North Yorkshire Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your North Yorkshire Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

North Yorkshire packs in more variety than most counties. I always tell friends to start in York with its medieval streets and magnificent Minster (4.5/5 on TripAdvisor). The city walls take about 2 hours to walk round and give you great views.

Castle Howard (YO60 7DA, open 10am-5pm daily, 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) is one of Britain's finest stately homes. The grounds are worth the entry fee alone and the house featured in Brideshead Revisited.

The North York Moors Railway (YO18 7TT, 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) runs steam trains from Pickering to Whitby. Book ahead in summer as it gets packed. We found the freedom ticket good value as you can hop on and off all day.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal (HG4 3DY, 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor) combines abbey ruins with water gardens. It's a UNESCO site and National Trust property, so members get in free. Allow at least 3 hours to see it properly.

Pet Friendly

Dogs love North Yorkshire almost as much as their owners. The beaches at Sandsend, Robin Hood's Bay and parts of Whitby allow dogs year-round. Filey has restrictions in summer but the huge bay gives plenty of space for walks.

The Black Sheep Brewery in Masham (HG4 4EN) welcomes dogs in their bistro and on their brewery tours. The food's good too - their steak and ale pie uses their own beer.

For woodland walks, try Dalby Forest (YO18 7LT) with miles of trails through pine forests. The visitor centre has water bowls and treats for dogs. They even host dog-friendly events throughout the year.

Many pubs welcome dogs. The White Horse Farm Inn near Pickering (YO18 8QH) has a special dog menu with doggy ice cream. They'll even lend you towels if your dog jumps in a stream before you head back to your hot tub cottage.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in North Yorkshire

Whitby Abbey (YO22 4JT, 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) sits dramatically on the headland above Whitby. It inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula and the views across the North Sea are spectacular. The 199 steps up are worth the climb. English Heritage manages it and the audio guide brings the ruins to life. One visitor told me "We came for the abbey but stayed for the fish and chips" - Whitby's famous for them.

Malham Cove (BD23 4DJ, 5/5 on TripAdvisor) is a huge curved limestone cliff in the Yorkshire Dales. The limestone pavement at the top featured in Harry Potter films. It's free to visit and the walk from Malham village takes about 30 minutes. Wear proper shoes as it gets slippery. The peregrine falcons nesting there are amazing to watch through the RSPB spotting scopes usually set up in summer.

Brimham Rocks (HG3 4DW, 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor) has weird rock formations shaped by wind and rain over millions of years. Kids love climbing on them (supervised!) and the views across Nidderdale are fantastic. National Trust owns it so parking is free for members. One family wrote on TripAdvisor: "Better than we expected. Our kids spent 4 hours exploring and didn't want to leave."

When's the best time to visit North Yorkshire?

May to September offers the best weather, but accommodation prices peak in August. Spring (April-May) brings lambs in fields and fewer crowds. Autumn colours in October are spectacular in places like Thorp Perrow Arboretum. Winter offers empty beaches and cosy pubs with fires - perfect for returning to your hot tub afterwards.

Do I need a car in North Yorkshire?

Yes, for most cottage locations. Public transport serves main towns but many beauty spots and villages have limited bus services. The Coastliner bus (between Leeds, York, Malton, Pickering, Whitby and Scarborough) is useful and scenic.

Where's best for food in North Yorkshire?

The Star Inn at Harome (YO62 5JE) holds a Michelin star. For less fancy options, try Whitby for seafood, Betty's Tea Rooms in York or Harrogate for cakes and any market town pub for Sunday roasts. Farm shops like Fodder in Harrogate sell great local produce to cook in your cottage.

Which part of North Yorkshire is best for cottages with hot tubs?

The North York Moors offers more seclusion and dark skies for stargazing from your hot tub. The Yorkshire Dales has more dramatic landscapes. Coastal areas like Robin Hood's Bay combine beach access with countryside. York outskirts work well for combining city visits with countryside.

Is North Yorkshire good for walking?

Absolutely! The Cleveland Way (109 miles) and parts of the Pennine Way run through the county. For shorter walks, try the Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Rievaulx Abbey to Helmsley, or coastal paths between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay.

What should I pack for North Yorkshire?

Layers and waterproofs - the weather changes quickly, especially on the moors. Walking boots for countryside, swimwear for your hot tub and a torch if staying somewhere rural as streetlights are rare.

Helpful links:

1. North York Moors National Park official site
2. Yorkshire Dales National Park official site
3. Visit York tourist information
4. Whitby Abbey information
5. North Yorkshire Moors Railway timetables and tickets