Really enjoying this report.

Thanks Indy Dad--We're visiting Whitby this fall because--Dracula! And planning to stay at Robin Hood's Bay. Will try to add St. Abbs reserve if possible while driving from Scotland.

@dwdvagamundo

as you probably know, there is an upper and lower Robins Hood Bay and it is VERY steep in between. No cars in the lower village. Keep that in mind when booking your lodging. We were quite happy with Whitby (and that was hilly enough!)

Wow your kids have really grown since the first trip reports you posted. Always fun to read about your family adventures. Thanks for posting.

@john183 -- they have, haven't they? Thanks for the comment.

<b>Lodging</b>

Derby: friends’ house – not available!

<u>Whitby: 18 St Hilda Terrace</u>
http://18sthildasterrace.co.uk/

A very large and posh 5-story house in Whitby. Was more than enough for our two families (of 7) and was a nice splurge. Lots of ups/downs in the house and around town as Whitby is very hilly.

my review: https://tinyurl.com/18-St-Hilda

<u>Seahouses: Wyndgrove House</u>
http://www.wyndgrovehouse.co.uk/

Nice and fit for purpose. Very accommodating (e.g. we ate takeaway in the lounge, had a late breakfast). Family room was nice sized and easier fit our family of 4 w/ teens (at least for one night!).

<u>Melrose: Eildon Holiday Cottages (Single Tree Cottage)</u>
http://www.eildon.co.uk/

Not too many self-catering options to choose from. This was unique in that these cottages where geared for wheelchair accessibility (no steps, wide doors, lower counters, even hoists upon request). That said, they were more than adequate for us. Spacious, clean, just outside of town and great views. Really like that we could simply walk out the door and up the Eildon Hills.

Review: https://tinyurl.com/Eildon

One final post of links/reviews:

<b>Restaurant Links</b>

We ate in quite a bit, particularly at the first two stops. With a large crowd, it’s simply easier to manage. In Whitby we went out the first night and then again with the adults only. After heading north, we did eat out every night though the last two were “dates” with only DW and me.

<u>Trenchers (fish and chips) </u>
http://www.trenchersrestaurant.co.uk/

I am just not a fish and chips guy so take this with a grain of salt. The main criterion was to fit 7 hungry people in a sit down chippie. The food was fine but nothing special (to me).

<u>Star Inn The Harbour, Whitby</u>
http://starinntheharbour.co.uk/

Tried to book TA #1 Dittos but they were full two weeks out. Our friends read a review for this new restaurant and we gave it a try. Great location and large restaurant that is certainly going through some growing pains. As we were enjoying our conversation, the longish inter-meal waits weren’t bothersome and the food was very good.

review: https://tinyurl.com/star-inn-harbour

<u>Elan Pizzeria, Seahouses</u>
http://www.elanpizzeria.co.uk/

Great little pizzeria. They were booked up so we simply put in a takeaway order; really enjoyed it.

<u>Gala Tandori, Galashiels</u>
http://www.galatandoori.co.uk/home.html

Looking for something quick and easy and thought we’d have a curry for old time’s sake. We also wanted to stock up our groceries in the bigger town of Galashiels so this fit the bill. We were the only ones in the restaurant as I think they do more takeaway and delivery (though I didn’t hear the phone ring much). Food was good if a touch saucey.

<u>Seasons, Gattonside (Melrose) </u>
http://seasonsborders.co.uk/

The two Gattonside (near Melrose) restaurants were absolute gems. Small, personally run restaurants using locally sourced food. Perhaps a bit fancy for a family but just what DW and I were looking for on these two date nights (kids got pizza and pasta at home!).

Anyone who thinks British food is just meat pies and chippies needs to get out to restaurants like these.

Seasons was very quiet and calm. Run by an older couple. Great food.

review: https://tinyurl.com/yam87y3c


<u>The Hoebridge, Gattonside (Melrose)</u>
http://www.thehoebridge.com/

The Hoebridge was much livelier and seemed more popular. Must have more buzz. We enjoyed both. Chef if from the area but trained in New York and bought the place when it became available. His partner, the maître d’, was from Terre Haute, IN originally but also moved to NY. Small world. Excellent!

review: https://tinyurl.com/ycm66hyv