Staintondale Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Staintondale Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Staintondale sits in a brilliant spot for exploring North Yorkshire's best bits. I love how you can be walking on moorland in the morning and paddling at the beach after lunch. The North York Moors National Park surrounds you with miles of heather-covered hills and ancient woodland.

Scarborough (15 minutes south, YO11 2HG) gives you two bays of sandy beaches plus a 12th-century castle with knockout views. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the mix of traditional seaside fun and historical sites.

Whitby (15 minutes north, YO21 3HA) is worth a day trip for its atmospheric abbey ruins (English Heritage, £12 adult entry, open 10am-5pm daily) and connections to Bram Stoker's Dracula. The town scores an impressive 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor.

Don't miss Ravenscar Seal Colony (YO13 0NE, free access) where you can spot grey seals year-round. The 1-mile walk down to the viewing point is steep but worth it - take binoculars if you have them.

Pet Friendly

We've found Staintondale brilliant for dog holidays. Most local beaches allow dogs year-round, including Boggle Hole and Robin Hood's Bay (both 10 minutes away). Cayton Bay near Scarborough is particularly good for doggy paddling with its gentle slope into the sea.

The Hayburn Wyke Inn (YO13 0AU) welcomes dogs in the bar area and serves good pub grub. They even keep dog treats behind the bar! Opening hours are 11am-11pm daily with food served 12-8pm.

Many cottages here provide dog beds, bowls and even treats on arrival. Remember to pack towels for muddy paws after woodland walks - the paths around Hayburn Wyke waterfall get particularly mucky after rain.

The North York Moors National Park has loads of dog-friendly walking routes. I recommend the old railway line from Ravenscar to Robin Hood's Bay - it's flat, has great views and there's no livestock to worry about.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Staintondale

The Shire Horse Centre (YO13 0DW) is a family-run farm with magnificent heavy horses. You can watch demonstrations of traditional farming methods and even book riding lessons. Kids love the small animal petting area too. Open 10am-4pm Tuesday-Sunday, £8.50 adults/£6 children. A recent visitor wrote: "My 6-year-old didn't want to leave - the staff were so patient showing her how to groom the ponies."

Hayburn Wyke Waterfall (YO13 0AU) is a hidden gem reached via a lovely woodland walk. The waterfall tumbles directly onto the rocky beach - quite unusual for Yorkshire. It's completely free to visit and the surrounding ancient woodland is packed with wildlife. The 2-mile circular route from the Hayburn Wyke Inn takes about an hour. Pack walking boots as it gets slippery.

Ravenscar Visitor Centre (YO13 0NE) tells the fascinating story of the "town that never was" - a Victorian resort development that failed, leaving behind roads to nowhere and foundation stones. The centre has interesting displays about local geology and wildlife too. Open 10am-4pm daily (April-October), free entry but donations welcome. The tearoom serves excellent homemade cakes - perfect after walking down to see the seals.

Is Staintondale suitable for families with young children?

Yes! Most cottages provide highchairs and travel cots if needed. The beaches at Scarborough and Cayton Bay have shallow water for paddling. Alpamare Waterpark in Scarborough (YO12 6PH) is great for rainy days with slides and pools. The North York Moors Railway runs steam trains between Pickering and Whitby - always a hit with kids.

How far is Staintondale from the beach?

The nearest beach is at Ravenscar, about 5 minutes by car. It's rocky rather than sandy, but great for rockpooling. For sandy beaches, head to Robin Hood's Bay (10 minutes), Scarborough (15 minutes) or Whitby (15 minutes).

Can I get around without a car?

It's tricky but possible. The 115 Coastliner bus runs through Staintondale village (limited service) connecting to Scarborough and Whitby. Taxis from Scarborough cost around £15-20. Having a car makes exploring much easier as many attractions are spread out.

Where's the nearest supermarket?

The nearest major supermarket is Sainsbury's in Scarborough (YO12 4EA), about 15 minutes drive. There's a small village shop in Ravenscar for basics. Many cottages offer welcome hampers with local produce if arranged in advance.

Is there good mobile reception and WiFi?

Mobile signal can be patchy in the valley areas. Most cottages provide WiFi, though speeds might not match what you're used to at home. The Hayburn Wyke Inn has free WiFi if you need to check emails while out.

When's the best time to use the hot tub?

Early morning is magical - the mist rising off the fields with a coffee in hand. Evenings are perfect for stargazing as there's minimal light pollution. Most tubs are private and sheltered, so usable year-round regardless of weather.

1. North York Moors National Park
2. Whitby Abbey information
3. North Yorkshire Moors Railway