck Inn in Chop Gate, it’s the only pub in the area.

Newtondale Circular

Discover the beauty of the North York Moors and wander across Newtondale. Begin at Levisham Station, which has been restored to look like it did in 1912, then take the Station Walk along the rail track and through forests overflowing with ferns and grasses. Head past Kale Pot Hole Farm, where you can spot Skelton Tower across and up to Raper’s Farm Picnic Place, where you can enjoy incredible views of the valley below. Feel free to roam free, but you’ll need to pop your four-legged friend back on the lead when you pass the farm. Take the short walk down into Levisham and nip into The Horseshoe Inn for a well-deserved refuel. It’s a dog-friendly pub complete with water bowls and treats.

The perfect holiday is one that all the family can enjoy together, which is why all of our properties in North Yorkshire are pet friendly. Whether it’s a swim in the sea or exploring the surrounding countryside, you’ll never have to leave your loyal companion behind when you book a stay at one of our cottages dotted along the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast.

Filey is the perfect place for those who enjoy a gentler pace of life; a little off the beaten track and all the better for it.

With its glorious sweep of soft golden sand, Filey beach is one of the best in the country and it’s so spacious that no matter how busy it gets, it’s never crowded.

It’s also the perfect place to explore the North Yorkshire coast by foot or boat, fly a kite, build a sandcastle or maybe do a spot of bird watching. Come spring, you even may find yourself face to face with a snoozing seal. While in summer, porpoise sightings are aplenty.

The town is full of gentle pleasures, with its Edwardian architecture, quirky shops and intriguing museums and why not follow it up with a trip to the much-loved Coble Landing – a stunning slipway packed full of spectacular maritime sights and activities.

Take a look at our selection of cottages on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast, which are perfectly placed if you’re looking to explore fabulous Filey.

It’s probably one of the most photographed locations on the North Yorkshire Coast and no trip to this part of the world is complete without a trip to Robin Hoods Bay.

The mosaic on the parapet wall overlooking the sea is believed to be one of the longest in the country and depicts a timeline of events in the area, from the Jurassic period to the present day. Including fossils, shipwrecks, storms, fishing and wildlife and offering a chance to discover a smugglers lair. While this corner of the coast has a strong literary heritage, too.

Writer Leo Walmsley grew up here and his Bramblewick series is set in the town and is also the eastern end of Alfred Wainwright’s famous 190-mile Coast to Coast walk. Not to mention a popular stopping off point for those walking the Cleveland Way. And if you’re visiting the coast over the winter months, the festive Victorian Weekend in early December is well worth a visit.

Make sure you have plenty of energy, as the steep street snaking down from the clifftop to the beach at the bottom (lined with quaint shops and cafes) seems even steeper on the way back up.

Take a look at our selection of cottages close to Robin Hoods Bay, perfect for an opportunity to discover a smugglers lair and make the most of your escape to North Yorkshire.

From fish and chips atop the 199 steps to strolls through the ruins of the cliff-top Abbey, if you’re looking for things to do on the North Yorkshire Coast, there is plenty to keep you busy. Which is why we’ve pulled together the Cottage Escapes’ guide to Whitby.

Nestled along the beautiful coastline of the Yorkshire Moors National Park, this former fishing port exudes supernatural splendour and played a key part in the creation of one the most iconic Gothic novels in cultural history; Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Twice a year, hordes of black-clad enthusiasts descend on the town for the mysterious Whitby Goth Weekend and for those of a nautical persuasion, the famous whalebone arch atop of Whitby’s West Cliff is an iconic symbol of the angling industry that once thrived there.

Whitby Abbey

Looming over the town from high above on the East Cliff, Bram Stoker was so taken by the gorgeously spectral 13th-century ruin of Whitby Abbey that it inspired him to write Dracula. More recently it has been named Britain’s Most Romantic Ruin, where visitors can walk among the crumbled church and even touch the old stones, admire the stunning panoramas across the harbour, and, for those wanting to explore the Abbey’s full history, head to the visitors’ centre, which is housed in a nearby 17th-century mansion.

Fortune’s Kippers

Fortune’s has been making kippers at this little smokehouse since 1872 and still turns out some of Britain’s best. They’re on the breakfast menu across Whitby, but at Fortune’s you can buy them (along with smoked bacon) and peek inside the charred smoking room where the kippers hang – which can be smelt long before being seen.

Captain Cook Memorial Museum

This fascinating museum occupies the house of the ship owner with whom Cook began his seafaring career. Highlights include the attic where Cook lodged as a young apprentice, Cook’s own maps and letters, etchings from the South Seas and a wonderful model of the Resolution, with the crew and stores all laid out for inspection. Cook lived in Whitby for nine years and later returned to have all three of his voyage ships built in the dockyards.

Whitby Goth Weekends (Spring and Autumn)

Whitby’s Goth Weekends attract more than 8000 visitors biannually and are held in late April/early May and late October/early November (around Halloween). Expect live gigs, events and the Bizarre Bazaar, alongside traders selling Gothic apparel, jewellery, art and music.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway

If you fancy venturing further into God’s Own Country, why not book a seat on a heritage steam train. It trundles past the North York Moors National Park – which is filled with patches of purple heather in the summer – from Whitby to the market town of Pickering.

Bram Stoker’s Memorial Seat

The Bram Stoker memorial seat is on Khyber Pass. Look for the bench furthest from the Whale Bone Arches – which is more battered than the rest. From here, you can see all the Whitby-based settings depicted in the novel.

Whitby Jet Heritage Centre

At the bottom of the 199 steps lies a museum housing the remains of Whitby’s last Victorian jet workshop. Discover original tools and history of this local fossilised gemstone and ensue the rise of the 19th-century cottage manufacturing industry it spawned.

Prevalent as far back as the Roman Empire, jet has for centuries been used to fashion amulets and talismans and was believed to hold magical powers that ward off evil. A fitting emblem for gothic Whitby.

Whitby Brewery

Set in a converted barn beneath the towering arches of Whitby Abbey, there’s just enough room inside the little microbrewery and tap room for three tables. Half the space is taken up by a gloriously incongruous Edwardian bar – behind which the bartender is well and truly trapped – and there’s a short selection of craft ales and extra seating out front.

Whitby Beach 

Whitby Sands, stretching west from the harbour mouth, offers donkey rides, ice-cream vendors and bucket-and-spade escapades, though the sand is mostly covered at high tide. The beach can be reached on a path from Whitby Pavilion or from West Cliff via the cliff lift – an elevator that has been in service since 1931.

Don’t forget to follow our guide to Whitby when joining us for a stay on the North Yorkshire Coast.

There’s more to Cumbria than stunning views and vast bodies of water.

Sure, those are the main draws, but nestled amongst the mountainous terrain is a bevy of brilliant eateries, watering holes, museums and historic buildings. Look out for Wordsworth’s old home, the last working mine in the country and gingerbread made to a 160-year-old recipe, to name but a few.

Here are 7 things to tick off your list next time you explore this fascinating part of the world – to help make sure you make the most of your trip to the Lake District.

Lark about on Lake Windermere

Stretching for more than 10 miles between Ambleside and Newby Bridge, Windermere is not only the largest lake in the Lake District – it’s the largest lake anywhere in England. The main focus of attention is touristy Bowness-on-Windermere, where you can brave the quayside crowds before catching a scenic boat trip around the lake and its 18 islands.

Unleash your inner poet

The illustrious whitewashed cottage near Grasmere was William Wordsworth’s first home in the Lake District. Now owned by the Wordsworth Trust, it is full of memorabilia, including the poets ice-skates, passport, a pair of reading glasses and a portrait of one of his favourite dogs, Pepper, given to him as a present by Sir Walter Scott. At the back of the cottage is Wordsworth’s ‘domestic slip of mountain’ and the half-wild garden where he liked to sit and compose poetry.

Tour the Lakes Distillery

The Lakes Distillery is a relative newbie to the scene, having only opened in 2014, but it’s fast becoming a go-to- destination in Cumbria. Tours and tastings run daily and at the weekend you can meet their resident alpacas. There’s also a fully-stocked shop, should you want to take a little something home. Need to soak up some of that booze? There’s a decent little restaurant here, too.

Go on a rabbit hunt

A farmhouse in Near Sawrey is where Beatrix Potter created some of her best-known stories. She bought the house in 1905 (funded largely by royalties from her first book, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny) and bequeathed it to the National Trust following her death in 1943. Potter scholars will spot many features from the author’s illustrations – including Mrs Tiggywinkle’s kitchen and Mr MacGregor’s cottage garden.

Sample the Local Tucker

Victorian baker Sarah Nelson, who once lived in the cottage, came up with the concoction there in 1854. This delicate, spiced, wonderfully chewy gingerbread has been a big seller ever since, and you can only get it from a few select places. Our recommendations would be the shop, naturally, or the Wordsworth Hotel next door, where you can sit down and enjoy your gingerbread with a cuppa.

Stroll around the shores of Derwentwater

Keswick’s fortunes were founded on graphite and slate-mining, but this busy market town is now chiefly worth visiting for its handsome location beside Derwentwater, said to be Beatrix Potter’s favourite lake. Cruisers putter across the lake from the jetties beside Hope Park, or there are traditional wooden rowing boats if you want to explore at your own pace.

Saunter to Castlerigg Stone Circle

From the centre of Keswick it’ll take you roughly half an hour to walk to the circle. Look out for grazing sheep while you’re at it; they roam freely around the stone circle. If you’re after something free and family or dog-friendly, this is a good option. Plus, the Stone Circle has a solar alignment, so head along for summer solstice – it’s one of the more tranquil midsummer celebrations.

If you want to make the most of your trip to the Lake District, we have a collection of holiday cottages across Cumbria, in locations including Keswick, Threlkeld and Windermere.

Welcome to Britain’s oldest seaside resort.

Folks have been holidaying on the East Yorkshire coast since the 1700s, when the bourgeois flocked to bathe in its healing spa waters and reminders of the town’s opulent heyday can be seen in its grand crescents, architecture, parks and concert spaces. The best things to do in Scarborough are certainly a jump in the past; but nowadays, you’ll find water parks, markets and amusement arcades peppered in-between.

In short, it’s the perfect seaside spot, where donkey rides and ice cream sundaes meet craft beer and cutting-edge theatre. Here’s some of the best things see and do in Scarborough.

The Scarborough Fair Collection

For a great British seaside nostalgia trip, take a whirl on a merry-go-round that looks ripped from a scene in Mary Poppins, ride the dodgems, try your luck in the penny arcade and ogle at the old-school cars and buses, some of which date back to the 1920’s. Don’t miss out on afternoon tea in the ballroom to the sounds of a Wurlitzer organ, for the cherry on top of this wonderfully twee cake.

Scarborough Castle

As well as the remains of a 12th century fortification developed by Henry II and King John, you’ll find Iron Age settlements, a Roman signal station, medieval chapel and stunning views of the town’s north and south bays on this cliff top fortress, where you can look around the Master Gunner’s House, which is full of fascinating prehistoric artefacts.

Scarborough Beach

You’ll find all the amusements you could ask of a former Victorian pleasure beach on the South Bay. Take a donkey ride, hit up the amusement arcades, stroll down the promenade and watch the boats coming in and out of the harbour. Head to the wilder, rockier North Bay to beat the crowds, explore pools and take pictures of the colourful beach huts. Arrive on the stands in style in the Cliff Lift, the oldest funicular railway in the country.

Rotunda Museum

This gorgeous space is packed full of natural history and one of the best things to see and do in Scarborough. Check out the Speeton Plesiosaur skeleton – a marine reptile from the lower Cretaceous period, dinosaur footprints found on East Yorkshire’s dino coast and the gnarly skeleton of the bronze-age Gristhorpe man.

Scarborough Market Hall

Pick up weird and wonderful curios in the Vault’s Authentique, get your mitts on beautiful handmade glassware in Gekoglass, stock up on jars of locally-sourced raw honey at The Honeycomb Shop, stop for a flat white at the Scarborough Coffee Company, and be sure to keep an eye on their programme of events and live music.

St Mary’s Church and Anne Bronte’s Grave

There’s a steep climb to the church’s hilly spot overlooking the old town, but it’s worth it for a snoop around the picturesque interior filled with beautiful stained glass. Get an eyeful of some fantastic sea views from the church yard and see if you can find the grave of Anne Bronte, the youngest of the famous literary clan. The Bronte sisters are practically royalty around these parts, so don’t miss the chance to pay your respects to the only one of the three sisters buried outside of their hometown of Howarth.

Scarborough Spa

Seeing The Spa Orchestra play in this magical spot is real treat and another of the best things to see and do in Scarborough. At 106 years old, they are the last surviving professional seaside orchestra. Their repertoire of classical ditties, Viennese waltzes, operettas and popular Victorian songs is totally unique, as well as being set to the lulling accompaniment of breaking waves.

Scarborough Brewery

Head to one of the regular beer festivals to guzzle down tasty pints, including their Citrusy golden ale Sealord and refreshingly fruity pale session beer Trident, while listening to live music on the brewery floor. Look out for brewery tours to really get to know the place.

Scarborough Art Gallery

Check out Leeds artist John Atkinson Grimshaw’s beautiful seascapes, works by Frederic Lord Leighton and Frank Brangwyn and the gallery’s brilliant contemporary print works from the Printmakers Council’s permanent archive. Look out for super-informative temporary exhibitions, which have ranged from explorations of Scarborough’s Victorian pleasure beach past to displays on women in WWII.

Stephen Joseph Theatre

This intimate space will forever be tied to Alan Ayckbourn, one of Britain’s most-loved playwrights, who began working for Joseph in 1957 and was artistic director here from 1972 to 2009. Bask in the glory of this lovely little place’s history and revel in its cutting-edge programme filled with fresh writing and steeped in local pride.

Harbour Bar

Owner Giulian Alonzi, who was born and raised in the flat above the shop, churns 500 litres of ice cream an hour – and it’s some of the tastiest in Yorkshire. Tuck into a pastel-coloured ‘99 or a huge cream-filled wafer-topped Knickerbocker Glory. Or during the winter months, opt for a hot chocolate and bacon sarnie.

Peasholm Park

Full of streams and gurgling waterfalls, this is a charming oasis away from the bustle of the seaside. Glide along the calm lakes on dragon-shaped pedalos, take a ride on the miniature railway and look out for the famous miniature naval sea battles acted out in the lake in over the summer.

Alpamare Scarborough

Prices are on the dearer side, but worth it for the hours of fun you can pack in here. Whizz down the Black Hole, the longest waterslides in the UK, plunging thrill-seekers down an 11m drop at 30mph, take a soak in the heated outdoor pool with gorgeous views stretching across the beach and visit the Alpine-style wellness centre for saunas, steam baths and treatments.

If you’re feeling inspired by the best things to see and do in Scarborough, why not browse our collection of cottages on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast?

Sandy shorelines, tumbling waterfalls and flourishing forests and moorland set the scene for wild swimming along the North Yorkshire Coast.

While our collection of cottages dotted along the North Yorkshire Coast provide a convenient base from which to explore the charm of the surrounding landscape and are perfect for families, adventurous singles, four legged companions and couples of all ages seeking an escape to somewhere special (and with plenty of places perfect for wild swimming on the doorstep).

Explore Sandy Shorelines

Most of this corner of the country is designated as the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast. Where visitors can take to the golden sandy beaches of Sandsend and Whitby, explore pools filled with nautical creatures and uncover rocks containing prehistoric fossils. Popular walking routes across the region offer up bracing and slower paced strolls and often lead to higgledy-piggledy fishing villages lost in time. In addition to sailing and swimming, Sandsend is also noted as one of the regions best surf spots.

Get Out On The Water

Water sports are amongst the most popular outdoor activities along the North Yorkshire Coast. With traditional sailing and boating trips taking place across Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay. There are also opportunities for canoeing, paddle boarding and rafting along many of the rivers, including the Seven, Esk and Rye and Cod Beck Reservoir on the western edge of the National Park is perfect for windsurfing, yachting and swimming.

Head Back To Nature

There are many suitable locations across the rugged landscape for wild swimming along the North Yorkshire Coast. One of the most dramatic sitting in Goathland, to the south west of Whitby, where ramblers, hikers and those who enjoy a gentler stroll stop to admire the Mallyan Spout, a spectacular 70ft waterfall with natural pool beneath perfect for a dip. It forms part of Wade’s Causeway, an area of outstanding natural beauty and has often featured in television programmes and films.

If wild swimming isn’t your thing, you can explore the area at a distance from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway that runs from nearby Grosmont and skirts along the edge of the North Riding Forest Park, finishing in Pickering. The North Riding Forest itself offers plenty of picturesque routes for hiking, mountain biking and orienteering. While to the west, Fangdale Beck in the Bilsdale area provides opportunities for rock climbing.

Other Things To Do  on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast

Although the area is ideal for outdoor pursuits, from pony trekking and rock climbing, there are also many interesting indoor attractions and fascinating walks to enjoy amongst ruined monasteries such as Mount Grace Priory (dismantled during the reign of Henry VIII). One of the best preserved, Rievaulx Abbey sits at the southern edge of the moors. While the ruins of Whitby Abbey (the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula” and founded in the 7th Century) can be reached by a flight of 199 steps leading up the cliff edge. Some stately homes that are worth a visit include Duncombe Park and Shandy Hall and at Church Houses nature reserve near Bickley you can spot interesting rock formations of Bridestones. While at Staintondale there is a spectacular shire horse centre.

Cottages on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast

Explore the higgledy-piggledy fishing village of Staithes, take a trip to the ancient seaport of Whitby and eat fish and chips atop the 199 steps (or stroll through the ruins of the cliff-top Abbey that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula) and discover the old fishing and smuggling village of Robin Hood’s Bay. Combine this with a rich and varied landscape of rolling hills, wild moors, golden beaches and woodland (we could go on) and this beautiful part of the country has something for everyone.

With this in mind, sit back, pop your feet up and daydream over our collection of charming self-catering holiday cottages across the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast – whether that’s a for the whole family just a step away from the countryside, a dog friendly cottage surrounded by woodland or a country-coastal retreat for two nestled in a seaside village lost in time.

The North Yorkshire Moors and Coast is one of the most beautiful corners of the country and its miles of golden shoreline and rolling countryside are home to some of the regions best outdoor activities and adventures.

If you’re joining us for a stay at Thirley Cotes Farm or just visiting the North Yorkshire area, there are plenty of tracks to explore by foot or two wheels and outdoor activities for all ages and abilities.

Dalby Forest

If you aren’t squeamish about heights, Go Ape Dalby is a high altitude assault course situated way up in the canopy; complete with rope swings, leap of faith and zip-wires across the lush valley below. While the forest floor offers plenty of scenic biking and hiking trails.

Robin Hood’s Bay And Boggle Hole

If you’re looking for scenic outdoor activities here on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast, look no further than the higgledy-piggledy smuggling village of Robin Hood’s Bay. There is plenty to explore here, whether you feel like a gentle jaunt around the winding cobbled streets, dipping your toes in the North Sea or looking out across the surround shoreline from the many stunning clifftops. If you’d like to find out more about one of the regions most famous outlaws, visit the Robin Hood’s Bay Museum to get a real sense of the truth behind the folk legend.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Take a trip on a traditional North York Moors steam train to the lovely market town of Pickering, stopping off at Grosmont and Goathland, otherwise known as Heartbeat Country.

York Bird Of Prey Centre

York Bird of Prey Centre is home to over 45 different species and holds two flying displays each day. There’s opportunities to meet and handle the birds throughout your visit and a chance to take part in hawk walks, owl experiences and falconry courses.

Take a Tour of York

Many people know that the Vikings were a big influence on York, but very few realise just how big. Join Sigwulf on a tour of the ancient Capital of the North and hear about the deeds of Ivar the Boneless and Harald Hardaraada as you take in the city’s Anglo-Scandinavian and Norman sites along the way. Discover how the streets got their names, the pesky Pagans shaped the Christian church and the naughty Normans survived on a 75 minute exploration of over 200 years of history and a great alternative to the many popular ghost walks. Or simply stop of and refuel at one of over 300 pubs and restaurants.

Our cottages located in Windermere, Threlkeld and Keswick are the perfect self-catering accommodation option for families, groups of friends, couples and four-legged companions wanting to explore this stunning corner of the country.

The Lake District is perhaps best know for the tales of Peter Rabbit written by Beatrix Potter in 1902. Not to mention the spectacular beauty of Skiddaw, breath-taking panoramas of Buttermere and 912 square miles of countryside and coastline – perfect for exploring on your next staycation.

Here’s just a few of our favourite things to do when visiting one of our Cumbrian cottages.