Breezy walks along sandy beaches. Delicious meals in cosy pubs. Breathtaking countryside and coastline offering stunning views across the North York Moors. All this, and so much more, awaits visitors to Whitby. Rest and relax in your very own holiday lodge at Ladycross. Surrounded by woodland, you'll be able to experience all that Whitby has to offer as well as enjoying your luxurious accommodation.
Ladycross Lodge & Touring Park is just a stone's throw from the bustling harbour town of Whitby. The jewel in the crown of the North Yorkshire coast, Whitby has long been a popular destination for visitors. With it's charming cobbled streets, ancient monuments and fantastic independent shops and restaurants, it's easy to see why.
If you prefer to explore the countryside, the North York Moors is our playground. With walking and cycling routes in all directions and picturesque villages dotting the dramatic landscape, the North York Moors is a haven for those who love the great outdoors.
In this post we'll share some of our top tips for making the most of your holiday in Whitby. We'll also give you an insight into holiday lodge ownership. Holidya lodge ownership fantastic option for those looking to invest in their quality of life. We've a number of holiday lodges for sale near Whitby, as well as lodge rental options for short stays.
Whether you're needing to rest and relax, or want to make the most of local activities and enjoy a North York Moors adventure holiday, a holiday lodge at Ladycross near Whitby makes the perfect base.
Why Choose Whitby for a Holiday Lodge?
Whitby has been a bustling community for centuries. It was once one of the UK's busiest ports, home to industries including ship building and a vast fishing fleet. Whitby Abbey, standing proudly on the headland, is famous as the location of an important meeting in the year 664 at which the date of Easter was set. The ancient Abbey was also part of the inspiration for Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' novel. Whitby has other literary connections too, including to Lewis Carroll and even Charles Dickens!
In recent years Whitby has been used as a set for several high profile TV and film productions. The ITV production 'Heartbeat' was filmed in and aroung Goathland and Whitby for decades. More recently, Whitby and surrounding villages have featured in:
- The Harry Potter Movies
- The Radley's
- ITV's 'Victoria'
- The Phantom Thread
- Channel 5's 'All Creature's Great and Small'
In 2024, Whitby and the North York Moors and coast were also featured on Channel 4 in 'Yorkshire by the Sea'. At the same time Channel 5 put out 'Yorkshire Great and Small' with Dan Walker and Helen Skelton.
All this to say, Whitby has hit the big time when it comes to top UK holiday destinations.
Whitby also had year-round appeal. The sandy beach stretches north to Sandsend, providing plenty of opportunity for sand castle building and water sports. In the winter, visitors can make the most of the cosy pubs and restaurants. Various special events happen through the year, including:
- Goth Weekends in April and October
- Folk Week in August
- Various festivals throughout the summer
- Live music and theatre at the Spa Pavilion
- Christmas markets throughout November and December
Whether visiting as a family with young children or as a couple, you'll find plenty of wonderful attractions to enjoy.
With so much to see and do locally, it's no wonder that many visitors return to Whitby time and again. Whitby holiday properties have long been seen as a great investment opportunity for those who love staying in the town. But we think holiday lodge owners at Ladycross get a better deal! Close enough to town for easy day trips, but benefitting from the beautifully peaceful woodland setting, and easy access to the Moors and Esk Valley villages. What could be better?
About Ladycross Lodge Park
Ladycross is a lodge and touring caravan park set in 95 acres of mature woodland. Ladycross offers excellent on-site facilities, including spacious fully-serviced pitches and well-appointed amenities blocks.
Alongside our seasonal and touring pitches, we have a number of woodland lodges available for rent. These are available for short breaks and holidays through 10 months of the year. For those looking to invest we also have a number of luxurious woodland lodges for sale. These feature spacious, open-plan interiors with amazing kitchens and bathrooms and eco-friendly construction.
The village of Egton is on our doorstep, with the adjacent village of Egton Bridge slightly further down the hill. Between the two villages you'll find three pubs, each serving food. The train station in Egton Bridge is on the Whitby to Middlesbrough line. It's a convenient way to get in and out of town without taking the car. Similarly, if you enjoy walking, the train makes it easy to get further up the Esk Valley. Why not get the train to Lealholm, Glaisdale or Danby, before following the Esk Valley Walk back to your cosy lodge?
Guests at Ladycross can also enjoy our 'freedom field' and nature trails. We've tried to make the Park as nature-friendly as possible. Badgers, foxes, deer, owls and many kinds of birds are regularly spotted here. It's a fantastic location for bird watching.
With minimal street lighting nearby, guests often enjoy amazing night skies at Ladycross. Recently we've even enjoyed the Northern Lights! Guests staying in lodges will enjoy making use of their private decking areas. Sit out and enjoy the night sky, perhaps with a glass of something bubbly, or a hot chocolate.
Our friendly team are on hand throughout the day. Visit Reception to find up to date tourist information leaflets and get recommendations from our knowledgable staff. Ladycross has been designed to be a relaxing and restful environment. The wooded site helps keep noise to a minum. And, our lodges are generously spaced and thoughtfully positioned to offer guests more privacy.
Owning a Holiday Lodge in North Yorkshire
Not everyone can afford to invest in a holiday lodge of their very own. But for those who can it makes a fantastic investment in quality of life. Lodge owners can enjoy returning to their property throughout the year, as many times as they wish. Owners can also furnish their lodge to their taste, making it a true home from home. Didn't manage to fit in all your favourite activities this visit? Never mind - you can return at the drop of a hat to continue where you left off!
And alongside the personal enjoyment you'll experience, owners are also able to benefit financially. Woodland lodge holidays in North Yorkshire are increasingly in demand. More and more visitors are looking for holiday accommodation with a connection to nature. At the same time, North Yorkshire adventure and activity holidays are becoming more popular. Visitors enjoy the benefits of self-catering accommodation, in a beautiful setting and with easy access to walking, cycling, water sports and everything else that the North York Moors has to offer.
With so much to see and do locally, North Yorkshire is becoming a prime location for holiday lodge ownership. While it retains much of its historic charm, Whitby and the Yorkshire coast is a fantastic 21st century holiday destination. The nearby market towns of Pickering, Malton and Helmsley making for great days out. York is just over an hour away, a beautiful city with fantastic shops and historic attractions including the City Walls and Clifford's Tower. Visitors enjoy walking and cycling in the countryside. Watersports enthusiasts also have much to enjoy. Yorkshire's beaches are becoming popular destinations for surfers. Sailing and paddleboarding are available locally too. For the foodies, you'll find plenty of local producers to sample. Whitby's fish & chips are famous - regularly voted the best in the country. You'll also find plenty of wonderful cafes and restaurants to enjoy too, each offering something slightly different.
Holiday lodge owners are subject to yearly park fees. These cover things like Council Tax, site maintenance, community electric, refuse collection and provision of a safe and secure site behind barrier entry. On top of this, owners are subject to their own (metered) electric and gas useage. Find out more about holiday lodge ownership or call our team on 01947 895502 to discuss your requirements.
Explore the North York Moors and Coast
The North York Moors National Park is home to a vast expanse of heather moorland. Turning a vibrant purple in the summer, the North York Moors is a haven for wildlife. Alongside the moorland you'll find ancient woodland, farmland and of course the rugged cliffs of the Yorkshire coast.
Anyone who enjoys spending time in the great outdoors will love a holiday in North Yorkshire. Here are some of our top tips for activities to enjoy whilst visiting Whitby, the North York Moors and Yorkshire coast:
Walking and Cycling
The famous Coast to Coast walk ends in Robin Hood's Bay, just a few miles south of Ladycross. The Cleveland Way footpath is another popular nearby option. Starting in Helmsley, it follows the northern edge of the Moors to Saltburn-by-the-Sea before heading south. Following the cliff tops and beaches the Cleveland Way is a wonderful walking route. It's a route which can be easily walked in sections, so why not make a day of it and enjoy some of the best sea views as you follow the route along the coast? Walking holidays in North Yorkshire are increasingly popular.
North Yorkshire is popular with both road cyclists and mountain bikers. Country lanes with challenging hills provide plenty of options for those who want to stick to the tarmac. Dalby Forest is home to some of the UK's best mountain biking trails and is definitely worth a visit. For a more family-friendly option make use of the Whitby to Scarborough Cinder Track.
Watersports
Yorkshire is becoming a popular UK destination for surfing. There are lots of beaches to choose from, with the most popular for suring being Cayton Bay, near Scarborough. Whitby Surf School provides equipment hire and surf lessons throughout the summer season.
Scaling Dam is a man-made resevoir just a few miles north of Egton. Sailing, wind surfing and Stand Up Paddlboarding are all options here. Further south you'll find North Yorkshire Water Park where similar activities are available, alongside a huge water obstacle course. Great fun for the whole family!
Wildlife, Bird Watching and Fishing
Head out across the Moors with your binoculars and you're bound to come across some local wildlife sooner or later. Visiting Danby Lodge Moors Centre might be a good place to start, as the National Park Wardens will be able to give you advice on where to go and what to look out for at different times of year.
Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve is the best place for bird watching nearby. It's an hour's drive down the coast, just beyond Scarborough. Home to various kinds of sea birds including puffins, there are always knowledgable volunteers available to answer any questions.
In recent years we've enjoyed spotting dolphins, seals and even whales off the coast of Whitby. Various boat trips are available out of the harbour. Some of these are specifically aimed at getting up close with coastal wildlife.
Fishing trips are also available out of Whitby harbour. These vary in length from 3 hours to full days. Generally equipment is provided, along with plenty of tuition and support from knowledgable skippers.
Market Towns
The nearby market towns of Pickering, Malton and Helmsley all make for great days out. Malton has become the 'food capital of Yorkshire'. It's home to a fantastic monthly food market and many independent producers.
Pickering is a small market town, with independent shops and cafes. It's home to a historic castle and is also the final stop for the North York Moors Steam Railway.
Helmsley also has a ruined castle, along with a wonderful walled garden, bustling market square, cafes, pubs and shops.
Picturesque Villages
Whitby is surrounded by beautiful villages. On the coast you'll find Robin Hood's Bay, Sandsend, Runswick Bay and Staithes. Each one has a unique charm. You'll find cafes and take-aways in each village. Why not head out one evening, grab a coffee and stroll along the beach? Or, make a day of it and explore the independent gift shops and galleries, cosy pubs and museums in these historic coastal communities.
Inland you'll find the Esk Valley villages, dotted along the banks of the River Esk which winds its way from Westerdale to Whitby. As mentioned above, the railway line which runs through Egton Bridge is a great way to explore the Esk Valley villages.
Heritage Sites & Monuments
There are several notable heritage sites nearby, including:
- Whitby Abbey - standing on the headland overlooking Whitby harbour
- Pickering Castle - on the edge of the town of Pickering, just a short drive over the moors
- Helmsley Castle - overlooking this historic market town
- Scarborough Castle - one of the most impressive ruins on the east coast of England, with an amazing history and offering unbelievable views across North and South Bay
- Mulgrave Castle - the ruins of a once grand castle in the grounds of Mulgrave Estate, accessed via Mulgrave Woods
- Castle Howard - perhaps Yorkshire's grandest stately home, open to the public throughout the year
Shopping
Whitby is a fantastic location for shopping. Home to many independent shops stocking everything from clothing to cookware. Here are some of our top tips:
- Spiders Clothing - mens and ladies lifestyle clothing from top brands, friendly staff and a great range
- The Dispensary - a health food shop with a heart, great bread, organic fruit & veg, natural remedies and handmade local crafts too
- Witness - surf and skate inspired clothing and accessories
- Furbellow & Co & Co - gentleman's outfitter with a unique range and fantastic customer service
- Berties of Bay (Robin Hood's Bay and Sandsend) - get your ganseys and other heritage knitwear here!
Food & Drink
Whitby and North Yorkshire is also home to a number of excellent food & drink producers, cafes and restaurants. Here are some suggestions you might like to try when you next visit:
- Whitby Brewery - locally produced beers, their freshly baked pizza is great too!
- Whitby Distillery - enjoy locally made gin and rum, some made with locally sourced botanicals
- Bothams - Whitby's family baker, producing an amazing array of bread, cakes, savoury bakes and more since the mid 1800s
- The Homestead - a wonderful restaurant in Goathland, featured in the Michelin Guide, a popular spot so you'll need to book in advance
- Whitby Deli - amazing range of food & drink, great coffee and take-away food options too
- Whitby fish & chips - take your pick from Hadleys, Trenchers, Silver Street Fisheries, Quayside, Royal Fisheries, Mr Chips... the list goes on!
Why Now is the Time to Buy a Holiday Lodge near Whitby
Whitby has long been a top holiday destination. Regularly voted in the top 10 for UK seaside towns, Whitby is a holiday hotspot. Over recent years visitor numbers have continued to grow, fuelling increased demand for high quality holiday accommodation. Holiday lodges have become a popular choice for those looking to invest in a holiday property. This is because they offer the best value for money, when compared with traditional bricks & mortar properties, and feature all the mod-cons holiday makers are looking for.
Ladycross is offering investors the opportunity to own holiday lodges in an exclusive lodge development. Our lodge development plan has been approved by the North York Moors National Park and installation of new lodges is underway.
Ladycross is a unique development. We want to give each of our guests the best possible experience. Lodges at Ladycross are generously spaced and carefully positioned. This thoughtful layout provides more privacy, peace and quiet than guests experience at other parks. Our lodges are also set within 95 acres of mature woodland. This provides a unique atmosphere and environment, quite unlike anywhere else.
We recommend that all prospective owners come and spend some time at Ladycross. Our rental lodges are available for short breaks and weekly rental throughout the year. Why not book yourselves a break at Ladycross and discuss lodge ownership options with our team while you're here?
There's never been a better time to invest in a woodland lodge in North Yorkshire. Get in touch with our team today by calling us on 01947 895502. Whether you're interested in buying one of our existing holiday lodges, or are just exploring investment options, we'd love to hear from you.
Practical Information and Holiday Lodge Ownership FAQs
We've put together the following holiday lodge ownership guide. This covers a wide range of frequently asked questions. We hope you find it useful. If your question isn't answered below, please contact us with your query.
How much does it cost to buy a holiday lodge in North Yorkshire?
New lodges start from £225,000 but the exact price is dependent on design, size and specification. We are experienced in helping people through this process so please give us a call if you would like to discuss further. Each lodge can be tailored to the needs of the owner and furnished to your specification.
What are the annual site fees?
The ground rent is £3950 including VAT. This cost includes Council Tax, site maintenance, community electric, refuse collection and provision of a safe and secure site behind barrier entry.
Can we let our holiday lodge out to guests?
Yes, owners can let their holiday lodges to paying guests. Please note that holiday rentals are restricted to the 10 months when we allow site access to visitors.
Do I get access to my lodge all year?
Yes, owners have access all year, including the 2 months when we're closed to visitors.
Does our holiday lodge come with a warranty?
Yes, all new holiday lodges come with a 1 year warranty on fixtures and fittings and a 10 year structural warranty.
Do we have to source our own finance?
We can provide a number of finance providers who can offer competitive quotations on request. We are not a broker and cannot make any recommendations.
Is buying a holiday lodge a good investment?
A holiday lodge is an investment in your quality of life. You'll be able to enjoy visiting North Yorkshire all year round, staying in your very own woodland lodge. Lodges can be let out to paying guests. We are happy to provide ballpark figures for expected rental returns upon request.
What is the lease length on the park?
The site license is 50 years.
Can I bring a pet?
Yes, you can bring your pet but please note we cannot accept certain types of dog:
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier/crosses
- Rottweilers
- Akitas
- German Shepherd
- American Bulldog
- Dobermans
- Mastiff
Please check with us before booking if you are unsure.
If you arrive with one of these breeds we reserve the right to cancel your booking immediately and ask you to leave the park.
Can I put up a TV aerial or Sky dish?
No, you don’t need to as this is all provided by cable these days.
Can I have a greenhouse, shed or garage?
No, there is no space provided for this.
How are electric, water and gas provided?
These are metered and billed quarterly.
How is refuse and recycling collected?
We operate a central bin area where all refuse is collected. Fees for using this service are included in your ground rent.
What other costs are involved in owning a holiday lodge?
There are a small number of other costs, these include local authority rates and insurance. The exact charges can be explained when you visit Ladycross to discuss your lodge requirements.
Whitby Holiday Lodges
We hope this post has whetted your appetite and encouraged you to consider holiday lodge ownership. Remember that lodge owners benefit from:
- Owning a beautiful modern lodge in an exclusive development near Whitby and the North York Moors
- Working with our team to design a lodge which meets your needs and provides suitable accommodation for your family
- Being able to visit as frequently as you like throughout the year
- The option to rent out your lodge to paying guests up to 10 months of the year
Imagine waking up in the peace and tranquility of our woodland setting. Sit out on your deck to enjoy a leisurely breakfast, before setting out to explore Whitby, the Moors or coast. After a day's adventure, head back to your lodge and spend time cooking and eating together in your open plan living space. Watch a movie or sit out and enjoy the stars before heading to bed, relaxed and refreshed.
Woodland holiday lodges truly are the ideal holiday retreat. A home from home. Somewhere you'll love coming back to time and again.
All prospective owners are encouraged to spend some time at Ladycross and get a feel for the park. Why not book a few days in one of our rental lodges?
We look forward to welcoming you to Ladycross very soon.
