lovs2travel

I’ve been working on (and re-working) an itinerary for Northern England and Scotland and would appreciate any advice. I’d like to spend two nights somewhere in/near the North York Moors in mid-September (this will be after two nights in York). My hope is to see the heather moorlands if they are still in bloom. Morgana gave some great advice about what to see including, Rievaulx Abbey, Byland Abbey, Robin Hood's Bay, Wheeldale Roman Road and the Wharram Percy deserted medieval village. I’m not sure that we’ll be able to see everything, but we’ll do what we can. After the two nights, we will head north to Durham Cathedral and to Hadrian’s Wall and probably spend a night in Hexham. I had originally planned to stay in Whitby, but would there be different options that would be more conducive to seeing these sites or is Whitby our best bet? Thank you.

Morgana

Hi, sounds like the planning is coming on well.
I really like the small town of Helmsley and often recommend this as a base for visitors to the area. I think it would be perfect for you. It's very picturesque and you can walk to Rievaulx from the town. It also has a castle and gardens, and some good restaurants. There's a variety of places to stay there - I'd stay at the Feversham Arms if I could afford it!
http://www.fevershamarmshotel.com/
Pickering would also be a good, central place to stay. It's quite a busy, bustling place though and I'm not sure if that's what you want or if you are looking for somewhere quieter and rural.
If Pickering does appeal then the White Swan (bang in the centre) is lovely.
http://www.white-swan.co.uk/
There's also a very pretty small village called Hovingham which would be a good base.
http://www.ryedale.co.uk/ryedale/vil...hovingham.html
I'd definitely visit Whitby but I'd stay in one of the places mentioned above.
If you fancied very rural surroundings then many places in the NY Moors do a very good farm stay bed and breakfast.
We also stayed recently at the Black Swan at Oldstead - a Michelin starred restaurant which has 4 gorgeous rooms.
http://blackswanoldstead.co.uk/

jimmybog

I would agree with Morgana and stay in Helmsley if you can although Pickering would be a slightly better/closer location to get to Whitby and Robin Hoods bay. Also at Pickering you can get the old steam train that goes across the Moors and stops at some lovely old stations that are used as locations in the TV series Heartbeat.

We stayed at Gisborough hall which is on the Northern edge of the moors. From there it was an easy drive over the moor to Whitby and to the steam train station at Grosmont. Not saying that Gisborough is a better location than Helmsley/Pickering but worth considering as an alternative if you can't find accomodation elsewhere.

Oh I would also highlight that walking from Helmsley to Rivelaeux does involve walking uphill for about two and a half miles. Also you are correct and that you will very unlikely see everything in two days. We stayed for five nights which was just enough.

jimmybog

Sorry forgot to add the link to Gisborough hall:

http://www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk/our...gh-hall-hotel/

lovs2travel

Helmsley does look perfect! Thank you both for such wonderful suggestions for accommodation – they all look lovely. Your advice was exactly what I needed.