A 19th century coastal retreat nestled in woodland, with a home-grown restaurant and an indulgent spa… Discover Raithwaite Sandsend

STAY

After all, this is HLN’s stay-cation special. And trust us – you won’t want to leave Raithwaite Sandsend after just an hour or two. So make a night (or two) of it and book a room.

There’s space for couples, families, groups and four-legged fur-babies at Raithwaite Sandsend. With cloud-like beds you simply sink into at the end of long day exploring, stylish bathrooms where you can soak away the stress, elegant lounge areas and views for days, everything is right where you need it here. So all you need to do is turn up, drop your bags and relax.

Fancy somewhere homely to cosy on down in when the Autumn chills creep up? At Raithwaite you can kick off your shoes (or walking boots), make yourself at home and look out over sprawling woodland and flower-filled gardens as you unwind. Some of their most snug rooms are tucked up in the eaves of this Victorian country house, so you can channel all those romantic Jane Eyre vibes (without calling dibs on being the crazy lady in the attic).

EAT

You’ll know by now that we rarely commit to going anywhere until we know the scran is on point. So you can assume it speaks volumes when we say we’ve already booked a stay at Raithwaite Sandsend… and it most definitely includes a trip to their intimate brasserie.

After all, what about just-picked salads, sustainably sourced veg, local cheese boards and fish so fresh it might as well have just somersaulted out of the sea and onto your plate would you not want to indulge in? Raithwaite’s restaurant showcases the very best of Whitby produce with simple, seasonal and superbly-cooked dishes morning, noon and night.

Raithwaite Sandsend is proud to champion local suppliers and has some of the best fish dishes in Yorkshire, alongside vegetarian options and a variety of other dishes. And their new, uber-laidback setting overlooks the perfectly manicured estate grounds, so you’re guaranteed a stunning backdrop as you sip and savour. In fact, the combination of premier ingredients, expert chefs, elegant interiors and unbeatable views make The Restaurant at Raithwaite Sandsend a dining destination to remember.

MasterChef semi-finalist, successful food author and proprietor of the UK’s most sustainable pub Ollie Hunter has recently joined the Raithwaite family as food, drink & sustainability director – bringing huge culinary expertise and sustainability know-how, there are big plans afoot including the introduction of no-dig kitchen gardens designed to feed the restaurant year-round.

EXPLORE

With the beach, the forest and the rolling moors all right here for the taking, the only question you’ll find yourselves asking at Raithwaite Sandsend is: where to start?

If it were us, we’d probably start with our doorstep. The Raithwaite estate itself is divine and, be it a stroll through their landscaped gardens, a spot of foraging with the estate’s expert chefs, or an adventure into their magical woodland, many of Yorkshire’s loveliest walks across moors and dales can begin as soon as you step foot outside. While all the others are just a short drive away, for the more hardcore hikers among us. Think three-day hikes along the Cleveland Way, child-friendly beach wanders or channelling your inner Cathy and Heathcliff out on the moors – simply ask at Raithwaite’s reception and their friendly team will be all too happy to provide a range of routes, advice or will even book you onto a guided walk.

Keen for an activity that doesn’t involve pulling on your walking boots? We hear you – and, more to the point, so does Raithwaite Sandsend. Catch some waves with the estate’s very own Surf School; even if you’ve never even carried a surfboard before, their pro teachers will get you on your feet and riding those waves in no time. Or have a go at the slightly more chilled activity of Stand Up Paddleboarding – the beach is just a short walk away, the hotel Concierge can fix you up with all the latest gear (including wetsuits), and SUP really is the perfect way to explore Yorkshire’s unbeatable coastline.

TREAT

Now all that exploring and activity making sounds grand, but let’s face it – we are on holiday here. And the reason holidays are so darn wonderful is that they give us a chance to unwind. So by all means, hit the beach, have a go at surfing and get your steps in by hiking over the North York Moors. But be sure to make a little time to just be, too. Raithwaite Sandsend will take care of the rest.

After all, they have a cosy haven of relaxation, tranquillity and never-rushed calm all of their own: Raithwaite Spa. Inside, you have the choice of a heated indoor pool to lounge by, fragrant treatments by expert therapists to drift away to, plus a steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and even a gym, if the mood takes you. You really can just leave the world behind you in this light, airy and rejuvenating retreat – meaning the next time you do go out to hit up the great outdoors, you’re feeling relaxed, restored and with a renewed spring in your step.