Tourism

Shop ’til you Drop

The Market Town of Guisborough

Listed as the Ancient Capital of Cleveland, Guisborough offers many independent shops as well as an impressive collection of supermarkets/foodhalls for your grocery shop.  Chaloner Street is perhaps best known for an eclectic range of independent retailers.  Guisborough Bookshop is (in our opinion) the best bookstore around.  Bambini & Tutsy have a stylish and select range of children’s and ladies clothing.  Other great stores well worth a look inside are Oh Abilgail Gifts, Sweet Temptations for traditional style confectionary and Leven Craft shop.  There’s ample parking plus a market every Thursday & Saturday in the High Street.

Saltburn by the Sea

Saltburn has many specialist shops where you can find antiques, jewellery, furniture, flowers, arts & crafts, fishing tackle, street wear, health foods, fresh fish, bread and meats.  For tasty local farm produce, cheeses and chutneys, head for Real Meals Delicatessen or venture down to Saltburn’s Farmers Market every second Saturday of the month (except August).

Stokesley

 Stokesley’s busy town centre has many retail shops. Amongst the numerous independent shops are many familiar national names. The specialist independent establishments make shopping in Stokesley interesting. With Stokesley’s thriving market on Fridays there is something for everyone.  The annual Stokesley Show takes place each September and whilst agriculture is at the heart of the Show, there is something for everyone, entertainment, shopping, demonstrations and competitions, so don’t hesitate to visit.

Northallerton

Northallerton’s busy wide High Street has a wealth of retail shops. Among the numerous independent shops are many familiar national names.

The specialist independent establishments make shopping in

Northallerton interesting and satisfying. With a thriving high street market on

Wednesday and Saturdays there is something for everyone.

On our ‘must do’ list is Barkers Department Store offering an incredible range of merchandise, including some of the world’s leading brands of fashion, lingerie, menswear, shoes, handbags, cosmetics, cards, luggage, gifts and homewares.  And Lewis & Cooper, a multi award winning independent gourmet food store & deli, packed with foodie treats, fine wines, gift baskets and food hampers.  Don’t forget to partake in some midday light refreshments at the Northallerton branch of Yorkshire’s own Betty’s Tea Rooms.

Helmsley

Helmsley is the only market town ‘in’ the North York Moors National Park, There’s plenty to do in the town, from fascinating attractions including the National Centre for Birds of Prey, Helmsley Castle, Helmsley Arts Centre and the Walled Gardens, to award-winning eateries and the town’s very own Brewery. Enjoy shopping in interesting and unique stores, galleries and boutiques.

Helmsley is renowned for its wide range of interesting and unique shops. You won’t find high street chains, just independently owned and run shops and boutiques offering a friendly service and selling everything from designer clothing and dazzling jewellery to books, homewares, gifts and everything in between – the town is even home to the winner of Britain’s Best Small Shop 2015.  Helmsley Brewing Company who opened the brew tap and shop in November of that year.  Since, they have introduced additional beers and bottled products and their beers are now found in many of the local villages and on the coast, in Brunswick Bay, Staithes and Whitby.

I Want to Ride my Bicycle…

Cycling has never been as popular, and we have plenty of road cycle routes and fat tyre off road routes for you to explore.

There are many road cycling routes, exploring such places as Clay Bank Hill Climb, Hutton-le-Hole loop, Leven Bank Descent, the Rusty Bike Café Loop at Codbeck Reservoir and many more from easy, intermediate to difficult.  Guisborough Woods is quite a magnet for mountain biking locally and there are literally miles of singletrack trails within Guisborough Woods.

There are so many options, the best source of information can be found on poular cycling websites such as routeyou.com, forestryengland.co.uk, trailforks.com, komoot.com and fattyres.co.uk to name but a few.  The area is also regular host to some top cycle events including the East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix and the Tour De Yorkshire.

For the less adventurous who prefer an hours peddling then partaking in some liquid refreshment, we have a convenient cycle rack outside the pub!

Messing About on the Water

It’s quite the thing these days to have fun in or on the water, and there are plenty of aqua sports for you to enjoy all within easy travelling distance from Tocketts Mill Country Park.  Here’s just a few of our favourites.

Surfing at Saltburn

Only a 5 minute drive from the park, this popular sandy beach is a well-established surfers paradise all year round, providing a constant stream of rip-able surf with its clearly defined waves.  Easy parking and loos are available.  Join the Surf School with professional coaches for beginners, improvers and advanced and take a look around the Surf Shop stocked with everything you need for sale and hire.

Scaling Dam Water Sports

Only a 15 minute drive away over the Moors you will find this vast open water club.  Learn to sail with beginners courses available.  The Dam is a great place for Windsurfing with the Moors location providing an ideal consistent wind.  Try your hand at Open Water Swimming which has fast become a popular sport.  There is also Kayaking, Paddle Boarding and Canoeing.  Course and Pike fishing also available for keen Anglers.

Gone Fishing

A firm favourite of local comic Bob Mortimer is the River Esk, a principle Salmon and Sea Trout River.  You can join the river at several hot spots including Danby, Egton Bridge and Ruswarp (usual Licences and day/season tickets apply – please see individual websites for more information).  It is the longest river within the North Yorkshire Moors, running West to East and the only one to flow into the sea.  Other nearby fishing is Lockwood Beck Course Fishery, Greytowers Pond Fishery and Dromonby Farm Fishery to name but a few.  Oh, and don’t forget the miles and miles of sea angling spots along the coast.

Sea Legs, Boat Trips & Oars.

Take a view of the beautiful and dramatic coastline from off shore by joining one of many boat trips available.  Whitby offers not only Fishing Trips, but Whale Watching Trips are also available as well as Coastal Cruises or you can step back in time on the Bark Endeavour.  Visit Scarborough and get afloat on the ‘Dunkirk Experience’ The Lady Regal named originally as the Oulton Belle which went to Dunkirk 3 times rescuing over 900 Soldiers.  For those looking for something a little more sedate, Ruswarp Pleasure Boats are fantastic fun for the whole family.  Why not visit Scarborough’s Peasholm Park which hosts the World famous Naval Warfare minature sea battle in the summer months.  A battle that has been shown on television screens across the globe!  A unique family attraction and possibly the longest running show of all time!

Tees Barrage International White Water Centre.

Re-opened by Queen Elizabeth in 2012 after extensive re-development, this award winning magnificent centre of activity is on the banks of the River Tees.  With many activities including White Water Rafting, stand up Paddle Boarding, White Water Kayaking and Powerboating, this accredited Nature Reserve also offers a High Ropes Course and National Cycle Network.  Try your hand at Bellboating or Raft building, and explore many more things to do.

Coast & Country – The Best of Both…

Boasting the status of National Park since 1952, the North Yorkshire Moors has the largest area of heather upland in England, rising in the West from the Vale of York and continuing to the East Coast where dramatic cliffs expose the geology that shaped this unique environment.

Discover the very best the Moors have to offer – tranquil dales, stunning coastline, ancient woodlands, charming moorland village’s and spectacular ruined castles and monasteries – as well as one of the country’s best heritage railways.  Tocketts Mill is perfectly placed atop of the Moors with easy access by foot, car or public transport with a regular bus service all way the through the moorland to Scarborough!  Whatever the time of year, the seasonal changes are always a picture to behold.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moor Railway is one of the world’s greatest heritage railway experiences (more…)

Artisan Food & Drink Festivals

Artisan Food & Drink Markets
With an interest in all things local, especially delicious food coupled with an alluring drinks scene, it’s great to be able to celebrate a growing number of food, beer and artisan gin festivals and markets in the area.

Making a beeline for one of the many food & drink events where you can sample to your hearts’ content everything from beer and gin through to jam, chocolates and seafood often while listening to live music, should be on everyone’s ‘must do’ list. Here are just some of the events held all within a 5 minute or less than an hour’s drive time from Tocketts Mill. Please check the individual websites for dates and full details

Saltburn Food Festival
Is about bringing good local food right into the heart of this quaint seaside town offering some 120 stallholders offering a variety of delicious artisan produce. Also, home to the popular Saltburn Farmers Market
*Drive time 5 mins
www.saltburnfoodfestival.com

Kirkleatham Museum
Is a local heritage museum and plays host to many events and exhibitions throughout the year. One of the more notable events is the Walled Garden Christmas Fair, with a whole host of local traders setting up stalls offering unique gifts, treats, homewares and more.
*Drive time 5 mins
www.redcarcleveland.co.uk

Chaloner Street Market
A street market with a delightful mix of vendors held along Chaloner Street in Guisborough. Also, weekly Guisborough Market.
*Drive time 5 mins
(Find them on Facebook)

Stokesley Farmers Market
The Northern Dales Farmers Market Group flagship – Stokesley Market was
named Farmers Market of The Year and identified as being one of the top 20 farmers markets in the UK by The Telegraph! Unlike some other markets all the stallholders are local independent businesses who grow, rear and produce the food and drink on their stall. They’re passionate about what they do, and it shows.
*Drive time 20 mins
www.northerndalesfarmersmarkets.com

Whitby Fish & Ships Festival
For all you swashbuckling samplers, with chefs cooking up local fresh seafood at the Fish and Ships Fest. Take a tour of real ships and trawlers in the harbour, as well as the historical sailing museum, and a replica of the HM Bark Endeavour to explore. With a singing and dancing seafaring show in the line up too, head down to the docks to see what the fuss is about. You might even spot a pirate or two! *Drive time 25 mins
www.whitbyevents.co.uk

Whitby Beer Festival
With a growing reputation, the festival serves over 30 of the very best artisan ales, boutique beers and scrumptious ciders from award winning local and regional independent brewers and micro-breweries. Held at the Whitby Mission & Seafarers Centre.
*Drive time 25 mins
www.thisisthecoast.co.uk

Malton Food Lovers Festival
Dubbed Yorkshire’s food capital, Malton’s annual Food Lovers Fest welcomes foodies from all over. Celebrating all things Yorkshire, expect to find locally reared and grown produce, cooked and presented by the people that guided the process of farm to fork. All the familiar features of a Yorkshire food festival include artisan stalls, kids cookery classes, cask and craft ale bars, food tastings, live music and demos. It’s been described as ‘Yorkshire’s Foodie Glastonbury’, and it’s free entry!
*Drive time 50 mins
www.visitmalton.com

Up the ‘Boro

It’s not just the people that you’ll fall in love with when visiting Middlesbrough, like so many towns, delve inside and you will discover a whole host of treasures to enjoy.

On a personal note as owners of Tocketts Mill, since we purchased the park in 2001 we have made so many friends and enjoy lots of places in the area it’s difficult to condense into words how fabulous the place and people are!  If you like to view interesting architecture and design you won’t be disappointed starting with the famous Transporter Bridge (Auf Wiedersehen Pet Brickie’s did not take it to Arizona contrary to rumour!), Newport Bridge and the ultra modern Infinity Bridge in nearby Stockton which is also home to the Tees Barrage renown for exhilarating water sports at the White Water Centre.  Stewart Park and Albert Park provide great open spaces in the suburbs, and many museums are popular visitor attractions telling wonderful stories from the past including Captain James Cook’s Birthplace and Schoolrooms, Kirkleatham Museum with exhibits, wildlife and activities for kids and the Heritage Gallery at Cargo Fleet with impressive art.

Passionate about football, the ‘Boro has bred an array of famous faces past and present including a healthy share of footballers including Brian Clough, Jonathan Woodgate and Stewart Downing to name but a few.  TV celebs include Eastender’s actress Wendy Richard, Coronation Street’s Thelma Barlow and funnyman Bob Mortimer.  Singing superstars who hail from Middlesbrough are Chris Rea Driving Home for Christmas, James Arthur Impossible.  Believe it or not heavy rockers Whitesnake lead singer David Coverdale (formerly Deep Purple) is also a local lad.

The Wonder of Whitby

Such was Bram Stoker’s description of Whitby in his novel Dracula, published in 1897.

It has become popular for its Goth Weekend where Thousands of visitors descend on the seaside town, many dressed from top to toe in Gothic finery creating a fantastic visual spectacle. The wonder is that the townscape has changed so little in more than a century. Whitby is an ancient port with a fascinating history, a ruined abbey and a working harbour. It also has sandy beaches, donkey rides and rock pools, not to mention some of the best fish and chips in the world.

The River Esk flows due North through the centre of the town dividing it into East and West Sides, linked by the renowned swing-bridge. Whitby Abbey, St Mary’s Parish Church and the picturesque ‘old town’ lie on the East Side. The Abbey and Abbey Visitor Centre can be accessed by road, but most visitors follow the traditional route through the old town. The cobbled Church Street leads you to the foot of the famous 199 steps leading from the town to St Mary’s Church and the Abbey Headland.

The West Side of the town has some equally historic fishermen’s’ cottages, hidden in traditional yards behind the fish market and main shopping streets. Slightly further away from the noise and bustle of the harbour are many fine Georgian townhouses, built during Whitby’s most prosperous era in the days of sail. They cluster around the delightful Pannett Park, also home to the town Museum and Art Gallery.

The Whalebone Arch and bronze statue commemorating Whitby’s most famous explorer, Captain James Cook, stand proudly on the West Cliff, facing directly across the harbour to the Abbey. James Cook learned his seamanship as an apprentice in Whitby and all of the ships used on his three world voyages of exploration were built on the banks of the Esk below.

Saltburn by the Sea

About Saltburn

The delightful coastal town Saltburn-by-the-sea bestows plenty of Victorian charm and thrills. (more…)

Walk this way…

Guisborough and the surrounding area has more than its fair share of hikes, trails and hill walks. From open moorland, coastal clifftops to woodland tranquillity, there is a variety of landscapes and scenery to choose from for your walking adventures.

Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced hiker, are looking to explore with family or a dog, young or mature, single, couples or groups there are walks for everyone.

Here is a brief overview of just some of the fantastic walkways that you can enjoy on your visit – all within easy driving distance of the park

Sutton Bank & the White Horse

*Easy going (1.7miles)

See the gliders soaring above the North Yorkshire Moors at the start of the route on Sutton Bank.  Take the path along the scarp edge all the way to one of the most famous landmarks in England the White Horse.  The Horse is huge at 96 metres long and 70 metres high and dates back to 1857 when under the direction of John Hodgson 31 local men cleared scrub and cut turf to expose the underlying rock.  Today the Horse is regularly ‘groomed’ by the Kilburn White Horse Association.

May Beck and Falling Foss

*Short walk (2 miles)

If ever there was a magical woodland walk then this is it.  Take the trail through the trees on a 2 mile circular route  that passes an idyllic woodland tea garden and the 30ft Falling Foss waterfall, before returning alongside babbling May Beck.  It’s a lovely shady walk for the summer with shallow waters to paddle in, and a bridge to play pooh sticks from, and spectacular in the Autumn when the colours are at their best.

Lord Stones Walk

*Intermediate (2 ¾ miles)

It might only be a little under 3 miles, but this is a real adventure walk for all the family, with some awe inspiring views into the bargain.  There’s a striking panorama of Middlesbrough, the Cleveland plain, Roseberry Topping and Cooke’s Monument, and you’ll get amazing views both on the outward leg and then – after a stiff, stepped climb – on the return section that follows the Cleveland Way National Trail across Cringle Moor.  The start of the trail is in the privately owned Lord Stones Country Park, where there’s access to the ancient stone that gives the walk its name.

Staithes and Port Mulgrave

*Intermediate Coastal (4 miles)

Enjoy some sea air on this circular walk, starting at the atmospheric old fishing village of Staithes, with its harbourside cottages, cobbled streets and winding alleys.  Leave the sheltered harbour and follow the Cleveland Way National Trail for the first half of the walk, tramping across the high cliffs to Port Mulgrave and enjoy some wonderful coastal views.  The return is across fields and through woodland, via the small hamlet of Dalehouse.

Hutton le Hole and Lastingham

*Intermediate family walk (4 ½  miles)

Enjoy quiet fields, country lanes and moorland tracks on a charming 4 ½ mile circular walk connecting the two moorland villages of Hutton le Hole and Lastingham.  You return along the Spaunton escarpment for some lovely sweeping views.  This walk can easily become a full day out since each village also has an inspiring attraction – namely the fascinating open air Ryedale Folk Museum in Hutton and Lastingham’s St Mary’s Church, with its atmospheric eleventh century crypt.

Castleton to Lealholm

*For the nature nuts and history buffs (7 ½ miles)

The moorland villages of Castleton and Danby set the scene on this 7 ½ mile linear walk that wends its way from the higher moors down to the gentler reaches of the Esk Valley around Lealholm.  The route passes the Moors National Park Centre just outside Danby, who’s hands on activities, art gallery, play areas, woodland bird hide, grounds and café are a tempting stop.  Pushing on, you climb up the daleside for fabulous views from Danby Beacon, before descending off the moors to pretty, riverside Lealholm.  To do the walk by public transport, take the Esk Valley Railway up to Castleton and then walk back down to Lealholm, following the signs for ‘Esk Valley Walk’.

Danby Dale, Blakey and Westerdale

*More than a stroll (16 ½ miles)

You have to be up for a challenge to tackle this walk, a 16 ½ mile circuit of the Western dales and high moors that takes in the source of the River Esk, starting and finishing in Castleton.  You’ll need a long, clear day, so it’s a walk for late Spring/Summer, and the rewards are considerable, not least the sweeping dale views and iconic Heather covered moorland landscape.  The entire route constitutes the first (circular) section of the 37 mile Esk Valley Walk; console yourself that the other three linear sections, between Castleton and Whitby, are far shorter and less onerous.

The Cleveland Way

*Challenging (109 miles)

Anyone who is reasonably fit can walk the Cleveland Way.  The route is challenging in places, especially on the Cleveland Hills and some of the coastal sections, but this adds to the overall experience.  While the route is well signposted throughout, an up-to-date map or GPS mapping is essential.  You can walk the Cleveland Way at any time of year but if you want to see the moorland Heather in bloom the best time to visit is late August and early September.  Most people walk the route clockwise starting in Helmsley and finishing in Filey, but there is no right or wrong way.  There are many tourism spots to discover along the route, and you are closest to the park on the Slapewath to Skelton Green leg.

Dog Friendly Holidays

Dog Friendly Holidays in North Yorkshire

Surrounded by great country & coastal walks, we are happy to welcome your dogs.

For lots of people, holidaying without their canine companion would not be the same.  Dogs are such an important part of family life and bringing them along on holiday means the whole family can enjoy a relaxing break on our accredited park.

We have dog friendly options in both categories of our caravans for hire and we respectfully ask dog owners to always keep dogs under control and on a lead.  Please state how many dogs you will be bringing at the point of booking and what breed.

There is a small nightly fee for dogs.  *Please see our Price List and Booking Form.

The superb location of Tocketts Mill Country Park has fast become a popular destination for UK holidays, awash with coast and country walks and spectacular scenery it really is a prime spot.  There are so many dog walks to choose from within easy reach of the park, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

Dog Friendly Facilities

We have several dog refreshment points located around the park to make sure your dog can access a fresh supply of water – you will find them located at convenient locations.

The Park Reception stocks a small selection of dog food and poo bags for sale at reasonable prices just in case you have left yours at home.

Our fully enclosed ‘Charlie’s Garden’ was created in memory of our own much-loved pet and ‘park mascot’ Charlie who was a beautiful boy English Mastiff and remembered by many visitors.  Please feel free to spend some time in Charlie’s Garden with your beloved pooch and enjoy a ball game or two off the lead (please remember to keep the gate closed).

Even though we love dogs, the overall opinion is to keep the busy bar and restaurant dog free.  However, dogs are more than welcome to join you on the Garden Terrace which is weather protected and has patio heaters.

Dogs are also welcome on the small raised area at the front of the bar.

And always looking to go the extra mile, our ‘pooch menu’ consists of a tub of chopped sausage & bacon for breakfast visits or freshly cooked chopped chicken breast available to purchase throughout the day…water is fresh and free!

Recommended Dog Walks in North Yorkshire

Dogs must remain on a lead in all areas of the park, but our on park dog walks are second to none.  There are two signposted public footpaths close to the park entrance.  One takes you up into the open countryside with panoramic coastal views and the other through our own woodland where you can exercise your dog off the lead.   Please remember to stick to the footpath and leash your dog whenever near to farm animals and wildlife.

All dogs love some fun on the beach and there are 3 fabulous dog friendly beaches all within an easy 10 minute drive time from the park.  Marske Sands Beach has no dog restrictions, free parking and public loos.  Saltburn by the Sea and Redcar Beach are both dog friendly with some dog free zones during the summer months.

*Responsible dog owners keep their dogs under control at all times.

Being in a prime tourism area makes it easy for us to suggest many nearby places and the Yorkshire Moors is home to many dedicated walks and this small selection are within a short but scenic 20 minute drive from the park.  Danby Dale, Westerdale and not forgetting the popular Guisborough Forest which is great for dog walking.