I might be slightly biased, hailing from Yorkshire myself, but the rolling hills and rugged coastline of my glorious home county are a joy to all who visit.
Although Yorkshire offers a plethora of stunning beaches and coves, I rarely visit the coastal beauty spots on my doorstep so when the opportunity arose to visit Robin Hood’s Bay, I was thrilled!
After a scenic journey winding through dramatic valleys and chocolate box villages, my friend and I reached Robin Hood’s Bay at lunchtime on a beautifully sunny autumn day in October.
A picturesque village nestled on the rugged Yorkshire Coast of England, Robin Hood’s Bay is renowned for its charming cobblestone streets and historic allure. Located between Whitby and Scarborough, this quaint former fishing village boasts a rich tapestry of history and folklore. Despite its name, there’s no definitive connection to the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, which adds an air of mystery to its origins.
The village’s architecture reflects its once-thriving fishing industry, with quaint cottages and winding alleyways inviting visitors to explore. Robin Hood’s Bay lies within the North York Moors National Park and offers breathtaking coastal views, making it a haven for walkers and nature enthusiasts. The local beach, once a hotspot for smuggling in the 18th century, now offers fossil hunting and rock pooling activities.
Today, the village is a delightful mix of traditional pubs, cafes, and independent shops and we certainly made the most of our afternoon, taking in the incredible views and exploring the nooks and crannies around every corner. A brisk walk along the coastal path followed by a cheeky glass of wine by the fire in one of the traditional pubs was just what the doctor ordered!
We also popped to Whitby, a mere ten-minute drive away, to explore the many attractions on offer. Whitby is a childhood favourite of mine and I have many pleasant memories of racing my brother up the Abbey Steps and stuffing my face with scampi and chips from a paper cone with lashings of salt and vinegar – those were the days!
After an afternoon taking in the nippy sea air, it was time to head back to Robin Hood’s Bay and our home for the evening – Hotel Victoria.
Hotel Victoria, perched atop the rugged cliffs of Robin Hood’s Bay, has a storied history that reflects the charm and resilience of this picturesque coastal village in North Yorkshire. The hotel was established in the late 19th century, during a time when the region was beginning to attract tourists eager to experience its dramatic landscapes and charming fishing village atmosphere.
Originally built as a genteel retreat for Victorian holidaymakers, Hotel Victoria quickly became a focal point for visitors exploring the unique geography of Robin Hood’s Bay. The hotel’s architecture, with its grand Victorian style, offers stunning views of the North Sea, making it a beloved haven for both locals and tourists alike.
Throughout the years, Hotel Victoria has witnessed the evolving tapestry of coastal life, from the bustling local fishing industry to the influx of modern-day tourists. Despite changes over time, the hotel remains a testament to Robin Hood’s Bay’s enduring allure, offering cozy accommodations and a taste of historical elegance.
Newly refurbished, Hotel Victoria offers a very stylish stay in this pretty part of the world. Occupying the very best location, with panoramic views of the incredible coastline, there isn’t a better place to stay if you are planning a visit.
We checked in seamlessly and were shown to a beautiful suite with both village and sea views from huge bay windows. The decor was chic, with muted tones reflecting the local seascape, a stunning bathroom with a freestanding bath and an expansive bed clad in beautifully crisp linen. There are luxurious Elemis bathing products and a cheeky gin and tonic treat alongside a fully stocked tea tray – wonderful!
Hotel Victoria boasts various food and beverage offerings including The Loxley Pub, offering traditional dishes and small plates, Osborne’s Lounge Bar, for that perfectly served cocktail or glass of fine wine, and Osborne’s Restaurant (named after Queen Victoria’s beloved home on the Isle of Wight), which offers a menu of Classic British and Mediterranean inspired cuisine that you can indulge in whilst taking in the spectacular coastal views – and that we did!
The restaurant is airy and elegant with a finely tuned menu offering something for everybody and showcasing many of the local ingredients that Yorkshire is so famous for. There are of course, a bountiful selection of seafood dishes, and well, whilst in Rome – I opted for the seafood platter packed with succulent mussels, freshly battered fish, whitebait, calamari and some delectable oysters all served with zingy lemon wedges and homemade tartare sauce – chefs kiss! The dish was rather substantial (possibly could have fed two for a light bite), but it was delicious, beautifully presented and most importantly with seafood, very fresh! Across the table, my friend opted for another Yorkshire favourite, steak pie and chips with lashings of rich beef gravy. The pastry was golden and crumbly with a very generous filling of beef which melted in the mouth – the perfect amount of stodge!
There was no way we could manage dessert so we asked if we could take a cheese plate to our room and enjoy a cosy night in front of the telly. The exceptionally accommodating maître d’ (Michael), for whom nothing appeared to be any trouble, was only too happy to deliver dessert to our room, the only problem being that we had fallen into a food coma within minutes of arriving back at our suite and received a lovely little note the following morning to say they had attempted dessert delivery to no avail – the shame! It wasn’t even 8pm!
Following a restful night’s sleep, we ambled down for breakfast feeling rather red-faced. Strong fresh coffee and hot buttered toast followed by a local favourite, smoked kippers and poached eggs for me and for my guest, the smashed avocado on toast with bacon on the side.
Breakfast is a delight, with fresh fruit, pastries and cereals on offer and hot items to order – there is a robust selection and you can tuck into a full English if the mood takes you. The ingredients are good quality, the chef clearly knows his (or her) onions and honestly – the kitchen team at Hotel Victoria are smashing it our of the park, no wonder it is a hit with both hotel guests and locals. In fact, the staff at this hotel are excellent across the board, offering attentive but not intrusive service, extremely welcoming and thoroughly pleasant.
I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to this beautiful part of the world, it is a wonderful place to spend the weekend. If you are planning a visit, make Hotel Victoria your next call. Tell them I sent you.
Words By Joanne Brook-Smith
Hotel Victoria: Station Road, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby YO22 4RL
Telephone 01947 880205 Email info@victoriarhb.com
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