The North Yorkshire Coast: A Luxurious Retreat at Saltmoore
Tucked away between the rugged North Sea coast and the wild, windswept moorlands of North York Moors National Park, Saltmoore is a country retreat that exudes luxury, wellness, and dining. With its unique blend of coastal and moorland settings, this stunning destination is a haven for those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.
Originally a 19th-century residence and country escape for a local shipping magnate, Saltmoore has undergone a massive makeover to launch as a hotel, offering 72 bedrooms across its two properties: Saltmoore House and Beach House. The main building, Saltmoore House, is an adults-only haven, while the Beach House caters to families and those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
As we journeyed to Saltmoore, we took a step back in time on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a vintage train that winds its way through wooded valleys, open moorland, and rolling hills. Our private compartment was the perfect setting to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, spotting sheep and cows grazing in the fields and a grey heron stalking along a riverbank.
Upon arrival at Saltmoore, we checked into the Beach House, a charming property with a cool, whitewashed exterior and a spacious suite that exudes a beachy vibe. The room's light and airy atmosphere is punctuated by blustery seascape and landscape paintings on ocean-hued walls, a dark blue sofa, and a plush grey armchair.
After a restful night, we strolled up to the main house for breakfast in The Brasserie, a modern, low-ceilinged dining room adorned with twigs and greenery. The extensive buffet and hot dish menu offered something for everyone, and we indulged in a hearty Omelette Arnold Bennett and Chorizo Shakshuka with goat's cheese.
With our bellies full, we set out to explore the hotel's gardens, a tranquil oasis featuring neat lawns, a maze, and an old stone bridge. We followed a trail past an outdoor sauna and along the side of a lake, where clusters of ducks rushed over to see if we had scraps of bread. A hike past sprawling ancient trees and circling around the edge of the lake brought us back to the main house, the perfect way to start the day.
Later, we took a trip into nearby Whitby, a charming town with no shortage of fish and chip shops. We walked along the waterfront, taking in the Bark Endeavour, a replica of HMS Endeavour, the historic vessel that Captain James Cook and his crew sailed on from England to the ends of the Earth.
Most of our day was spent on Sandsend beach, reached with a 15-minute walk from the Beach House. The lovely, broad stretch of golden sand runs south-east towards Whitby, with the small village of Sandsend at the northern end. We spent hours resting and playing in the soft sand and bracing surf before walking down the quiet beach to the busier area around Sandsend itself, where we sat for a while at a café with views of the ocean, waves collapsing onto the shore.
After another good night's sleep and satisfying breakfast, we repeated our walking route from the day before, up through the hotel's tranquil gardens. Circling around the top of the still lake, cutting across narrow wooden bridges and through woodland, we found a grey heron perched on the banks, watching the water for a fish. Like us, the bird seemed absolutely content to be taking in the morning air in this calm, peaceful spot between the salty sea and magnificent moors.
Rooms from £325 per night (subject to change), including breakfast. Saltmoore, Sandsend Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3ST: saltmoore.co.uk. For North Yorkshire Moors Railway, see www.nymr.co.uk.
Written by: Snuggie Crumbsnatch | The Citizen Edition
“Pic-a-nic perfect, folks!”