Meadowbeck Shepherd Huts

The seaside towns of Whitby (15 minutes' drive) and Scarborough (20 minutes) are confirmed faves for hols on the beach (think donkey rides, dodgems and deck chairs). The wilder scenery at Robin Hood's Bay is even closer (10 minutes): if you're feeling energetic, make this your starting point for coastal treks along the Cleveland Way National Trail. Heading inland, explores on the Moors are also highly recommended: check out Falling Foss waterfall (10 minutes) if you're after a fab spot for walks or lunch with a view (there's a top-rated café here that serves a mean bacon bap). For riverside walks or to watch steam trains chugging along the North York Moors Railway, add Grosmont (20 minutes) to your list. To the south, Dalby Forest (35 minutes) has walking, running and orienteering trails, as well as Go Ape if you're up for cavorting in the canopy (those who prefer sticking closer to the forest floor can zoom around on segways). For a spookier way to get that adrenaline pumping, try heading over to haunted Whitby after dark and sign up for a ghoulish ghost tour.