Thornlea in Whitby | Stunning Yorkshire Group Cottage

About Thornlea

Thornlea is a large detached holiday house in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, near Goathland in North Yorkshire. For groups wanting proper space in genuinely spectacular countryside, this is a serious booking. The property sits in one of the most visited parts of Yorkshire and gives groups a proper base to explore from.

Goathland is a working moorland village. The surrounding landscape is open heather moorland with deep wooded valleys. It's quiet, genuinely rural and feels a world away from busy resorts.

Thornlea sleeps a large group across well-appointed bedrooms with multiple bathrooms and generous shared living spaces. The layout is designed for groups travelling together who need both communal areas and private space.

Goathland itself is 1 mile away. Whitby is 8 miles (20 minutes). Robin Hood's Bay is 10 miles (25 minutes). The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs through Goathland station (0.5 miles). Falling Foss waterfall is 6 miles (15 minutes).

Thornlea delivers direct moorland access, a famous village location and easy reach of the coast. Best suited to walking groups, families and friends wanting a proper Yorkshire escape.

Check Prices & Availability »

Need To Know

✓Detached characterful spacious house perched on the cliff top with glorious sea views
✓Located on West cliff in Whitby, North Yorkshire, UK
✓Ground floor double bedroom with 4ft 6in double bed and en-suite bathroom featuring walk-in shower and toilet
✓First floor master bedroom with 5ft kingsize bed, sea views, walk-in dressing room, and en-suite bathroom with bath and toilet
✓Two additional first floor double bedrooms each with 4ft 6in double beds and sea views
✓Main first floor bathroom with bath and walk-in shower but no toilet
✓Separate ground floor toilet
✓Generous sized living room on ground floor with three sofas arranged around a Smart TV with Freesat
✓Dining room on ground floor with large social dining table and glass doors opening to enclosed rear garden
✓Well-equipped kitchen on ground floor with gas cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, pantry, and open access to sun room
✓Sun room on ground floor with one step access, comfortable seating, garden views, and glass doors opening to garden
✓Study/reading room at front of ground floor with telescope for viewing passing boats and ships
✓Enclosed rear garden bursting with colour in spring and summer, featuring a patio and accessed via 2 steps from house
✓Children’s play area located on the property grounds
✓Private on-site parking for 2 cars
✓Gas central heating throughout the property
✓Electricity included in rental price
✓Wi-Fi internet access included
✓Bed linen and towels provided
✓Pets allowed free of charge, maximum 2 pets, pet types not limited to dogs
✓No smoking allowed anywhere on the property
✓Not suitable for guests with restricted mobility due to steps and layout
✓Stairgate provided for child safety
✓Travel cot and highchair available for use
✓Check-in time after 16:00 and check-out before 10:00
✓Close proximity to golden sandy beach within short walking distance, stretching to Sandsend
✓Walking distance to historic Whitby harbour and 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey (Gothic ruins and Bram Stoker inspiration)
✓Nearby coastal villages include Robin Hood’s Bay and Staithes
✓Nearby countryside and moorland offering dramatic scenery
✓Local amenities within 1 mile including pubs, golf, and fishing opportunities
✓Families and holidaymakers only; no hen or stag parties permitted
✓Decorated at Christmas seasonally

More Group Cottages You May Like

WiFi Fishing Open Fire

Westonby Lodge

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 8 3 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

A large, detached former hunting lodge, surrounded by panoramic countryside views, in Shortwaite near Lealholm, in the North York Moors National Park. Incredible views. Woodburning stove. Large,...

View Cottage

WiFi Near Beach Near Pub

Sterling House

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 8 4 Bedrooms

This semi-detached Victorian villa at the top of Robin Hood's Bay is a wonderful alternative to traditional Yorkshire cottages. High ceilings, marble fireplaces, stained glass windows. Beach 5...

View Cottage

WiFi Near Beach Fishing Near Pub

Whitby View

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 8 3 Bedrooms

This delightful, three-bedroom holiday home rests in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Close to amenities. Near a beach. Near a National Park. Open plan. Robin Hood's Bay 5.4 miles; Scarborough 18.5 miles;...

View Cottage

WiFi Near Beach Fishing Near Pub

Marina View Whitby

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 10 5 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

The location couldn’t be better for exploring both the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Heritage Coast. Known for its connections with Captain James Cook, Whitby boasts a...

View Cottage

WiFi Near Beach Near Pub

Harbour View Whitby

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 10 5 Bedrooms

Gaze out across the harbour from this group holiday home right at the historic heart of Whitby. Sleeping 10 guests, the sizeable, split-level apartment offers five bedrooms and five bathrooms,...

View Cottage

WiFi Near Beach Fishing

The Shipwrights

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 8 4 Bedrooms

The Shipwrights, a delightful three-storey end-terrace a short walk from Whitby amenities and beaches, with en-suite facilities and is near the River Esk. Robin Hood's Bay 5.5 miles; Scarborough...

View Cottage

WiFi Near Beach Fishing Near Pub

Tides Reach

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 8 4 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

An impressive townhouse resting on the outskirts of Whitby town centre. Pet-friendly. WiFi. Pub and shop within 0.3 miles. Scarborough 18.6 miles.

View Cottage

WiFi Fishing Near Pub Open Fire

Stewart House

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 12 7 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

A double fronted, Grade II listed, Georgian townhouse situated in one of the most desirable areas of Whitby. Three floors. Enclosed courtyard. Pet-friendly. Robin Hood's Bay 6 miles; Scarborough...

View Cottage

WiFi Near Beach Near Pub

2 West Terrace

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 7 4 Bedrooms Pet Friendly

Bring together friends and family in this spacious period home in the vibrant coastal town of Whitby. The property is in the bustling West Cliff area and you’ll have a fabulous range of shops...

View Cottage

WiFi Near Beach Fishing Near Pub

Fabulous

North of England, Yorkshire

Sleeps 8 4 Bedrooms

Host a special getaway in this luxurious property with a sprinkling of period features which sleeps up to eight guests. Make cocktails in the bar, play games in the elegant lounge with chandelier...

View Cottage

What Guests Love

What do previous guests think about their group stay at Thornlea

Moorland village location

Goathland village is right on the doorstep, giving groups instant access to open moorland walks and a genuinely traditional Yorkshire village.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway nearby

Goathland station is less than a mile away, letting the whole group jump on the famous steam railway for a classic day out.

Whitby within easy reach

The historic harbour town of Whitby is just 8 miles away, perfect for a group fish and chip lunch and a walk up to the abbey ruins.

Detached property for groups

As a fully detached house, Thornlea gives groups their own private space with no shared walls or communal areas with other guests.

Stunning walking country

The North York Moors National Park surrounds the property, with miles of well-marked trails suitable for groups of all fitness levels.

Robin Hood's Bay close by

The famous coastal village of Robin Hood's Bay is just 10 miles away, ideal for a group afternoon exploring the rock pools and cliff paths.

Getting To Thornlea

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Thornlea by car, head into Goathland village via the A169 Whitby to Pickering road, turning off at the signed village road. The property is a detached house within the village and off-road parking is available on site for arriving groups.

By Train

The nearest mainline station is Whitby, approximately 8 miles away, from where a taxi will get you to Goathland in around 20 minutes. Goathland also has its own heritage station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, though this does not connect to the national rail network.

Off-road parking available on site

Whitby mainline station (8 miles)

Accessible via the A169 Whitby to Pickering road

Group Attractions & More Nearby

Stuff for larger groups and families to try!

North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Goathland Station

Distance: 0.5 miles

YO22 5NF

Whitby Abbey

Distance: 8 miles

YO22 4JT

Robin Hood's Bay Village

Distance: 10 miles

YO22 4SJ

Mallyan Spout Waterfall Walk

Distance: 0.8 miles

YO22 5AN

Goathland Moor Circular Walk

Distance: 0.5 miles

YO21 3JT

Falling Foss Waterfall Trail

Distance: 6 miles

YO22 5JA

Whitby Town Centre Shops

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Whitby Market

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Sainsbury's Whitby

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1EA

Whitby Bus Station

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Whitby Train Station

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Taxi Services from Whitby

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Goathland Station

Distance: 0.5 miles

YO22 5NF

Whitby Abbey

Distance: 8 miles

YO22 4JT

Robin Hood's Bay Village

Distance: 10 miles

YO22 4SJ

Mallyan Spout Waterfall Walk

Distance: 0.8 miles

YO22 5AN

Goathland Moor Circular Walk

Distance: 0.5 miles

YO21 3JT

Falling Foss Waterfall Trail

Distance: 6 miles

YO22 5JA

Whitby Town Centre Shops

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Whitby Market

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Sainsbury's Whitby

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1EA

Whitby Bus Station

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Whitby Train Station

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Taxi Services from Whitby

Distance: 8 miles

YO21 1DX

Is Thornlea Right For Your Group

Discover why this cottage is the one for your party or family reunion...

For Families

Goathland is the village used as Aidensfield in Heartbeat, which older kids may recognise. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway steam trains depart from less than a mile away. Mallyan Spout waterfall is a short walk from the village. Robin Hood's Bay rock pools are 10 miles away and brilliant for younger children.

Groups Will Love...

Thornlea is a fully detached house giving groups complete privacy with no shared walls or communal spaces. The layout provides generous living areas alongside private bedrooms, making it well suited to larger groups who want to spend time together without getting under each other's feet.

Pet Friendly

Thornlea's pet policy should be confirmed directly with the owner at the time of booking. The surrounding North York Moors countryside is outstanding for dog walking, with moorland trails and wooded valley paths accessible directly from Goathland village. Always verify pet acceptance before confirming your reservation.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Thornlea

The Goathland Hotel (Heartbeat's Aidensfield Arms)

Located 0.4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: YO22 5LY

Mallyan Spout Hotel Restaurant

Located 0.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: YO22 5AN

The Birch Hall Inn Beck Hole

Located 1.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: YO22 5LE

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Thornlea

How many guests does Thornlea sleep?

Thornlea is a large detached holiday house designed for groups. Please check the specific bedroom and sleeping configuration on the booking page for the exact capacity.

Is Thornlea pet friendly?

We recommend confirming the pet policy directly with the owner before booking. Some larger group properties in this area do accept well-behaved dogs so it is worth checking at the time of enquiry.

Is there parking at Thornlea?

The property is a detached house in Goathland and off-road parking is available on site. Groups arriving in multiple vehicles should confirm the number of spaces available when booking.

What is the nearest town to Thornlea?

Whitby is the nearest major town at approximately 8 miles away (around 20 minutes by car). It has supermarkets, restaurants, pubs and a wide range of shops for stocking up on arrival.

Is Thornlea suitable for walking groups?

Yes. Goathland sits within the North York Moors National Park and is one of the best walking bases in Yorkshire. Trails lead directly from the village across open moorland and through wooded valleys.

How far is the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Thornlea?

Goathland station is less than a mile from the property. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam and heritage diesel services and is a popular group day out.

What is the nearest beach to Thornlea?

Robin Hood's Bay is approximately 10 miles from the property (around 25 minutes by car). Whitby beach is slightly closer at 8 miles and is more accessible for larger groups.

Are there supermarkets near Thornlea?

Goathland itself is a small village with limited shops. The nearest supermarkets are in Whitby, approximately 8 miles away. Groups are advised to do a main food shop either before arriving or on the way through Whitby.