Waking to the rustle of leaves, the sound of birdsong and the warm glow of that morning light. Catching a glimpse of the surrounding woodland, through that perfectly positioned picture window. Fresh and green, inviting you to experience the great outdoors.
Sitting out on your own private deck. Enjoying a delicious meal, a glass of wine, the company of good friends. Taking life at your own pace. There's nothing to hurry you. Surrounded by trees, time seems to stand still.
As evening draws in, a dramatic sunset gives way to a sparkling night sky. Stars twinkle in the dark, the moon softly illuminates the tree tops which are swaying gently in the breeze. Shooting stars make it a night to remember, along with that delicious hot chocolate and cosy fire.
You're 5 miles from Whitby. On the doorstep of the North York Moors National Park. The rugged cliffs and sandy beaches of the Yorkshire coast beckon.
A woodland lodge holiday at Ladycross offers a unique connection with nature. An opportunity to relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings. Convenient access to local attractions. An unforgettable experience.
The Allure of Woodland Living
Our woodland lodges offer tranquility, peace, quiet and privacy in scenic surroundings. Designed and built to the highest specification, these are far more luxurious than your average log cabin. Each of our lodges is positioned to make the most of its surroundings. Spacious, light and airy accommodation, with open plan living space, bi-fold doors and decking invites the outside in.
Ladycross is a 95 acre wooded park. Established in the early 1900s. Our woodland is mature, and home to a wide variety of wildlife. This unique setting sets Ladycross apart. You won't find a local bed and breakfast or holiday cottage in such an atmospheric location!
Spending time amongst nature is known to boost mental health and wellbeing. According to a recent BBC article, "being outdoors can trigger measurable changes inside your body from lowering stress hormones, easing blood pressure and even improving your gut health." We've also written about the benefits of nature for mental health.
Forest bathing has also grown in popularity in recent years. This Japanese practice is a process of relaxation, known in Japan as shinrin yoku. The simple method of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply can help both adults and children de-stress and boost health and wellbeing in a natural way. Find out more at Forestry England.
Woodland living helps us slow down and find a more relaxing pace. Choosing a woodland lodge holiday can be a more sustainable choice and environmentally-friendly option too. At Ladycross we've worked in harmony with nature. We've worked closely with experts from the North York Moors National Park and other environmental agencies. Our Woodland Lodge Development Plan protects and enhances our environment.
Our guests often comment on the beauty of our natural surroundings. Sightings of deer, foxes, badgers and birds of prey occur regularly around our park. Many of our guests choose Ladycross because they prefer to stay out of town, away from the hustle and bustle. Having beautiful scenery, wildlife and immediate access to countryside makes Ladycross the obvious choice for anyone who loves the great outdoors.
Why Whitby Is the Ideal Setting
Whitby has long been a popular destination for holidaymakers. The jewel in the crown of the North Yorkshire coast, Whitby's gothic charm draws visitors all year round. Famous as the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, Whitby Abbey stands proudly on the headland, overlooking the busy harbour below.
Whitby's sandy beach stretches north west, along the coast to neighbouring Sandsend. Perfect for long lazy days with the family, colourful beach huts line the promenade. You'll find surfers and paddleboarders enjoying the water, alongside watercraft of all kinds.
Enjoy food & drink? Well, there's really nowhere better. As a fishing port, Whitby has long been known for its top-quality fish & chips. Many local restaurants and takeaways have won national awards for theirs. Our favourites have to be Hadley's and Trenchers. The Magpie Cafe is a firm favourite, but be prepared to queue! Whitby Brewery produce some of the best beer in the UK (in our opinion), as well as delicious pizzas. Fish restaurants, craft bakeries, cosy cafes and pubs serving excellent food line the harbourside. You'll never go home hungry, that's for sure.
Whitby is also within day-tripping distance of historic northern cities and towns, including:
- York
- Harrogate
- Newcastle
- Barnard Castle
- Helmsley
- Malton
To name just a few!
And whatever time of year you're visiting, there's always plenty to enjoy. In the summer visitors make the most of the North York Moors. Walking, cycling, bird-watching, photography, picnics in the woods... there are so many options, and many don't cost a penny.
In the cooler months there are historic monuments, museums, shopping, food & drink, exhibitions, live music and more to enjoy.
In the depths of winter it's time to properly unwind. Pack a few good books and take yourselves on a pub crawl, or visit many of the local cafes. You'll find cosy fires and a warm welcome to accompany tasty food and drink.
At the end of the day, return to your woodland accommodation. Watch the snow falling softly through the trees. Or take a wander around our 2 miles of nature trails. Enjoy the space of our Freedom Field as you watch the sunset over the tree tops.
Comfort Meets Adventure: Inside a Woodland Lodge
Designed to be enjoyed, our woodland holiday lodges feature spacious open-plan interiors. Kitchen, living and dining areas make it easy to spend time together, while enjoying different activities. Enjoy a spacious private deck, overlooking the surrounding trees, accessed via bi-fold doors.
We've worked with the best lodge designers and manufacturers in the UK to create something unique. Large picture windows are carefully positioned to make the most of the surroundings, whilst maintaining privacy.
It's this direct connection with nature which keeps our guests coming back.
Each lodge is comfortably furnished. Kitchens feature high quality appliances and everything else you'll need to prepare and enjoy delicious home-cooked food in your woodland home from home.
Large windows draw in plenty of natural light. Calming interiors are thoughtfully decorated. Natural materials like wood and stone are used to reflect the natural environment. We've carefully considered every detail, creating a beautifully relaxing environment. Read more about our holiday lodge architecture.
Bedrooms and bathrooms are well appointed. Cosy and comfortable, there's plenty of room for the whole family.
Activities and Experiences Nearby
Rather than provide another list of nearby attractions and activities, we thought we'd describe a perfect day at Ladycross...
It's early summer. The sun rises, lighting up the trees and casting dappled shadows through your bedroom window. The birds are singing, heralding the arrival of a new day. A day to enjoy the great outdoors.
Waking slowly you enjoy a leisurely breakfast out on the deck. Fresh air fills your lodge, and those who are last to wake eventually make it outside to join the rest of your party. Together you enjoy plenty of freshly-brewed coffee, bacon sandwiches (or other breakfast of your choice) and enjoy the peace and quiet of the park.
You and your fellow guests discuss how the spend the day. It seems a leisurely walk and a pub lunch is the preferred option! From Ladycross there are a few options, but you opt for the Egton Bridge and Glaisdale circular. It's a 6 mile route.
After packing an extra layer, some water, your handy OS Map and the sunscreen you set of. Ladycross is located at the top end of Egton, so it's a short walk into the village and then down the hill into Egton Bridge before joining the start of the route proper.
There’s history in the air, both at beautiful Beggar’s Bridge and also along the ancient stone trods, or pathways, that run through the pretty bluebell woods near both Egton and Glaisdale. On the upper stretches the high farmland offers some lovely views, while down in the valley the babbling River Esk is never very far away.
After a few hours rambling you're back in Egton Bridge. You could opt to stop at the Postgate Inn. It's renowned for its excellent food. However, you've been discussing it whilst walking and have decided to visit the Wheatsheaf, back in Egton itself.
The food's amazing, as always, and you spend a happy few hours relaxing in the sun, sat on the benches in front of the pub.
As you head back to Ladycross the sun's beginning to go down. Once back at your lodge some of your party decide to go and play frisbee on the Freedom Field. Others relax with a glass of wine, half watching a film on the large TV. A game of Scrabble, reading a favourite book on the deck. An hour passes, then two.
Someone rustles up an evening meal, nothing fancy. But warm and comforting, prepared together in the spacious open-plan kitchen.
As the evening draws in the stars come out. There's a glimmer of orange sky through the trees. A wisp of cloud. The temperature drops. Time for a hot chocolate and a slice of that delicious cake you were saving for just such an occasion.
Eventually everyone drifts off to bed. There's no noise apart from the occasional rustle of leaves from the trees outside your lodge. You drift off, dreaming of whatever tomorrow will bring:
- A day at the beach
- Visiting a local landmark like Whitby Abbey or Scarborough Castle
- A trip on the North York Moors Steam Railway
- A tour of Whitby's coffee shops, and a pint or two at the Brewery
The choice is yours!
Ideal for Every Type of Traveller
A woodland lodge holiday is ideal for any type of traveller. Whether you're a retired couple looking to relax and switch off, enjoying that well-earned retirement, a busy family with children, a dog and plenty of energy to burn, or somewhere in between. Here's why a few days in a woodland lodge makes the ideal holiday.
Couples
A woodland lodge makes for a romantic getaway. Make the most of having your own space. Time to spend together enjoying your favourite pastimes. Reading, cooking, playing board games, watching your favourite films - your woodland lodge is a tranquil escape, a home from from. If you're more adventurous, treat it as a base for all your outward bound activities. Head off for windswept moorland or coastal walks. Bring your bikes and enjoy exploring the Whitby to Scarborough Cinder Track.
Families
With space to spread out, families love Ladycross. Our open-plan lodge layouts are ideal for families. Spend time together in the same space, but enjoying different activities. Or, send the children to play in the Freedom Field while the parents enjoy some well-earned peace and quiet out with a glass of wine out on the deck. Spend time spotting wildlife, enjoying food & drink and watching movies together.
Solo Traveler
For the solo traveler a woodland lodge offers safety and security. Enjoy being in your own space, but with the reassuring presence of our friendly wardens and other guests. Your lodge is your own to enjoy. Whether you're spending time reading and enjoying the surroundings, or using it a springboard for countryside adventure.
Flexible Freedom
It's all about flexibility. Our lodges are all self-catering, but that doesn't mean you can't make the most of local take-aways for a great night in! We're also conveniently located only a short distance from three excellent pubs, all serving great food. Make the most of the woodland environment, spending time amongst the trees. Or get out and about throughout the day, knowing you've somewhere comfortable and relaxing to return to each evening.
A Sustainable and Mindful Way to Travel
Our woodland lodges are built from wood, clad in wood, and surrounded by wood! Nestling into their environment, they blend with their natural setting and are a low-impact accommodation choice. As we've already mentioned, our holiday lodge development has been designed to keep environmental impact to a mininum. We're proud to be actively conserving and enhancing our park, doing our best to steward this land for the next generation.
Practical Information and Booking Tips
At Ladycross we have four rental lodges available. They can be booked online via independent booking agents. Please check the listings for availability and pricing.
There really is no 'best time' to visit North Yorkshire. It really comes down to what you enjoy doing and who you're travelling with. There's so much to see and do all year round that an off-season break can be a fantastic choice. If you're tied to the school holidays then consider Easter, or October Half Term for a better value stay.
The summer holidays will always be the most popular time for visitors here on the Yorkshire coast. But when you stay at Ladycross you'll benefit from the peace and quiet of our woodland location, away from the busyness of Whitby but still benefitting from the close proximity to local attractions and amenities.
Woodland Lodge Ownership
As well as rental lodges, Ladycross also has a number of holiday lodges available for purchase. If you'd like to find out more about lodge ownership please click here. Owning a lodge is an investment in your future wellbeing. Imagine being able to make use of your very own lodge, at the drop of a hat, as well as being able to offer it to friends, family and other guests should you wish. Lodge ownership offers the best of both worlds. The freedom to enjoy your very own holiday home in a beautiful setting, and the benefit of a rental income should you want one.
Conclusion: Your Perfect Whitby Woodland Escape Awaits
For those wanting to connect with nature and truly experience the great outdoors, nothing beats a woodland lodge. Our are purposefully designed to bring the outside in and provide flexible, spacious accommodation. Whether you're travelling as a family, a group of friend, a couple or as a single traveler - a holiday lodge makes the ideal base.
Enjoy the peace and quiet of our tranquil woodland location. Experience luxurious interiors and cosy, comfortable furnishings. Relax, unwind and breathe in the fresh air as you open the bi-fold doors onto your private deck. Connect with nature, and enjoy all that this area offers.
We hope to welcome you to Ladycross soon. Bookings are now open for 2026.
