Local Attractions
Why not leave your car at Farsyde and concentrate on the immediate locality, with the picturesque old fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay as its centrepiece. Bryn Frank, of the Good Holiday Guide and website, describes Bay (as it is known locally), as “one of the most loved and attractive places in North Yorkshire.”
The old fishermen’s cottages, seemingly on top of one another, tumble down to the shore separated by quaint alleyways which in days gone by used to help smugglers to stay one step ahead of the Customs officers, and the local young men to escape the clutches of the press gangs. All of this is set in a magnificent sweeping bay designated as heritage coastline in an area of outstanding natural beauty within the North York Moors National Park. Part sand, part rock, the beach is a notable area for marine biology, geology and fossil hunting, making it an absorbing place for children and adults alike. There are local golf courses, putting greens and tennis courts for the sports minded as well as a comprehensive leisure centre in Whitby. There is an excellent choice of pubs some with live music, cafes, bistros and restaurants, both in the old village and at the Victorian area at the top of the bank, and numerous well-stocked local shops.
There is quick access to the village via the Cleveland Way which crosses the farm. Going north it provides a spectacular cliff walk to Whiby going south to Boggle Hole. At the end of our lane, the old rail path runs many miles from north to south. This is for walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers. It is a great area for mountain bikers, who have the added attraction of Dalby Forest, not far away.
A well-established tradition in in the Robin Hood’s Bay calendar is the Victorian weekend a diverting event before Christmas, with festive ambiance, carols and entertainments inside and out. Local shop windows reflect the occasion. The Whitby Goth weekends in spring and autumn bring people to the area in their thousands, many taking part in the outstanding costume displays, enjoying the area and the many attractions which are organised for the occasion. The streets are alive with costumed participants so why not join in or just pop in to have a look.
The many places of interest close at hand, include the Captain Cook museum in
Whitby, the award-winning visitor centre at Whitby Abbey where the dates for Easter were determined in the 8th century and Goathland, the Aidensfield of
Heartbeat and Harry Potter fame. You can go back in time and have great fun on
the North York Moors steam railway which runs from Whitby. The Hogwarts
Express of Harry Potter fame is part of the fun. There is also the dine-on-the-train
service available.
The journey from Whitby is much acclaimed as one of the best scenic journeys in Britain crossing the River Esk many times and stopping at the pretty villages where you can leave the train for a ramble and pick it up later to come home.
Within easy reach are stately homes such as Castle Howard, Burton Agnes Hall, Nunnington and Duncombe Park, theme parks, medieval castles and thriving market towns now encompassing farmers’ markets. Britain’s first seaside resort, Scarborough is less than half an hour away by car while characterful Whiby can be reached in half that time.
From the old town of Whitby 199 steps lead up to the parish church of St.Mary, one of the finest examples of Anglo Saxon churches in the country and whose churchyard gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write his world-famous book “Dracula” ( If going to Whitby , a meal at the Rick Stein recommended Magpie café whose fish and chips are unsurpassed – is a must).
Historic York, with its spectacular city walls and Minster, is litfle over an hour’s drive away across the moors.
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If you are enquiring about one of our cottages or any short break options then please phone us 01947 880249 or alternatively email us on [email protected]
