Town, Coast & Country Delight – All in five days!
This story happened on: 08/10/2012
Last weekend was our sons 21st birthday and as he had already gone back for his final year at Teeside University we decided to spend the weekend at the clubs White Water park next to the Tees Barrage so we could see him and help him celebrate the occasion. (not that he hadn’t already had an early 21st party!!)
It was also the first chance to hitch our Bailey Pageant Monarch to my new company car – a Vauxhall Insignia 160bhp Ecoflex having taken delivery the week before. The car did not disappoint pulling the van with ease and returning an average 34mpg whilst towing – a figure I hope will improve as it hasn’t only covered 2,500 miles to date. Solo it has been returning an average 59.5mpg!
We had visited White Water on previous occasions and to say that it is located in a partial industrial area once you are on the site you would never know. Its design and layout bring out the best of location with a good mix of grass and hard standing pitches. The facilities are always spotless no matter how busy the site – and on the occasions we have visited it is usually very busy.
We enjoyed a lovely meal at a local restaurant before going to see at our sons request the newly released Sweeney at the local cinema. Not sure the film lived up to my expectations – still a fan of the original TV series from my teenage years!!
Having some days annual leave to use we decided to make the trip a longer break and decided on the short trip – just over one hours drive – to Low Moor club site near Whitby
This was our first visit to this restricted facility site but it won’t be our last! We have a liking for these sites without toilet/shower facilities being regular visitors to Low Manesty & Hebden Bridge now Low Moor will be added to our list.
The site itself isn’t all manicured lawns as stated in other reviews but the more natural look suits its surroundings and allows for the squirrels and rabbits to roam the site in good numbers. The site reflects its location and is at peace with itself providing a tranquil retreat if this is what you wish.
The pitches are a selection of gravel hard standings, flagged and grass pitches. Due to the heavy rainfall in the weeks prior to our arrival only the gravel hard standings were available but this presented no problems as the site was so quiet. Sheltered by trees parts of the site can still be buffeted by strong winds cutting across the moor.
A boules pitch and small crazy golf provide on site entertainment
Both the relief and full time wardens were extremely friendly and helpful on arrival and during our stay. No issues here as had been expressed by some other reviews.
To many the marvellous seaside resort of Whitby (approx. 5 miles away) will be draw but the site is ideally placed on both the edge of the North York Moors and the coast to give options to all tastes. Whether you want sand castles, steam railways, abbey ruins or a fantastic choice of wonderful fish chips you cannot go wrong! We walked along the coast from Whitby to Robins Hood Bay (approx. 7 miles along the Cleveland Way) before catching the bus back. A wonderful walk with sea breezes (ok – buffeting winds!!) and some glorious scenery.
The following day we walked along the beach at low tide from Whitby to Sandsend (approx. 6 miles round trip) stopping at the Hart Inn in the village for a wonderful pub lunch.
Thursday evening was our treat for fish and chips at the famous Magpie Café on the Harbour front followed by a Ghost Walk around the West Cliff side of Whitby. A great hour of interesting stories and facts for £5.
Our last full day was a visit to the North Yorks Moor Railway and round trip on the steam train from Grosmont to Pickering. Although not cheap it was a great day out passing through some lovely scenery and pandering to my love of steam trains.
We had a wonderful week caravanning reminding us why we love our caravan and the affordable freedom it gives us. Can’t wait for our next trips to Beechwood Grange then Strid Wood in November and December respectively!