When people ask me what I love most about my work, I simply answer, “the experiences.” Life, to me, is for living. It’s for finding our true soul’s purpose for exploring and unveiling the secrets of the world we inhabit.

I’ve travelled the globe, jet-setting to destinations I could have only dreamed about before I embarked on my House of Coco journey – but sometimes, even when you’ve just about seen it all, it’s the places on your doorstep that completely blow you away.

I’m fortunate enough to have had the privilege to drive some fantastic cars in my time. Still, nothing quite tops driving a convertible Bentley across the Yorkshire coast.

Wind coursing through my hair, tunes blasting, and the sharp, salty sea air in my lungs, “This,” I think, “This is how life should be every day.”

With gratitude to Bentley Leeds and Route YC, I got to experience an all-new route of the Yorkshire coastline like never before. From Scarborough to Bridlington to Whitby, over five days and four nights this May, I was transported on an expedition of God’s own country that will stay with me for a lifetime.

This new Yorkshire coast trip aims to rival the legendary and iconic Scottish NC500. I’ll bare no bones about it; it does just that and more. Incredible. Spellbinding. An absolute delight from start to finish.

As a proud Yorkshire lass, seeing the coast I’ve travelled before but not via this route left me with an even greater appreciation for where I’m from and what the UK offers. Following the pandemic and the rise of the ‘staycation’, this is an adventure that needs to be at the top of your travel list. Throughout the journey and stops, my days were packed with excursions and incredible experiences that can only be found on Route YC.

Here’s a breakdown of what is in store for you on Route YC:

Day 1

I began the YC Route experience in my very own convertible Bentley (wow, may I add!), calmly cruising across Yorkshire to my first destination in Scarborough. First stop, Wrea Head Hall, an elegant Yorkshire escape surrounded by greenery for as far as the eye can see. This picturesque gothic mansion seeps character in every crevice and perfectly suits my ride’s sheer opulence.

After a quick drop of luggage and freshening up, it was time to stroll through Hayburn Wyke beach waterfall for an idyllic afternoon in the cool May sun. By then, we had worked up an appetite, so dinner at Wrea Head Hall was more than welcome. The oak-panelled dining room and its delicately designed menu will leave you feeling like you’re in a Jane Austin novel.

Once our stomachs were filled and our palates cleansed, it was time to hit the hay for some much-needed rest before our first full day of adventure commenced.

Day 2

Rising to breakfast at Wrea Head Hall was enough to have us shining before we even left. It was then to the Bentley to begin a beautiful endeavour amongst nature. Stopping by Sewerby Hall Gardens to soak in all its natural beauty, followed by a wander through Danes Dyke, burnt off breakfast and built up excitement for our afternoon excursion.

We jumped back in the car onto our next Route YC stop, Bridlington, for Puffin & Gannet Seabird Cruise on the Yorkshire Belle. If the idea of seeing some gorgeous little puffins wasn’t enough to hype me up, we were lucky enough to see dolphins in Bridlington!

There’s a sentence I never thought I’d say and an experience that left my heart brimming. Who even needs the Maldives when you’ve got Yorkshire?

After the most incredible excursion and saying goodbye to the dolphins, puffins, and gannets, we hopped back in the Bents. We headed to our next stay; Raven Hall Country House Hotel and Lodges, Ravenscar.

This place is a must-stay with coastal views and accommodation to suit any need, from single rooms to lodges and cabins. The dining on Route YC is out of this world – the view from the restaurant at Raven Hall overlooks Robin Hood’s Bay and is enough to melt any stress away. Not that we had a single stress to melt after the most glorious day!

Day 3

After finishing breakfast with a view at Raven Hall the following day, we pottered on down to Robin Hood’s Bay. Perhaps the Yorkshire Coast’s best-kept secret. A small fishing village just six miles from Whitby, it’s quaint, beautiful, and Yorkshire to its core.

We then stopped at The Victoria Hotel for a spot of lunch to build back our energy before heading onto Falling Floss. Ambling around Falling Floss, a North Yorkshire National Park (we are renowned for our national parks, by the way!) was the perfect place to switch off and reconnect with nature. You will also be greeted by Falling Floss waterfall; this 30-foot hidden gem is guarded by an abundance of foliage and leaves you wondering if there even is a world outside.

For the evening, it was time to dine like a queen and sleep like a princess at Sneaton Castle, Whitby. Once home to the Sisters of the Holy Paraclete, this storybook location is a favourite for weddings, unsurprisingly but is a sure-fire treat for anyone embarking on their own Route YC trip.

The Garden Room restaurant offers a cosy bistro menu for any taste and is the perfect place to unwind after a long day on foot!

Day 4

They say eat like a king or queen for breakfast, and there’s no better place to do it than a castle! It was hard not to get used to the royal way of living as breakfast was followed by horse riding at Borrowby Equestrian Centre. This excursion would have even made Queen Elizabeth beam from ear to ear.

Obviously, by this point in our tour of Route YC, we were feeling rather tuckered out from all the fun, so it was only fair to check ourselves into the spa at Raithwaite Hall accompanied by lunch. Once we were suitably refreshed and relaxed beyond belief, it was time to ditch the Egyptian cotton robes for something with a little more sparkle and fit for a star – the Star Inn the Harbour, that is!

I can think of no better way to end an extraordinary experience than to be delighted by a delicate dining menu hand delivered by such an exquisite Head Chef like Joe Lees. First opened in 2017 by Michelin favourite Andrew Pern, Joe has genuinely brought the eclectic food indulgence usually reserved for ample city dining to his small home coastal town of Whitby.

The menu features freshly-caught seafood and produce from the world-famous North Yorkshire moors. It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say I was in taste heaven. The passion and dedication Chef Joe infused in each dish perfectly complemented the perfect trip. What a genuine joy and truly Yorkshire experience.

For our last pillow stop, The Stables at Whitby – Formally The Cross Butts, a rustic haven bordering the Moor coastline – is one of the most in-demand locations on the route. A tranquil, peaceful night’s sleep in a King Size bed was exactly what was needed to end the most brilliant adventure.

Day 5

I tried to make breakfast at The Stables last an eternity because finishing meant it was time to head home. And while it can’t be denied that after a long and busy trip, there is no better place than home, this experience was honestly magnificent from start to finish and gave me a view of Yorkshire I never thought existed.

Heading home in the Bentley, I couldn’t help but recount the spectacular experience of seeing dolphins swimming through the Bridlington waves or being fortunate enough to taste Chef Joe Lee’s incredible culinary skills. And how could I forget, getting to do it all by way of my very own convertible Bentley – the only negative experience of the entire route was handing back the keys!

Route YC, you’ve captured Yorkshire exceptionally. This is a journey you can embark on at your leisure, by car, bike, foot or even boat, as I came to find! There is absolutely nothing ordinary on Route YC, and believe me, you’ve never experienced the Yorkshire coast like this before!

routeyc.co.uk

Author

Northern girl Laura is the epitome of a true entrepreneur. Laura’s spirit for adventure and passion for people blaze through House of Coco. She founded House of Coco in 2014 and has grown it in to an internationally recognised brand whilst having a lot of fun along the way. Travel is in her DNA and she is a true visionary and a global citizen.

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