There’s a certain magic to the North Yorkshire coast and not just because, for me, it’s tinged with childhood memories of summer holidays spent with my grandparents. From crabbing in rock pools to our ritual of fish and chips at The Magpie Café (a must when in Whitby) it’s a place that will always feel special.
Nostalgia aside, this stretch of coastline truly holds its own. The landscape feels both rugged and restorative in equal measure – cliffs dotted with bright yellow gorse give way to long sweeps of sandy beach that are amongst some of the very best in the UK.
Returning now, this time behind the wheel of the Volvo ES90, makes the five+ hour journey with a three-year-old in tow, somehow feel like a luxury. Fully electric and near-silent with oodles of passenger space, it transforms the lengthy drive up north from feeling like a chore into something far more reflective.
In partnership with Volvo.Â
STAY
Saltmoore
Set within easy reach of historic seaside towns like Whitby, Saltmoore offers a modern retreat for those looking to switch off and settle into their seaside surroundings. A real sense of place underpins everything here, from the architecture to the interiors – think airy, light-filled rooms with views that stretch across the immaculately manicured gardens, with natural palettes, and roll-top baths waiting to sink into after a blustery day spent on the beach. Just the place to truly unwind after a day spent exploring meandering cliffside paths and soaking in the charm of the Yorkshire coast.
At Saltmoore, much like the ES90, it’s about doing things more thoughtfully, more sustainably and with the environment at the forefront. Even the hotel’s online presence takes an eco-conscious approach, with servers located in the UK that run entirely from renewable energy sources including tidal, solar and wind power.
Inside the main house, the aesthetic takes inspiration from the surrounding coastline. Bedrooms are calming, and natural textures take the lead: muted linens, warm woods and marble bathrooms with playful accents woven throughout, meaning no two bedrooms are the same – be it a patterned tile, or the pop of an accent headboard giving each room a distinctly unique personality. Pet-friendly cottage bedrooms are ideal for those seeking more space, or for longer stays, with split level rooms providing a mezzanine style bedroom with a spacious lounge downstairs.
At the heart of Saltmoore, The Sanctuary lives up to its name. A light-filled haven with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of shifting skies and the babbling brook that runs through the hotel grounds. Cycle between the icy cold plunge pool and the Jacuzzi, swim lengths, or spend time sweating out toxins in the sauna and steam room. For something more invigorating, the full-body cryotherapy is a must. Best booked first thing, it delivers a sharp, energising jolt to start the day and an instant endorphin boost that lingers long after you thaw out. Uplifting music pulses in the background, a welcome distraction as you stand (or bop) in temperatures dropping to -85 degrees. Worth it for the myriad of benefits including boosted mood, elevated skin health and accelerated recovery from both muscle pain and inflammation.
EAT + DRINK
The Brasserie
At The Brasserie, the menu shifts with the seasons and is led by produce from the surrounding coast and countryside. It’s a true farm-to-fork approach, where ingredients are sourced from nearby farms, fisheries, and artisan producers across North Yorkshire. Expect British fare with a twist, think perfectly cooked steaks, meat cooked over coals and traditional dishes including fish and chips and burgers, alongside elevated options from quail-stuffed pasta to roasted cod in a chicken brown butter sauce. The no-dig kitchen garden provides seasonal fruit, veg and herbs for the kitchen – the rhubarb sorbet in the soft serve is home-grown and utterly delicious. Whether dining in the mood-lit brasserie or taking the same menu in the sunlight-flooded Orangerie, the crowd-pleasing menu won’t disappoint and has already awarded the restaurant a spot in the Michelin Guide.
The Terrace
A recent collaboration with Château Minuty will see The Terrace at Saltmoore as the spot to be this summer in Whitby. Whether spilling out from the Sanctuary Spa as a guest in your robe, or descending with a group of friends to share a cold, crisp glass of rosé wine over light bites from The Brasserie, this sun-trap with views over the landscaped gardens is one to bookmark.
TO DO
Take a roadtrip through the Yorkshire moors
Gliding along the sweeping roads of the North York Moors, the Volvo ES90 Ultra feels entirely at ease, driving effortlessly between heather-clad hills and the dramatic drop of the Whitby coastline beyond. Finished in a golden sand hue, a fitting choice for our coastal adventure, the car feels perfectly in tune with its surroundings. Inside, the spacious and vast cabin is hushed and cocooning, offering a calm contrast to the elements outside. The near-silent electric drive only heightens that sense of stillness, allowing the scenery (and, in our case, Julia Donaldson e-books on repeat) to take centre stage.
A five-hour-plus journey can often feel like a test of patience, especially with a car-sick prone little one in tow, but miraculously the journey was taken entirely in our stride. The smooth drive, combined with the comfort of the cabin, made a journey that had the potential to feel challenging feel anything but. Perhaps even more miraculous still, the journey was completed on one single charge. Not having to stop at a garage to charge the car, but instead seamlessly plugging in at our arrival at Saltmoore almost 235 miles later, was both impressive and so much more satisfying than glugging gallons of petrol to get there.
Winding roads and sharp coastal turns felt intuitive in the Volvo ES90 rather than demanding after a long motorway stint, with subtle driver assistance features – like in-lane assisted steering and brake support – co-working quietly in the background. The discreet heads-up display keeps key information in your line of sight, so your focus never has to drift far from the road, or the dramatic views of the moors unfolding ahead.
Immerse yourself in nature
Sandsend Beach has become a firm favourite for locals and tourists alike, a place to slow and take in the North Yorkshire coastline at its finest. At low tide, the beach reveals rock pools and fossils, an ideal exploration for families with curious little ones to hunt for crabs and shells. For those wanting to explore further, the Sandsend Trail winds along the coast with sweeping sea views and dramatic cliffside scenery, eventually linking towards the abandoned railway lines near Kettleness. For a completely different perspective of the Yorkshire coast, Whitby Coastal Cruises offers unforgettable boat trips on the North Sea. During the summer and autumn months, migrating shoals of herring draw a vast amount of marine life to the coastline, including seals, dolphins, sharks and whales. Depending on the season and conditions, sightings can include minke, humpback, sperm and northern whales and bottlenose dolphins. Beyond the experience itself, the tours also support important conservation work, with sightings data shared with the Sea Watch Foundation to help monitor whale, dolphin and porpoise populations in local waters.
IMAGERY CREDIT: VOLVO CARS
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