Roseberry Topping, AKA Yorkshire’s very own ‘Matterhorn’, is quite possibly one of the most breathtaking sights in the whole of God’s Own Country. Take it from someone who’s explored near to every inch of it. Its looming presence gives the illusion that you’re in a whole other country altogether – which, as you’ve probably guessed, makes for the perfect landscape for a holiday park.
Ideally located just outside of Great Ayton, Angrove Country Park is home to that very landscape – with unspoiled views of the distinctive hill available to enjoy from numerous points of the park, including where the accommodation is based.
And for us, it was that backdrop that set the tone for a relaxing weekend to come in Great Ayton.
After the long journey to the far edge of Yorkshire, we were pretty ready to dump our bags and sink our bodies into the warm and welcoming hot tub, which each lodge has on its own private deck – right next to an outdoor kitchen and dining area that’s kitted out with a state of the art Kamado BBQ. A very swish set-up to impress your mates with indeed.
Blessed with close to 30-degree weather and cold beers in the fridge that we’d picked up en route, we were in the alfresco spirit for the long haul – a whole afternoon of relaxing in the water in our very own bubbling sanctuary.
The whole site is one of those places where there really is no reason to go anywhere if you don’t want to, particularly when you factor in the fact that the site has its very own restaurant and bar on the premises, accompanied by a large outdoor play park where the kids can let off some steam in sight distance.
After lounging in the tub for so long that our fingertips and toes began to resemble old raisins that had been left to dry out in the Sahara, it was time to freshen up and re-emerge from our bolthole for some grub – which we were pleasantly surprised to discover could be served on a huge terrace with sunset views.
Reluctant to let our day in the sunshine end, we perched up on a high table overlooking the restaurant’s sizeable outdoor dining space, watching as the sun began to dip right before our eyes into the rugged, North York Moors landscape.
Deciding whether to choose a beer, wine or one of the restaurant’s many gin selections to accompany the view was the only problem we could possibly face then at that moment, alongside what to eat from their diverse crowd-pleaser of a menu.
From burgers to pizzas, fajitas, steaks, and everything in between, the menu ensures that every guest is well fed – making it an easy spot to dine at for those who aren’t too sure what they fancy.
You could tell just after a few minutes of soaking up our surroundings that the G&Tea House was a familiar spot with families staying and even locals, with plenty of groups gathering to enjoy food together while the kids played directly opposite. A very wholesome vibe for a very wholesome Saturday in the sunshine.
And while we did enjoy our food and the proper holiday atmosphere of the terrace, there was really only one place we wanted to be: back at the lodge to cosy up in front of a film.
Inside the lodges, guests can expect your typical home-from-home luxuries, incluiding robes, spa slippers, and wonderfully fluffy pillows – all of which are just an amplification of the fantastic al fresco experience on each lodges literal doorstep.
Angrove Country Park can be found just outside of Great Ayton, with the likes of Roseberry Topping, Middlesborough and Saltburn-on-the-Sea just a short drive away. Find out more here.
[Featured image: Angrove Country Park]
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