Most people connect Plymouth with the seafaring explorer, but it is North Yorkshire that is responsible for shaping the dreams of the man who would put Australia on the map.
It’s been 250 years since Captain Cook set sail in the Endeavour, leaving the villages of North Yorkshire that inspired the explorer. Come explore the town he left behind. A short 15-20 minute drive and you will be here where it all began.
A gateway to the North York Moors, Guisborough Forest and Walkway is situated at the northern edge of the National Park. It’s a mosaic of thriving habitats, with woodlands, wetlands and grassland, and is home to many different plants and animals.
Onsite facilities include two play areas, a trim trail to challenge you, a sculpture trail, circular waymarked walks and bike trails, and a permanent orienteering course. A dipping platform provides access into the wetland area and there’s a regular events programme. Only a few minutes away in the car or enjoy a brisk walk within 10-15 minutes.
Scaling Dam is surrounded by beautiful wild heather moorland and offers a fun day out for all. For keen anglers the shallow water offers excellent fly and bait fishing. There is a circular walk showcasing the stunning views and wildlife, alongside picnic areas to enjoy some lunch with the family. The visitor centre supplies fishing essentials, confectionery, refreshments and ice creams. A short 20 minute drive to the reservoir.
Eston Nab is a rocky outcrop hill in the town of Eston, North Yorkshire, England.
A nab is a rocky promontory, or outcrop, and Eston Nab, marking the highest point – at 242 metres (794 ft) – on the escarpment which forms Eston Hills, appears as a clear sandstone cliff on the northernmost edge of Eston Moor.
It is the site of Bronze Age burial mounds and an Iron Age hill fort. However, regardless of all its history, to local people, the name of Eston Nab is synonymous with the monument that stands there. A short drive away in less than 20 minutes
Carlton Bank is a hill in the Cleveland Hills, in north-east England. It is located on Carlton Moor in the North York Moors and overlooks the villages of Carlton-in-Cleveland and Faceby. The summit provides extensive views of Teesside including Middlesbrough and Redcar to the north as well as the surrounding moorland. Roseberry Topping can also be clearly seen from the summit in a north-easterly direction. The Cleveland Way National Trail crosses Carlton Bank and is part of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk.
James Cook (1728-1779) was born in the village of Marton near Middlesbrough and later apprenticed to a draper in the small fishing harbour of Staithes (11 miles north of Whitby). There he fell in love with the sea and his time in Staithes is remembered in the Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre. Later he moved to Whitby and became a trainee with a local shipping firm. The house where he lodged with his master is still in Whitby’s Grape Lane and is now open to the public as the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. Later, he joined the Royal Navy and was rapidly promoted to a command. A half hour drive to Whitby and it’s beautiful town is all it takes and you can spend a full day out here.
The North Yorkshire seaside town of Staithes is just 30 miles from Wyke Lodges, it embodies many of the reasons why seaside towns hold such appeal. Once one of the busiest fishing ports on the North East coast, Staithes boasts a long proud history as the one-time home of famous Royal Navy captain and explorer, Captain James Cook. Staithes is approximately 22 minutes drive from Whitby along the coast, if you fancy visiting 2 amazing towns in 1 day.
There’s more to Whitby than meets the eye – with its connections to Captain Cook and Dracula, its quirky narrow streets and bustling harbour overlooked by the striking Gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, Whitby is a fascinating town, unlike any other.
Enjoy the quirky fishing villages of Staithes and Robin Hood’s Bay, the unspoilt sandy beaches of Sandsend and Runswick Bay, the staggering views from the clifftops at Ravenscar, and the popular seaside resorts of Saltburn and Redcar.
Enjoy the 800km of bridleways that weave through the peaceful and colourful countryside of the North York Moors National Park, which surrounds Whitby town.
A nice half hour drive is well worth it and a full day can be spent here at Whitby.
