Places of Interest
This section has been included particularly for visitors from outside the area. We have included a selection of places that may be of interest.
The list is not exhaustive and further information can be sought from the local Tourist Information Centre (phone 0871 716 2446), the Esk Valley website or the Captain Cook Country website.
Captain Cook Country
This area is where the explorer Captain James Cook grew up. The "Captain Cook Heritage Trail" starts from his birthplace in Marton and travels down to Whitby from where he set sail on his many expeditions
Flamingo Land
A theme park with all the usual "heart stopping" rides the kids have come to want and expect. A bit further away, just beyond Pickering, but worth the trip if you want a smashing day out. There is an added bonus in the form of a zoo, all within the entrance price. Give them a call for current prices. there are usually reductions for parties.
Eden Camp
Located about 3 miles past Flamingo Land. A visit to this unique museum will transport you back in time to wartime Britain. This is set up well for kids as well as adults. You will experience the sights, sounds, even the smells of those dangerous years. Admission fees are very reasonable with discounts for group bookings.
Lythe
A small village about 3.5 kilometres away where the post office + grocery store should provide for those small things you have forgotten. St Oswalds Church sits at the top of Lythe Bank, a 1 in 4 hill leading to Sandsend.
Sandsend
http://www.imagesofyorkshire.co.uk/locations/sandsend.htm
Another beautiful beach which stretches 4 kilometres to Whitby. It can be reached by following the Cleveland Way along the cliff for approximately 4.5 kilometres, or by easy road access via Goldsborough and Lythe.
Whitby
A fishing port and seaside resort at the mouth of the River Esk. The Abbey, St Mary's Church and the Lifeboat Museum are all worth a visit. There is also a Dracula Museum, the usual amusement arcades etc. and lots of links with Captain Cook. Whitby is well worth a visit and a climb up the famous 199 steps to the Abbey is a must for new visitors.
Runswick Bay
http://www.yorkshireholidays.com/visit/runswick-bay/
A delightful fishing village with cottages clinging to the cliff face in a remarkable way. This is situated just over 2.5 kilometres away and can be reached easily by a walk along the disused railway track and then by following the footpath down onto the beach. The fine sandy beach in the protected bay can provide an ideal location for many projects and activities. The small shop at the end of the bay wall will supply sweets and ice cream in plenty.
Grosmont
http://www.northyorkmoors-stay.co.uk/tourist/Grosmont.html
This is the terminus of the North York Moors Railway, which runs along Newton Dale to Pickering. Most of the trains on this line are steam hauled. Go back in time, with the sounds and smells of steam. It is worth contacting the NYMR if planning a visit as they frequently run "Themed weekends". The steam trains now also run from Pickering down to Whitby as well.
Danby Lodge Moors Centre
http://www.visitnorthyorkshiremoors.co.uk/content.php?nID=251
Located just outside the village of Danby, the Lodge is the main visitors centre for the North York Moors National Park. There are 13 acres of meadow, woodland and picnic areas. There is also a small cafe and shop. Another useful location which could fit in with themed weekends.
Esk Leisure
Just 6.5 miles from Kettleness and situated by the River Esk, just outside Whitby, the centre provides for the young, and not so young. Worth checking out and the Mini Monsters could fill a gap in your programme if the weather turns bad.
Golf: A 9-hole pitch and putt golf course spans over 16 acres of land. Also includes bar, café and outdoor play area.
Mini Monsterz: Purpose built unit featuring the latest indoor play equipment. (Climbing and slides of all sorts). Just turn up and pay at the door (reduced rates for parties). Also Laser Tag nights within the climbing zones. (Needs prior booking as numbers are limited). There is also a Pottery Painting Studio to have a go at and café area.
Ruswarp Pleasure Boats
http://www.ruswarp-pleasure-boats.co.uk
Close to Esk Leisure, at Ruswarp, this centre caters for parties of all sizes in traditional rowing boats, and canoes for the more adventurous. Open 7 days, 9am - 6pm, March to October.
Several photos of these areas can be seen in the Picture Gallery.
For reference purposes, further Tourist Information is available in the Leaders Lounge. Members of our District Fellowship have prepared several short walks around Kettleness, and copies are available at the centre, or could be forwarded in advance by request.