Hotel Review | Raithwaite Estate | Whitby | By Carolyn Pearson

Situated on the wild and beautiful North Yorkshire coastline lies Raithwaite Hall, set in an 80 acre estate just outside the seaside town of Whitby.
JSM_2038 1000

Whilst many country retreats are exactly that, a place to ‘bliss out’, one can get as active as they wish at Raithwaite. There’s something for everybody here, including Fido.

The great thing about Raithwaite is that it’s suited to all seasons and was our destination of choice for a winter getaway.

The drive up to the Raithwaite Estate, across the dramatic landscape of the North Yorkshire moors, set the scene beautifully. Dark eerie skies and a grey restless North Sea was our backdrop as we pulled into the long driveway up to the main Hall. We passed by pretty cottages and a group of people learning archery, hunter wellies, Barbour jackets and Land Rovers galore. Already Raithwaite feels authentic, unlike many other so called country retreats mere miles from some of Britain’s biggest cities.

The welcome was warm to say the least; we pulled in next to the Estate’s own Rolls Royce as the porter sprang from nowhere to grab our bags and valet park the car. With a seated check-in, always nice, we were then talked through our booking and spa itinerary before being shown to our lovely Executive room, complete with private terrace. The room was warm and cosy with a huge bed, lovely soft linen and a personal favourite, Molten Brown toiletries.

Page 5First stop was the spa, where I meandered in a semi comatose state between the heated tiled beds, the red-hot sauna whirlpool, taking the occasional cursory swim in the heated pool as a nod to keeping fit. There was something extra indulgent about lying in all that warmth, whilst looking out across the wintery garden beyond. Feeling entirely relaxed, I headed to the treatment rooms for some serious pampering. The spa at Raithwaite uses one of my favourite spa products, Aromatherapy Associates. I chose the Ultimate Aromatherapy Experience, 80 minutes of pure bliss, a soothing body face and scalp massage sending me into complete oblivion.

After a little snooze and an extra long bath, it was time to head for dinner at the award-winning Brace Restaurant, noted for its use of local produce. The hearty menu was perfect for a chilly winter evening and I simply had to ask for the recipe of the delicious caramelised onion risotto. Next was the Black Forest Venison, served with black cherries, a dark chocolate sauce, roasted parsnips and a smoked potato mash. I probably could have skipped dessert but all the fresh country air got the

better of me. The vanilla soaked pear in a light pastry crust served with a stem ginger cream and frangipani crumble was just oozing with flavour. Coffee and a nightcap by the log fire in the Poachers Bar finished off the evening a treat before I retired to the huge cosy bed for a perfect night’s sleep in total countryside silence.

Alas, it was soon time for another feast. Breakfast at Raithwaite is served farmhouse style with an extensive country style buffet and hot dishes cooked to order. I indulged in yet another of my all time favourites; pancakes with bacon and maple syrup. I was beginning to feel rather spoiled.

Before leaving Raithwaite for a long coastal walk and the obligatory trip to Whitby for a fish and chip lunch, I took the opportunity to see what else the estate had to offer.DSC_9495 500

Aside from the main house, guests can also opt to stay in one of the pretty estate cottages or for those travelling in a larger group, there is actually a large private Lake House, which comes with an optional private chef.

For those who are looking for something a little more active, guests can also enjoy shooting, orienteering, surfing, windsurfing, sailing and even whale watching.

  In January, Raithwaite Estate will also be running a luxury bootcamp, 5 days of weigh-ins, goal setting, a mixture of indoor and outdoor exercises from hardcore trainer Neil Willis and nutritional advice (of which you might wish to turn a blind eye as all meals are included). More details can be found here.

For Fido, whilst one languishes in luxury at the spa, there’s also an onsite Doggy Spa to give your four legged friend a bit of R&R!

About the author

Carolyn Pearson is our Travel blogger and founder of Maiden-voyage.com. maiden-voyage.com is an award winning global business travel network for professional women. Follow Maiden-Voyage: Facebook, Twitter, Linked In
Visa - WeAreTheCity - Pioneer 20 - nominations open
WeAreTech Festival 2024 advert

Upcoming Events

march, 2024

Job Board Banner

Related Posts