Rowan Tree House Bed and Breakfast in Sleights, Whitby

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On Our Doorstep in Sleights

On Our Doorstep in Sleights

For those travelling from York Sleights is the gateway to Whitby and the Yorkshire Coast. If you've come to Whitby before from that direction, you'll have travelled through Sleights.

As you pass the turnings to Goathland and Grosmont on the A169 you'll begin the descent into the village - with views to Littlebeck and Ugglebarnby to the right and Whitby and the North Sea ahead of you.

Blue Bank is the name of the steep hill which brings you into the village of Sleights - home to Rowan Tree House.

It's easy to pass through without taking much notice. But Sleights is a delightfully peaceful location - and there's more here than perhaps meets the eye. Here are some of the highlights:

The Plough

The Plough is as the top fo the village - if you've travelled from Pickering you'll pass it as you drop down the hill into the village. It's the better option of the two pubs in the village and they serve food too.

Eskdale Fisheries

Eskdale Fisheries is Sleights' fish restaurant and takeway. It's located on the corner of Iburndale Lane - next to the larger church near the top of the village. Definitely worth a visit if you fancy a fish supper without having to cope with the crowds in Whitby.

Children's Play Park

If you're travelling with younger children there's an excellent childrens play area just around the corner from Rowan Tree House - near the primary school. Well worth a visit if you're younger travelling companions need to let off some steam.

Eskdale Antiques

Towards the top of the village you'll find Eskdale Antiques. Of course, it would be a rare occurance to take a piece of antique furniture home with you from a holiday - but it's a wonderful place to browse, with expertly restored items inside their barn - as well as a host of smaller items to view outside in the courtyard.

The Spa Shop and Post Office

Nearl next-door to Rowan Tree House is the village shop (as Spa) which is also home to the local Post Office. It's fairly well stocked - perfectly adequate for essentials or assembling a picnic before a trip up the Esk Valley, as well as having a reasonable newsagents section too.

Radford's Butchers

Radford's is widely regarded as the best butchers in the area. Their meat counter is always so well stocked with all kinds of locally produced foods - and they also stock a wide range of store-cupboard items, sauces and so on. It's definitely worth a look - and if you're planning a BBQ on the beach then we'd recommend you call in at Radford's and pick up some burgers, sausages, steak or whatever else takes your fancy. You won't be disappointed!

Botham's Bakery

An outpost from the larger shops in Whitby, Botham's have a small bakery shop just down the road from Rowan Tree House. They stock just about everything you'd find in their larger shops, so there's no need to head into town if you fancy something delicous and locally produced for elevenses, lunch or a snack in the afternoon! You'll also find some nice sourvenirs which could make wonderful gifts to take home for friends and family - from cotton bags and tea towels to well-stocked hampers and gift boxes.

The Cricket Pitch

At the bottom of Sleights you'll find the cricket pitch which is a creat spot for relaxing in the sunshine with the sound of the stream running past. On Saturday afternoons through the summer you might even find there's a game to watch too - if they locals are playing at home. What could be more relaxing!

Sleights Railway Station

Sleights is situated on the route of the Esk Valley service which generally runs 3 trains per day between Whitby and Middlesbrough. It's a fantastic train journey, winding its way through the picturesque villages of the Esk Valley. It's not fast - a trip all the way to Middlesbrough will take nearly an hour and a half - but it's a beautiful route and so relaxing!

Why not get a ticket and jump off at one of the wonderful villages in the Esk Valley? You've got plenty to choose from - Egton, Glaisdale, Castleton, Danby, Lealholm - all with wonderful village pubs and great picnic spots.  You could even get off at one village and walk to another before making the return journey later in the day.

The Esk Valley really is a wonderfully relaxing location - wherever you end up you're sure to find yourself enjoying some of the finest scenery on Yorkshire and discovering quiet and peaceful locations, avoiding the busyness of Whitby.

Sleights is also on the route of the North York Moors Steam Railway which is highly recommended if you want a nostalgic railway journey which will transport you back in time as you wind through the Esk Valley to Pickering.

Regular Bus Services into Whitby

The Arriva Bus Service runs every half an hour from Sleights into Whitby, and the nearest stop is just a few meters down the road from Rowan Tree House. It's the easiest way to get into town without driving. But don't forget that the Park and Ride is fully operational throughout the summer, so you can just drive up the hill and park at Cross Butts Roundabout and hop on the Park and Ride if you prefer!

Footpaths and Quiet Lanes in All Directions

Sleights is a great location from which to explore the surrounding countryside via a number of well-maintained footpaths and bridleways. From the bottom of the village you can walk up the lane towards St. Oswalds and then join the footpath which leads up to Aislaby - home to The Forge which is a great destination for a pub lunch or a refreshing drink.

At the other end of the village you can walk the quiet roads and pathways into Iburndale and then continue on towards Ugglebarnby and then perhaps circle round to Littlebeck - one of the most picturesque villages in the area (but beware the steep hills on the way in and out!).

For those looking to stretch their legs a little further the lane along Eskdaleside will take you to Grosmont, to the steam trains and further into the Esk Valley. Or, you could head along the Carrs towards Ruswarp following the River Esk as it winds its way from the Esk Valley towards the coast at Whitby. Why not hire a rowing boat at Ruswarp Pleasure Boats and enjoy some time on the water too?

Come and Experience Sleights and the Esk Valley for Yourself!

So, what are you waiting for?! Come and experience Sleights and the Esk Valley for yourself. Whitby's on our doorstep, along with places like Staithes, Runswick Bay and Robin Hood's Bay.

Come and stay in Sleights - there's more here than meets the eye!

Thanks for reading,

Phil and Dee

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