Larpool Hall
North York Moors
Given that the Yorkshire coast never loses its capacity to enchant, it’s easy to see the appeal of this Grade II-listed house overlooking the Esk Valley and the North Sea. The setting is perfect; in the former fishing town of Whitby that’s best known for its fish and chips, quaint harbour, and Dracula connections (Irish author Bram Stoker drew his inspiration for his Gothic novel when holidaying here in 1890). You’ll have all the sightseeing greats within walking or driving distance, including the 13th century Whitby Abbey, the wonderful Whitby Sands, and the 199 Steps leading up to the old St. Mary’s Church (it’s customary to count them as you climb). Not only are the North York Moors right on your doorstep, but the walk along Cleveland Way to Robin Hood’s Bay is rather special, too.
Larpool Hall
| • Open March to November and during the festive season • 29 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 39 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • Travel cot & 2 high chairs • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Lounge • Garden • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point |  |
Then & now at Larpool Hall
Built in 1780s on a site dating back to Norman times, the three-storey Larpool Hall was first owned by Sir Jonathan Lacey – a Whitby ropemaker turned shipbuilder who operated a shipyard on the estate. It was later purchased by King George III’s physician, Dr John Turton, whose role in delivering babies had made him a quite a favourite of Queen Charlotte. The house remained in the family thereafter. His descendent, Sir Edmund Russborough Turton, 1st Baronet and Conservative Party politician, sold the house to the National Children’s Home in in 1919 and it provided residential care to boys up to the age of 16 until 1968. It was converted into a hotel in 1986 and has been part of our HF Holidays line-up since 1998.
Nowadays, there’s no shortage of period grandeur to marvel at, mostly the grand mahogany staircase, open-arched porch, original doorway, and Ionic column Venetian staircase window. You’ll find 14 acres of lovely grounds, a comfortable lounge, a licensed bar, books and games to borrow during your stay, plus a handy boot and drying room. There’s also a Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and easy-to-follow information for self-guided walks. And in the dining room you’ll find a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. Accommodation comes by way of 29 well-appointed guest rooms in three categories (Classic, Premium, and Superior), some of which blend contemporary design flourishes with original features such as fireplaces and exposed ceiling beams.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Larpool Hall has 29 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic Rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium Rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior Rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: The spacious Room 15 on the ground floor for its lovely décor, comfy sofa, large fireplace, and views across the Esk Valley. Room 2 on the first floor offers fabulous views while Room 30 on the second floor has eaves and exposed beams.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Larpool Hall
House calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Discover North York Moors
Places to visit
Whether you’re enjoying a guided or self-guided walking holiday, there’s always the opportunity to linger for longer. Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of Larpool Hall.
Whitby
Just a 1.5 mile downhill walk away, the former fishing town of Whitby is best known for its fish and chips, quaint harbour, and Dracula connections (Irish author Bram Stoker drew his inspiration for his Gothic novel when holidaying here in 1890).
Whitby Abbey
As one of the most atmospheric attractions along the Yorkshire coastline, this looming clifftop landmark was founded by the Saxon King of Northumbria in AD657. It can be reached by climbing the famous 199 steps and it’s well worth the effort for the views.
Whitby Harbour West Lighthouse
Of the two lighthouses at the mouth of the River Esk, this taller of the towers was built in 1831. Open to the public during the summer and warmer months only, there’s 81 steps leading all the way up to the lantern room. A small entrance fee applies.
Whitby Whalebone Arch
As a nod to Whitby’s whaling industry heritage in the 18th and 19th centuries, a huge whale bone arch was erected on West Cliff in 1853. Nowadays, it’s an irresistible photo opportunity although this version is not the original and dates from 1963.
Staithes
Only a 20-minute drive away, this pretty fishing village was the home of Royal Navy captain and explorer, Captain James Cook. Must-dos include exploring the cobbled streets, spending time at Staithes Gallery, and taking a stroll down to the scenic harbour.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Running for 24 miles from Pickering to Whitby, this scenic route takes just under two hours. The historic stations are well worth a visit, especially Goathland which was transformed into Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.
Scarborough & Stephen Joseph Theatre
As Britain’s very first theatre in the round, this iconic performance space was established by stage director Stephen Joseph in 1955 and moved to its current home in 1976. The building has two auditoria: the 404-seater Round and the 165-seater McCarthy.
Rydale Folk Museum
This open-air museum is set in over six acres in Hutton le Hole – a pretty village just under an hour’s drive away. There’s approximately 40,000 objects on display in over 20 rescued and restored buildings, all of which relate to historic North Yorkshire life.
Castle Howard
Probably best known as the location for the TV series Brideshead Revisited, building on this grand stately home started in 1699 and took 100 years to complete. Highlights include the year-round exhibitions and the sumptuous gardens with ponds and fountains.
York
A 90-minute drive away, this historic walled city is most famous for its York Minster, National Railway Museum, Jorvik Viking Centre, and York Dungeon. Don’t miss the Yorkshire Museum & Gardens for some of Europe’s finest archaeological and geological finds.
Getting to Larpool Hall
Getting here
Address
Larpool Hall
Larpool Drive
Whitby
North Yorkshire YO22 4ND
Tel: +44 (0)1947 602737
By train
The nearest station is Whitby.
However, travelling to Scarborough station may be more convenient. Check National Rail for routes and journey times.
By taxi
The two-mile journey from Whitby station takes approximately 10 minutes.
From Scarborough train station, it’s a 21-mile journey, taking 40 minutes.
For pricing, please contact Whitby Taxis directly.
Whitby Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, Abbey Taxis*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1947 601212
Email: abbeytaxiswhitby@gmail.com
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Larpool Hall.
*Whitby Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
The 93 and 94 buses run regularly between Scarborough station and Whitby taking around an hour. As you approach Whitby, alight by the Larpool Lane Industrial Estate. From here it’s an 800m walk up Larpool Lane to Larpool Hall. Please note that Larpool Hall's driveway is not lit.
Check Traveline for up-to-date bus information.
By car
There’s a free car park at Larpool Hall if you decide to drive.
The A171 from Teesside and the A169 from Pickering converge at a roundabout about two miles outside Whitby.
After this roundabout and as you approach Whitby, cross another roundabout then turn right at the traffic lights signposted Scarborough. Cross over the River Esk, then immediately turn right into Larpool Lane. Towards the top of the hill, turn into Larpool Drive – you'll see Larpool Hall at the end of this road.
By air
The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford Airport.
Catch the airport bus to Leeds where there are connecting trains to Scarborough taking about 90 minutes.
There’s also Manchester Airport, which is served by a range of long-haul flights. From here, there are trains every hour to Scarborough with one change at Manchester Piccadilly or York. Allow around three hours to reach Scarborough.
Flying to London Heathrow airport is another option but it’ll take you around 4.5 hours to reach Scarborough. From Heathrow first take the Piccadilly line to London Kings Cross station, then connect to Scarborough (with one change at York).
Check National Rail for train information.
