FIND OUT WHAT IS JUST 20 MINUTES AWAY FROM
CLIFF HOUSE HOLIDAY COTTAGES
Things to Do Within 20 Minutes of Cliff House Holiday Cottages
Less time in the car, more time doing
One of the things guests often say after staying at Cliff House is how much there is to do nearby without needing to travel far.
Set on the edge of the North York Moors, you’re within easy reach of coast, countryside and market towns, all without long drives or complicated planning.
It’s a simple idea, but it makes a difference.
More time out, less time getting there.
The coast, without the crowds (15–30 minutes)
The Yorkshire coast is close enough for a spontaneous trip, whether that’s a full day out or just a few hours by the sea.
- Scarborough – beaches, historic harbour and plenty of places to eat
- Cayton Bay – a quieter stretch of coastline, popular for walking
- Filey (30 mins away) – a more traditional seaside feel, especially good for a slower pace
You can head out early, or just go when the mood takes you.
The North York Moors (10–20 minutes)
You’re right on the doorstep of the National Park, with easy access to some of its best-known spots.
- Dalby Forest – walking and cycling trails, plus plenty of space to explore
- Hole of Horcum – wide open views and a good starting point for walks
- Levisham and Newton Dale – quieter corners of the moors
There are walks for all levels, many of them accessible without needing to plan too far ahead.
Market towns and local food (10–20 minutes)
If you’re looking for somewhere to wander, pick something up, or stop for coffee, you’ve got a few good options nearby.
- Pickering – home to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and a good mix of independent shops
- Malton – known for its food scene, with markets and local producers (Visit our favourite butcher Paul at Food 2 Remember, or go on a cookery course with Gilly at the Cook’s Place)
- Thornton-le-Dale – smaller, but worth a stop for its setting and cafés
It’s easy to dip in and out without needing to commit to a full day.
Walks from the door
You don’t always need to go anywhere.
From Cliff House, you can head straight out into the surrounding countryside.
- Local footpaths through fields and woodland
- Quiet lanes and circular walks
- Space to get out without needing to drive
Sometimes the best part of the day is the simplest one.
Rainy day options (all within 20 minutes)
Not every day needs to be outdoors.
Nearby options include:
- Museums and galleries in Scarborough
- Local cafés and independent shops
- Short trips into Pickering or Malton
It’s easy to adjust plans without losing the day.
A different way to plan your stay
Some guests arrive with a full list of places to visit.
Others take it day by day.
Being within 20 minutes of so much means you don’t have to overplan. You can decide as you go, depending on the weather, the time of year, or just how you feel that morning.
Staying at Cliff House
After a day out, everything you need is back on site.
- Indoor heated swimming pool with private sessions
- Games room
- Two acres of gardens and woodland
- Space to relax without needing to head back out
The North Yorkshire Water Park
Just 10 minutes from our self catering holiday cottages, you can find the North Yorkshire Water Park. A fantastic venue offering a range of activities for all of the family including paddle boarding, zip lining, climbing wall, Total Wipe Out style assault courses and wake boarding. There are plenty of changing rooms and there is a great on site cafe. On Saturdays, the Water Park also hosts one of our local park runs.
Dalby Forest (aka The Great Yorkshire Forest)
Dalby Forest is quite literally 10 minutes up the road from Cliff House Holiday Cottages. Turn right as you leave our cottages and you have access to some of the quieter car parks in the forest (and avoiding parking charges). A regular easy walk for us is from Bickley Gate Car Park out to Jerry Noddle. Aside from gentle walks along forest access roads, there are down hill mountain biking routes (the mountain biking world cup was held here), orienteering and Gruffalo trails and Go Ape for zip lines. At the visitor centre there is mountain bike hire, and a number of cafes, as well as more walks. For a long walk, but level walk, you can walk in from the nearby village of Thornton-le-Dale following the Eller BEck all the way to the visitor centre.
Woldies Nature Garden, Trails and Play
Just 15 minutes away across the valley is Woldies Nature Garden and Play. Woldies is a private garden come lavender farm who grow and harvest their own lavender for distilling in to essential oils that they sell in their own shop. At Woldies there is a number of nature trails to follow as well as a maze, a perfect day out for those with younger families.
Pickering Castle
Ideal for families with English Heritage cards. This 13th century castle was used throughout the centuries and has been a royal hunting lodge, holiday home and a stud farm by a succession of medieval kings. Pickering Castle was originally a timber and earth motte and bailey castle. It was developed into a stone motte and bailey castle which had a stone keep. A visit to Pickering Castle can be joined up with a visit to the market town of Pickering and the church of St Peter and St Paul to have a look at the medieval painted walls.
Mathewson’s Car Auctions (aka Bangers and Cash)
Just three villages over and about a 10 minute drive from our cottages is the picture post card village of Thornton le Dale. Thornton is a great starting place for walks in to Dalby Forest and has a chippy and small convenience store if you need to stock on supplies. Thorton-le-Dale is also home to car auction firm Mathewsons, who many will recognise from the Yesterday Channel TV show “Bangers and Cash“. In Thornton-le-Dale they have a small selection of cars on display as well as their museum and shop. To see more of the cars that are up for auction, visit their auction house in Pickering another 5 minutes along the road.
During the summer months be sure to stop at Balderson’s for an ice cream and to dip your toes in the Ellerburn, the beck that runs through the village.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum
Coming in at one minute under 20 minutes away from our self catering cottages at Cliff House is Eden Camp Modern History Museum. Focusing on the Second World War, this museum was a prisoner war camp during the Second World War, first for Italians and then as the war progressed soldiers from Germany. With lots of exhibitions looking at various aspects of the Second World War, from life on the home front to the Great Escape. Bonus points to Dad’s who can spot the exhibit that links Easy Company from “Band of Brothers” with Operation Market Garden and “A Bridge too Far” 😉 Also at Eden Camp is a small cafe and children’s play area.
Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo
Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo is just 17 minutes from Cliff House Holiday Cottages. With 37 different rides there is something from everyone; from “Sik” a 2nd generation multi inversion roller coaster with 10 full inversions to the more sedate Muddy Duck Tractor Ride. Flamingo Land is also a zoo with a selection of farm animals as well as…flamingos… wallabys, African lions and rhino and much much more.
Scampston Hall and Gardens
15 minutes away is our local country house estate, which is still very much a family home. A perfect place to either explore the walled gardens (and cafe!), take a longer walk through the estate, taking in a landscape devised by “Capability” Brown. There are tours of the main hall, and booking in advance is recommended. The walled garden was restored, having been left unused for over 50 years and is one of the UKs largest examples of work by the Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf.
Cedarbarn Farm Shop, Cafe and Miniature Railway
Cedarbarn is just 10 minutes away from us at Cliff House and makes a great place to go for breakfast (and any other meal) with its miniature railway and play park its a great place for the little ones. Inside there a farmshop and a butchers, with meat from the family’s own farm
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