Having been to Whitby many times over the years, I can’t believe we had never visited the nearby fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. This is a place we had heard mentioned many times, it seemed to captivate everyone we know who visited and it was time to see what all the fuss was about!
Let’s start with the journey. It was the most beautiful spring day when we travelled from Leeds, and it could well have been the effect of the endorphins from the wall to wall sunshine and blue skies, but the journey through ‘God’s own country’ (Yorkshire), was magical. Green fields full of new born lambs, blue skies, cute villages, and people with smiles on their faces everywhere. Our expectations of Robin Hood’s Bay were increasing with every mile!
First Impressions:
Even with such elevated expectations, we were not prepared for the stunning, picturesque fishing village that greeted us. This first glimpse started to bring to life all that we had been told. Narrow, steep cobbled streets full of cute cottages, smuggler’s history, and beautiful scenic beaches. My husband Dave and I said in unison, “I think we’re going to like it here”. That was going to prove to be an understatement!
Here’s why…
Where we stayed:
Following excellent directions from cottage owner Lisa, we meandered along one of the many narrow alleyways lined with the afore said cute cottages, around a corner we found Roseworth Cottage, our home for the next few days.
A very pretty four story cottage, in fact probably the prettiest on this particular alleyway, but the magic started when we opened the door. From the outside we didn’t expect such a spacious interior; inside we found a stunning and well-laid out holiday home, complete with chocolate box village views. There was a labyrinth of great living areas, perfect to accommodate up to six people in a cosy home away from home setting.
Wherever we stay, even before we bring our luggage in, we explore. It’s important for us to know exactly what the layout and facilities are to get a real feel for our temporary home.
Roseworth Cottage in Detail:
Ground Floor
The front door from leads into a lovely welcoming entrance. A door from the hallway opens into a cosy lounge with rich polished floorboards, a log burning stove and open views across the village. There is a large-screen TV and you can either lose yourself in the deep leather sofa or go solo on one of the two upholstered fireside chairs.
Our verdict: we loved this room and spent each evening cosied up in front of the roaring log burner with a glass of wine, watching one of our favourite films. I was the one sprawling full length on the leather sofa, and it was so comfy I fell asleep there more than once!
Lower Ground Floor
A staircase takes you from the entrance hall down to an unbelievably spacious kitchen and dining room, a fabulous modern kitchen has every appliance you have at home but very rarely find in a holiday home.
As well as an integrated dishwasher, fridge, electric oven and hob, there’s a microwave, kettle and toaster, a separate freezer located under the stairs and every utensil you can think of.
In the dining area, there’s a large dining table and six chairs, giving you a self-catering option in addition to the many places to eat in the village.
An unexpected and welcome addition to this room is the two armchairs nestled in front of a second log burning stove. Outside the kitchen door is a small open area with two bistro chairs and planters; equally perfect for a morning coffee or an evening glass of wine.
Our verdict: what an amazing space! We ate breakfast each morning seated at the dining table, followed by a chat about our plans for the day with a cup of tea, in the two armchairs. The kitchen is the most well-equipped we have ever stayed in. Every need has been thought about and catered for, and the space is perfect for two to a larger group of up to six people.
First Floor
Another staircase leads from the entrance hallway to the first floor which comprises a twin bedroom and a new family bathroom fitted with under-floor heating (what a lovely surprise this was!). The bedroom is spacious with two full-width single beds which can be joined together to make a double, plenty of space for clothes, full-length mirror and a feature fireplace.
Our verdict: this is a great second bedroom, perfect for two older children or adults as single beds, or as a large double for a couple.
Top Floor
A further staircase leads to the top floor and the spacious master bedroom, with a King-size bed, plenty of space for clothes and feature fireplace. It wasn’t just the size of this room and the King-sized bed that swung it for us, the views were captivating. We could even see enormous seagulls sunbathing on every rooftop, we watched for ages taking in every details of our beautiful surroundings.
Our verdict: we instantly knew this was the room we wanted to sleep in! A beautiful, large room with a bigger bed, and the sunlight streamed through the windows all day. We absolutely loved this bedroom, and took some design tips away with us!
The Crow’s Nest
This is the bunk bedroom and the smallest room in the house, perfect for the youngest members of the family. It comprises a pair of bunk beds and a chest of drawers. (Please note that the bunk beds are only suitable for small children, 10 years or under.)
Our verdict: well this was a surprise! We opened the door thinking it would possibly be more storage space, so imagine our surprise at discovering a gorgeously designed bedroom for children. Every room in Roseworth Cottage has been put to great use, and is beautifully decorated and furnished, it’s the gift that kept on giving!
Robin Hood’s Bay
This quaint, steep village with stunning North Sea views, often described as a “storybook” location, is the perfect place for families, couples and groups of friends to get away from the stresses of life, and just breathe, letting the sea air and stunning surroundings work their magic.
For the more active, there is plenty to keep you occupied. Robin Hood’s Bay is excellent for fossil hunting, rock pooling, fishing, and boating, and marks the end of the famous 190-mile Coast to Coast Walk, (this area is part of the Cleveland Way).
Having walked quite a bit of the Cleveland Way, we were able to tick off more during this visit. The scenery here is breathtaking, make sure to take a rucksack and walking boots for a great day of exploring.
What we did during our stay:
The first day of our visit, we explored the village, popping into the many unique independent shops such as Berties of Bay which is packed to the gills with authentic Fishermens Gansey’s, hats and other authentic clothing. Jessica Hogarth is a beautiful independent card and gift shop that stocks a huge range of seaside-themed gifts and homewares, greeting cards and art prints. Browns sells handmade chocolates and fudge, ice-cream, traditional sweets and goodies, while Dollies Sweet Shop, the oldest sweet shop in the village, sells all kinds of confectionery.
But that is a mere fraction of the delights you will find so allow yourself time to meander. We also took a beach walk to Ravenscar – that blew the cobwebs away!
On our second day, it was time to hike!
We walked the section of the Cleveland Way from Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby, where we had booked Sunday Lunch at The White Horse & Griffin.
This was a stunning seen mile linear coastal hike that usually takes 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the weather, level of fitness and of course, how many stops you make to capture the moment.
Following the clifftops north with the sea on our right, we stopped to admire the many panoramic views. We passed through Saltwick Bay before entering Whitby via the iconic Abbey ruins, ending the journey descending the 199 Steps also known as the Church Stairs or Jacob’s Ladder, which leads to the Old Town.
After a well deserved and very delicious reward of roast beef with all the trimmings, and a couple of glasses of wine, we did something we hadn’t done in years…caught a bus(!), which took us right back to where we had started that morning in Robin Hood’s Bay.
That was to be another evening on that big, comfy leather suite, glass in hand, with the log burner completing the relaxing atmosphere. Bliss.
On our last day we drove to Goathland in the North York Moors National Park, which served as the fictional village of Aidensfield in the TV series Heartbeat. Key locations included the Goathland Hotel (Aidensfield Arms), Goathland Railway Station, and Scripps Garage.
And then, unfortunately it was time to leave – reluctantly.
And finally:
In our opinion, the best way to experience this magical place, is to stay like a local in one of the characterful cottages, of which there are many. But we don’t think you will find a better one than Roseworth Cottage.
Robin Hood’s Bay and Roseworth Cottage are both truly special places, rich in history and full of character, somewhere you are guaranteed to make very special memories and return to time after time.
We left a piece of our hearts and souls here and it’s already calling us back.
See you there.
To check availability and book your own stay at Roseworth Cottage visit www.roseworthcottage.com
Review and images by Angela Riches and Dave Riches
