Holiday rentals in Sandsend

On the wild North Sea coast that forms part of North York Moors National Park, the little seafront village of Sandsend, with three miles of golden sands, is a haven of calm. On a sunny day it’s hard to believe vicious storms wrecked hundreds of ships here in the 18th century, or that it was a centre of Victorian-era alum industry and mining. Now the quarries are overgrown, and the only things people are digging for are dinosaur fossils, commonly found on these shores.

Among the fishing villages, including nearby Staithes, Sandsend is gaining a reputation as a surf spot, with hip eateries, beach cafes, and pubs with sea views. Whitby, with its legendary fish and chip shops and Gothic history, is close enough for Whitby Abbey to be visible from Sandsend’s beach. Inland, the North York Moors hinterland offers opportunities for wildlife walks and stargazing in the International Dark Sky Reserve, designated for its low light pollution, where on a clear winter night it’s possible to witness the Aurora Borealis.

The best time to stay in one of Sandsend’s cottages depends on whether you’re here for sunny beaches, wildlife, or Dracula. Summer is ideal for a sand-and-shore experience, though school holidays can be busy, especially in the famous resorts. June through November is best for whale watching, with September the peak month for sighting minke, fin, and humpback whales. Whitby hosts lots of festivals year round, but the best-known is Whitby Goth Weekend, in April and October. Thanks in part to the Dracula connection (Bram Stoker set his novel here), Whitby’s association with the macabre attracts admirers of the dark side, who frequent the village’s themed stalls. Whitby Regatta in August is a breezier affair, with yacht racing and fireworks.

Geocache Arts Trail

Pick up an arts trail booklet from one of the local cafes or shops, and use a free geocaching app to locate six caches hidden along the Cleveland Way National Trail, where you can decorate your leaflet with stamps designed by six commissioned artists.

Whitby Boat Trips

After climbing the 199 steps to Whitby’s spooky ruined abbey and nosing around the gravestones of St Mary’s Church (many dedicated to souls lost in shipwrecks), head out on a boat trip yourself. Go fishing, whale-watching, or climb aboard HMS Bark Endeavour, a replica of explorer Captain Cook’s famous ship, which sails the three miles to Sandsend and back.

Mulgrave Estate

In a pretty valley between Sandsend and the village of Lythe you’ll find the 15,000-acre Mulgrave Estate, home to farmsteads and a ruined Gothic castle, owned by the same family since the mid-18th century. Its woodland paths have public access, and the formal gardens occasionally run open days. Lythe’s ancient church, St Oswald’s, displays some unusual carved Anglo-Scandinavian stones that predate the Viking invasions.