Dalby Forest Cottages

We have numerous bird feeders dotted around the property so after a good day's walk you can sit back and enjoy watching the birds. A fantastic array of birdlife visits our garden including Finches, Tits, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, treecreepers and Siskins.

The coniferous woodland of Dalby and Langdale Forests is home to the Common Crossbill and the incredible churring of a Nightjar is frequently heard on a summer's evening here.

You may catch sight of Roedeer in our paddock in the early morning and barn owls and badgers can be seen in the area at night.

If you have a smart phone we can recommend downloading the Merlin app which will help identify birds by their song. Just come and see us during your stay if you need any assistance.

For Bird enthusiasts we can recommend a visit to RSPB Bempton Cliffs which is well known for its puffin population. Yorkshire Coast Nature run wildlife trips inland as well as on the coast, including Bird Sound Safaris.

There's lots more information on what to see where, and when, on the North York Moors National Park website.

Guests enjoy the cottage window feeders

European Nightjar © Richard Baines Yorkshire Coast Nature

The Dalby forest area is known for its fantastic dark skies. You can lay back and look at the stars on the steamer chairs in the garden (blankets provided), or join one of the public events held at the Dalby Forest visitor centre.

Scarborough and Ryedale Astronomical Society holds regular public stargazing at the John Harper Observatories in Dalby Forest, during the autumn and winter months.

Astro Dog, a small, local astronomy and astrophotography business also holds events in Dalby Forest. Both of these will require booking.

Walking

You will find guides to a few of our favourite local walks, which don't involve driving anywhere, in the guest information folder. OS maps are provided for you to borrow and we are always happy to show you other routes in the area, whether you're in search of a waterfall, a coastal walk or interesting landscape features.

Although restrictions apply on some beaches down the coast there are plenty where you can walk with your dog all year round, including two of our favourites, Hunmanby gap and Robin Hoods Bay.

Star trail pictured above North York Moors railway tracks ©afts Studios

Cycling

Local forest and moorland paths and tracks provide miles of off-road cycling opportunities. There are also green, blue and red graded trails in Dalby Forest and the Moor to Sea route runs close to the cottage.

Cycle hire is available from Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, located near the visitor centre in Low Dalby.

For those wishing to cycle the cinder track which runs between Whitby and Scarborough via Robin Hoods Bay, cycle hire is available from Trailways at Hawsker near Whitby.