Top Tips for Peace and Quiet Away from the Whitby Tourist Trail
Not everyone enjoys the hustle and bustle of a busy seaside town. Sometimes you just want to get away from the crowds and find some peace a quiet.
Up here in North Yorkshire, that's actually fairly easy; there are miles of open countryside, footpaths, woodland and so on to explore. Here are our 'top tips' for getting some peace and quiet, enjoying the location, but not being surrounded by others trying to do the same thing at the same time!
Dalby Forest
Just 20 minute's drive from Aislaby Lodge you'll find Dalby Forest, a massive expanse of natural and managed woodland and home to some fantastic activities as well as wonderful woodland walks.
Dalby Forest is a mountain biker's paradise. With over 40 miles of trails to suit all abilities - for everyone from families with young children to the world's most skilled and experience off-road cyclists. Bikes can be hired from the bike shop in the village (near the Visitor Centre) or you're welcome to take your own.
As well as the mountain biking trails, there is a varied selection of woodland walking trails, again suiting all abilities and ages. One of our favourites is the Bridestone's walk which is a circular route amongst the dramatically-weathered rocks which make up the Bridestones.
And whilst you're at Dalby, the Visitor Centre is always worth a visit, as well as the amazing new children's play area. There's a great cafe, but also plenty of room for picnics and BBQs.
For more information visit the Dalby Forest website.
The 'Quieter' Esk Valley Villages
While places like Goathland and Grosmont will generally always be busier due to the connection with Heartbeat and the North York Moors Steam Railway, it is possible to find a quieter spot along the Esk Valley, to enjoy a walk and perhaps a pub lunch!
Egton Bridge for instance is home to a couple of great pubs, The Postgate and the Horseshoe, both serving good meals. While there's not a lot to see and do, if you would enjoy a quiet stroll by the river and a look in the village church before heading somewhere with a little more to offer, it might be the perfect place!
At the other end of the Valley, Danby is home to the fantastic Stonehouse Bakery - great for an impromptu picnic or just a cup of tea and a slice of cake!
Not far from Danby is Castleton, one of the larger villages in the Valley complete with a bank, Co-op and other shops, a good tea rooms, pub and the starting point for a good choice of walks.
I suppose the thing with the Esk Valley villages is that they're all fairly close together, so if you arrive in one place and it's too busy (or too quiet!) for your liking, you can easily move on to the next enjoying the scenery along the way!
Castle Howard
Ok, so not exactly 'away from the tourist trail' being one of Yorkshire's biggest attractions. However, the grounds are so large you won't find it difficult finding a quieter spot to relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. Castle Howard really does make a great day out for the whole family - with plenty to keep the children entertained as well as the grandeur of the house and gardens - impressive to say the least!
They run a wide range of special events throughout the year, so visiting their website's always worth it to find out what might be going on whilst you're visiting the area: www.castlehoward.co.uk
Boggle Hole
Just a mile or so down the beach from Robin Hood's Bay towards Ravenscar you'll find Boggle Hole - so called because of the cave in the cliffs. Other than the Youth Hostel (which also runs a small cafe through the summer) there's nothing to do other than enjoy the beach so it's great for 'switching off'! Take a picnic, a book, a kite, a bucket and spade, or just your eyes! You'll find plenty of fossils on the this part of the beach, as well as Whitby Jet if you've got a really keen eye!
There's a car park in easy walking distance of the beach, or you could just walk along from Robin Hood's Bay to escape the crowds - but beware the tides!
The Cleveland Way or the Railway Path
Walking. Good for the body and the mind! Get out and enjoy the fresh air and wonderful scenery. The Cinder Track (disused railway path) runs from Whitby to Scarborough and whilst you may not fancy the whole distance, getting from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay (about 6 miles from Whitby) you'll be rewarded with a cool pint at any of the wonderful pubs and you can always get the bus back to Whitby if you don't fancy the return leg!
For those with a little more adventure in them, The Cleveland Way also runs from Whitby (near the Abbey) to Robin Hood's Bay along the cliff top and offers some spectacular coastal views. It's not 'buggy friendly' and due to the up and down and in and out nature of the cliff top it is a little longer at about 8 miles from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay, but well worth the effort!
Whitby/Sandsend Beach - but pick your spot!
Whitby Beach is huge. So don't worry if it looks busy at the Whitby end, somewhere between Whitby and Sandsend you'll be able to find a quiet spot. If you've parked in Whitby, or used the Park and Ride, you could simply walk all the way along in front of the beach huts and find a spot near 'the cove' (or just past).
Or, if you're in Sandsend but want to get away from the crowds, you usually only have to walk back towards Whitby a couple of hundred meters before it suddenly goes quiet and you'll find yourself relaxing in no time!
Ruswarp Pleasure Boats
What could be more relaxing? Provided you don't mind rowing! Park in Ruswarp (can be a bit tricky in the summer but there's usually on-street parking available somewhere central) and hire a boat from Ruswarp Pleasure Boats. Heading up the Esk you'll be transported to a time gone by with only the gentle sounds of the river and the occasional other boat for company. The river is sheltered by trees on both sides so even on a hot summer day it's a great place to cool off and relax away from the crowds.
May Beck and Falling Foss
Heading over towards Robin Hood's Bay from Ruswarp (via Sneaton) you'll find the turnings for May Beck and Falling Foss. Falling Foss is the name of the dramatic waterfall just next to the Tea Garden which is an excellent place to stop for a sandwich, cake and cup of tea as you enjoy a woodland stroll. It can get busy, but if you're in the area out of season it'll generally be quiet, with only a few walkers and perhaps a family or two for company. Even in the height of summer it's a little way off the beaten track to get really busy.
