Yorkshire's Coastline - What's Not to Like?
Sometimes you've just got to stop - look around and appreciate what you have. We (living in North Yorkshire) have a lot - which is why we love sharing it with our wonderful visitors.
Aislaby Lodge Cottage is situated in the Esk Valley. From the car park you can look across the Valley and see Sleights on the other side. We can look down into the bottom of the Valley and catch and glimpse of the River Esk as it winds it's way to the sea.
We'll see the trains (diesel and steam) running through the Valley to and from Whitby. Looking up the Valley we can see the houses, farms and little communities which make our rural location so special.
Coastal Scenery at it's Best
The Yorkshire Coast is one of the most beautiful in the country - if not the world! We've got such a variety of coastal scenery, stretching from the expansive sandy beaches of Redcar and Saltburn, down through the picturesque fishing villages of Staithes and Runswick Bay with their towering cliffs and ancient cottages.
Whitby Beach is the jewel in the crown - stretching 3 miles from Sandsend to Whitby's dramatic West and East Piers.
To get the best view of some of our coastline, nothing can beat the cliff-top walk between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay along part of the Cleveland Way. Leaving Whitby via the 199 Steps up to the Abbey, you'll wind your way in and out and up and down the undulating cliffs, with the dramatic North Sea to your left and the grassy cliff top, dry stone walls & sheep to the right.
As you turn the corner and catch your first glimpse of Ravenscar in the distance you'll appreciate the scale of the landscape - home to the tiny villages and coastal communities which make this area so special. Robin Hood's Bay, nestled in among the cliffs and protected by the Sea Wall defenses looks like a scene from 100 years ago. Red roofs and winding streets, indepdent shops and cafes you won't find anywhere else and a real community feeling.
Beyond Robin Hood's Bay you can continue to explore the coastline from the Cleveland Way, or head down the beach to Boggle Hole and on to Ravenscar.
For the more determined you can even walk the Cliff Path all the way to Scarborough - or if cycling's your thing, make use of the Cinder Track for a bit of a smoother ride!
However you explore our wonderful coastline you're certain to experience some of the most wonderful scenery in the area - regardless of the time of year, it's always dramatic and breath-taking at every turn!
Hills, Valleys, Woodland and Dales
Head inland to find the rolling moorland, valleys and the Yorkshire Dales which give this area so much variety. Through the late summer enjoy the wonderful purple carpet created by the moorland heather, the daffodils in spring and the crisp wintery frosts through the colder months.
Provided you're not too far off the beaten track you're never too far from a cosy countryside pub for a refreshing drink and delicious meal. In fact, we highly recommend planning your trips around such locations - we all know how good Yorkshire hospitality can be!
The Esk Valley is right on our doorstep, with footpaths and bridleways winding their way through every village, following the route of the River Esk back to it's source near Westerdale.
Within easy reach of Aislaby is the woodland of Falling Foss and May Beck, perfect for a relaxing famiy-friendly stroll - a place to enjoy the peace and quiet, and have a slice of cake and a cup of tea at Falling Foss Tea Garden too!
Also nearby is Dalby Forest - Yorkshire's largest area of woodland. Complete with cafe, visitor centre, bike hire, children's play area, BBQ-ready picnic benches, plenty of car parking and a Go Ape! it's a fantastic location for a day out in the countryside.
Picturesque Villages and Pretty Market Towns
The Esk Valley is also home to some of the most picturesque villages in Yorkshire, and we're not far from a selection of pretty market towns too!
Pack a picnic and head inland, up the Esk Valley to Egton, Glaisdale, Lealholm, Fryup - on to Danby or Castleton. Each village has a varying size and associate amenities, but each is entirely welcoming and perfect for an easy stroll. Enjoy the view from the various vantage points you'll find on your journey - usually on the high moor roads between each village.
Stop for a drink in a village pub - or find a shady tree under-which to enjoy your lunch - there's no better way to relax and unwind.
Whitby's on our doorstep, complete with it's busy harbour, the famous Swing Bridge, Abbey, 199 Steps and independent shops, cafes and restaurants. But venture inland you'll also find some other wonderful small towns including Pickering, which has an excellent market, Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley and if you cross the moors you'll find yourself at the city of York.
Ok, so York's a city, not a town, but it retains a wonderful atmosphere - it's easy to find your way around, and isn't too big, so you can experience lots of it within a day. It has great shops to suit all tastes and plenty of interesting history, galleries and wonderful theatres - if that's your thing!
Come and Stay in Yorkshire
Aislaby Lodge is perfectly situated to make the most of everything that North Yorkshire has to offer. We can provide accommodation for groups of all sizes and offer short break deals throughout the winter period.
Call us today on 01947 811822 to book your stay - we promise you'll love it here!