Whitby is popular location for short breaks and longer holidays. A picturesque town with a rich history, Whitby is an ideal destination for a peaceful woodland lodge holiday. Surrounded by the beautiful North York Moors, and with so much to see and do locally, it's no wonder visitors love Whitby!
Staying in a woodland lodge near Whitby offers the best of both worlds. Enjoy visiting Whitby's wonderful attractions and bustling cobbled streets, return to the peaceful tranquility of your woodland lodge at your leisure. Enjoy a unique nature retreat by staying at Ladycross where guests can relax, unwind, slow down and decompress.
1. Why Choose a Woodland Lodge Holiday near Whitby?
Unlike traditional hotels, B&Bs or even most holiday cottages, our woodland lodges are truly surrounded by nature. Ladycross is set in 95 acres of mature woodland - home to all kinds of wildlife, as well as our friendly and inquisitive chickens!
Our lodges are designed to offer privacy, with each being positioned to avoid overlooking the next. Guests can enjoy woodland views in all directions. And at night, the stars and moon illuminate the sky - unaffected by light pollution.
Guests staying in a woodland lodge at Ladycross can enjoy making use of our woodland trails. We've developed a series of footpaths which wind their way throughout the park. You'll find plenty to enjoy on our doorstep too. Footpaths and trails crisscross the Esk Valley, and in the local village there's a choice of pubs serving food. The local steam railway runs through Egton Bridge too.
2. Top Attractions in and Around Whitby
For those wanting to make the most of their time in Whitby, here are our top recommendations for things to do:
Whitby Abbey
Standing on the headland overlooking the harbour, Whitby Abbey is famous for its connection with the fictional Dracula. However, it has a rich history in its own right. The visitor centre has been recently upgraded, with plenty of exhibits and information about the Abbey. While you're there, don't forget to enjoy a refreshing pint at Whitby Brewery - just next door!
Captain Cook Museum
Located on Grape Lane, the Captain Cook Museum contains a treasure trove of information about the famous seafarer. Cook's ships, such as the Endeavour, were built in Whitby, before he left the port sailing for distant shores. With plenty to keep adults and children interested, it's a must-see for those interested in history.
Whitby Beach and Harbour
Whitby Beach stretches 2 miles up the coast to Sandsend. If the tide's out it's a nice walk - and you can always catch the bus back into town on the return leg. In the summer the beach is the perfect spot for a picnic and a sand castle building competition. Bodyboarding, surfing and stand-up paddle boarding are popular here too. Equipment can be hired from Whitby Surf School throughout the summer season.
North York Moors
If you'd rather head inland then the North York Moors offers lots of attractions. As already mentioned, the North York Moors Steam Railway runs from Whitby to Pickering. It's a wonderful way to see the countryside. Why not hop on the train in Egton Bridge and enjoy a day out in Pickering? The Danby Moors Centre is also worth a visit. There's an excellent adventure play area for the children, alongside a cafe, gallery and exhibition space.
3. The Benefits of Staying in a Woodland Lodge
There are loads of benefits to staying in a woodland lodge when you visit Whitby.
Pet Friendly Accommodation
Choose to stay in pet friendly woodland accommodation. Bring your favourite four-legged friend and enjoy staying together in your woodland lodge.
Self Catering Lodges
Whitby and the surrounding area are home to many wonderful restaurants, cafes and take-aways. But self catering accommodation offers the most flexible choice. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on your deck - taking in the fresh morning air and early sunshine. Head into Whitby for lunch and grab some chips, or visit a cafe for a sandwich or sausage roll. Reserve a table at a local restaurant for the evenings, or bring something back to your lodge to cook and enjoy together over a glass of wine.
Cosy & Comfortable Interiors
Designed to provide the best possible accommodation, our woodland lodges feature open plan living spaces. Spacious bedrooms and well appointed bathrooms make for a comfortable stay. Enjoy the warmth of a log burner in the winter, and bring the outside in by opening the bi-fold doors all the way in the summer.
4. Best Woodland Lodges near Whitby
If you're looking for the best woodland lodge accommodation near Whitby, look no further! Surrounded by beautiful mature woodland, our lodge development has been carefully designed. We know our guests enjoy the quiet, private feel of our park, and the direct connnection with nature our lodges enable. There's nowhere quite like Ladycross!
We currently have four lodges available to rent, with several more available for sale. If you're interested in lodge ownership take a look at our Development Plan, or read more about owning a woodland lodge. If you'd like to discuss the possibility of buying a lodge at Ladycross, please contact us.
And we're only a stone's throw from the town. Take the car and make use of the Park & Ride service which runs regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, drive into Whitby itself and use one of the pay & display car parks.
5. Exploring Nature and Outdoor Activities
There are loads of fantastic nature-based and outdoor activities to enjoy within easy reach of Ladycross. Here are some of our top tips:
Walking and Cycling
- Head to the coast and join the Cleveland Way National Trail
- Enjoy the Cinder Track on foot or by bike, it's a disused railway line running from Whitby to Scarborough
- Visit Dalby Forest, walk around the Bride Stones, or test your mountain biking skills on some of the UK's best trails
Wildlife
- Go birdwatching in the North York Moors National Park
- Take a boat trip out of Whitby harbour - you might see seals, dolphins or even whales!
Adventure
- Get the adrenalin pumping with a tree-top adventure at Go Ape
- Hire equipment or take a surf or SUP lesson at Whitby Surf School
- Hit the trails and follow your nose running the trails
Family Friendly
- Get a taste for living in the wild and enjoy a day's bushcraft or foraging with a local guide
- Go pony trekking or horse riding over the Moors
- Challenge the children to a sandcastle competition on Whitby beach - don't forget the spades!
6. How to Choose the Right Lodge for Your Holiday
Make sure you choose the right accommodation for your family or group. At Ladycross we have 4 lodges which are available to hire, as follows:
Bracken Howe Lodge
Sleeps 6 in 3 bedrooms. Enjoy spending time in the hot tub, in the peace and quiet of our woodland setting. Very well equipped with everything you'll need to make the most of your stay at Ladycross.
Ewe Crag Beck Lodge
Sleeps 5 in 3 bedrooms. Very well equipped woodland lodge with everything you'll need to make the most of your stay at Ladycross including a private decking area.
Simon Howe Lodge
With two bedrooms, two private bathrooms and a stunning open plan kitchen, living and dining area, Simon Howe Lodge is the perfect base when exploring the North Yorkshire coast.
Shunner Howe Lodge
Sleeping up to five guests, Shunner Howe Lodge is a relaxing and comfortable place to stay. Shunner Howe Lodge provides a fantastic base for exploring Egton, Whitby and beyond.
Fancy Owning Lodge in North Yorkshire?
We have a number of lodges available for sale right now, and more on their way! Find out more abour our lodge development plan online, or talk to our team by calling us on 01947 895 502. Owning your own lodge means you can visit North Yorkshire as often as you like. We can help you tailor your accommodation to meet your needs, providing the perfect woodland retreat you'll love to return to time after time.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions, and answers!
Are woodland lodges near Whitby pet-friendly?
At Ladycross we currently have 4 lodges available to rent. 2 of these are pet-friendly. If you decide to buy your own lodge at Ladycross, you can decide whether it should be pet-friendly or not.
What is the best time to visit Whitby for a lodge holiday?
Whitby is a fantastic place to visit all year round. Of course, many choose to stay here during the summer when the weather is (generally) better, making the most of the beach. There are events happening throughout the year, so make sure you keep up to date with what's going on. Our favourite time of year is early autumn, when the leaves are changing colour and there's a slight chill in the air. Mornings spent enjoying hot porridge on the deck, enjoying the bird song and fresh air. In the evenings the stars shine through the canopy, the moon illuminating the tree tops.
How far is Ladycross from Whitby town centre?
Ladycross is a short drive from Whitby, around 5 miles or 10 minutes. We recommend using the Park & Ride service from Cross Butts roundabout, or heading for one of Whitby's pay and display car parks.
8. Tips for a Memorable Woodland Lodge Holiday
Here are a few top tips for making the most of your woodland lodge holiday.
Pack The Essentials
Don't forget to pack things like walking boots and rucksacks if you plan on getting out and about on foot. Binoculars can be handy too - especially if you're interested in spotting local wildlife.
Plan Your Days
We all know that a holiday is over too soon! Make sure you plan your activities in advance. Top attractions can get busy in the summer, so if you're desperate to see something then booking tickets ahead of time is wise.
It's always a good idea to leave time in your itinerary for the unexpected. You'll no doubt see things or get ideas for new activities or places to visit once you arrive.
Don't try and fit too much in - better to leave feeling refreshed and wanting to return, than tired and wishing you'd taken it a bit slower.
Enjoy Your Lodge
Rather than just being a base from which to explore the area, our lodges offer a nature retreat in themselves. Bring a book, sit out on the deck and just breathe. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the forest.
Think about meals ahead of time. Plan what you'd like to cook and bring the ingredients with you, or shop locally for whatever you need. Whitby's got some fantastic fishmongers, delis and other independent suppliers. Favourites include Fortunes Kippers and The Whitby Deli.
Woodland Lodges Near Whitby - A Perfect Holiday
We hope we've whetted your appetite for a woodland lodge holiday near Whitby. Ladycross is the perfect place from which to explore this part of North Yorkshire. With the moors one on side and the coast to the other, there's so much to see and do.
Experience the perfect woodland lodge holiday near Whitby and reconnect with nature. Book your stay today, or contact our team to find out more about owning a woodland lodge. We can't wait to welcome you to Ladycross.
