Whitby’s neighbouring towns and villages
Whitby is a wonderful town that offers plenty to see and do all year round but if you fancy venturing further afield we have a few suggestions for you.
Sandsend
The tiny, picturesque village of Sandsend lies between Whitby and Runswick Bay. You will find a clean, sandy beach and at low tide there are plenty of rock pools for children to explore. The beach is also popular for fossil hunting. Sandsend is also home to the ruins of Mulgrave Castle on the Mulgrave Estate. Explore the ruins and take a walk through the woodland where you may see deer and other wildlife. You can also visit the Mulgrave Estate Gardens during their open days.
Robin Hood’s Bay
Robin Hood’s Bay is a picturesque old fishing village on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors. There is a beautiful family, and dog friendly sandy beach, as well as rock pools to explore and fossils to discover. Meander through its narrow, twisting cobbled streets and alleyways following in the footsteps of fishermen, sailors and smugglers. Once known as the busiest smuggling community on the Yorkshire coast. The village has a wide range of cafes, pubs, restaurants, small shops and places to explore.
North York Moors National Park.
Enjoy the peace and beauty of the North York Moors. Explore on foot or by cycle, take in breath-taking scenery and discover the wildlife. Why not try something new from a range of activities on offer such as geocaching, bush craft, foraging, rock climbing and orienteering.
Telephone: 01439 772700
Website: northyorkmoors.org.uk//
National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley
The National Centre for Birds of Prey is situated at the magnificent Duncombe Park Estate in Helmsley, set within the North York Moors National Park. Enjoy spectacular flying demonstrations, learn about important breeding projects and even get the chance to hold and handle some of the birds. You can also take a stroll in the stunning 300 acres of woodland and parkland of Duncombe Park surrounding the centre followed by a drink or a snack in the Owl House Café.
Rydale Folk Museum – Pickering
Step back in time and explore the 6-acre site hosting 20 Heritage Buildings including: A typical Iron Age roundhouse, a Medieval crofter’s cottage, a thatched Elizabethan Manor House, an 18th Century thatched cottage, the washhouse and dairy and an array of horse-drawn vehicles. You will also find traditional workshops such as the blacksmiths, cobbler, wheelwright, tinsmith, cooper, saddler and carpenter. Wander around the pretty cottage and kitchen gardens and a farming area with rare breed animals. A lovely day out for the whole family.
Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park
A family-run attraction with a special mixture of animals, nature, exotic birds and gardens. This beautifully maintained and well laid out 5-acre park is surrounded by stunning Yorkshire countryside. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled visit with children, or a peaceful place to spend an afternoon you will find something for everyone. There is also a small café, a gift shop and picnic areas. Dogs are also welcome but must always be kept on leads.
http://www.fileybirdgarden.com/home/4584702559
Castle Howard and the Yorkshire Arboretum
Castle Howard
Take a trip out and visit beautiful Castle Howard and its gardens, used as a location for many film and television productions since the 1960’s. Enjoy the stunning architecture of the house and explore the lovely gardens and follow trails through the grounds. The Boathouse Café serves snacks and drinks and there are picnic tables near the playground. A land train takes you through the grounds to the lakeside play area where the kids can enjoy Adventure Playground. Special events are also held during school holidays and Bank Holiday weekends.
Yorkshire Arboretum
The Yorkshire Arboretum is run as a joint enterprise between Castle Howard Estates and Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A 120-acre site of parkland, lakes and ponds is the backdrop for a collection of more than 6,000 trees from around the world. After walking around the arboretum, you can sit down and enjoy a cuppa and a cake in the Arboretum Café. Your dog is also welcome but must be kept on a lead.
http://www.yorkshirearboretum.org
To watch a short video of some of the places to visit in the surrounding area Click Here
