Christmas Walking Holiday in the North York Moors
Join Large Outdoors for a warm and sociable five-night Christmas in the North York Moors. Based in a comfortable cottage in Goathland, we’ll enjoy five days of guided winter walking, including the coastal route between Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby, alongside walks exploring other parts of the moors.
Your accommodation, guided walks and all meals are included, with plenty of food, relaxed evenings around the fire and a full group dinner on Christmas Day. With just 12 guests and most people attending on their own, it’s a friendly and easy way to enjoy Christmas in good company.
Holiday at a Glance
Duration
5 nights · 5 walking days
Walking grade
Leisurely
Distance
6-10 miles per day
Price
From £995pp
Group size
Maximum 12
Accommodation
Cottage
Transport
Limited station collection & shuttle places
Meals
Breakfasts, packed lunches & evening meals included
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Tuesday 22 - Sunday 27 December 2026
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Christmas with Good Company in the North York Moors
Christmas doesn't have to mean staying at home. Join a small, friendly group in Goathland for winter walks, good food and a relaxed Christmas in the heart of the North York Moors.
Our comfortable village cottage will be home for five nights, with no more than 12 guests. There'll be plenty of company when you want it, but also space to enjoy a quiet moment with a book or simply relax by the fire.
During the day, we'll explore the North York Moors and Yorkshire coast, with walks through wooded valleys, across open moorland and beside the sea. Most walks cover six to ten miles, with time for a café stop or a drink in a local pub whenever possible.
Evenings are spent back at the cottage, sharing meals, chatting around the fire or joining in with a little optional festive fun. Nothing is compulsory, and there's no pressure to take part in everything.
On Christmas Day, we'll enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out for a shorter walk from the cottage. Afterwards, your hosts will prepare a full Christmas dinner, followed by a relaxed evening together and an optional Secret Santa.
Most guests join Large Outdoors on their own, so you'll be in good company from the start. Whether you're looking for a different way to spend Christmas or simply fancy sharing it with some friendly faces, we'd love you to join us.
“The group was amazingly friendly and there was lots of sharing stories and banter.”
— Guest on a Large Outdoors Christmas walking holiday
Highlights
Five days of guided winter walking across the North York Moors and Yorkshire coast.
A small Christmas group of no more than 12 guests.
Christmas Day walk from the cottage followed by a full Christmas dinner.
A comfortable cottage in Goathland with a fire and space to relax.
Limited complimentary collection and return drop-off places at Malton railway station.
Suggested Itinerary
Our plans will remain flexible throughout the holiday. Winter weather, daylight and ground conditions can all affect the most suitable route, so your guide will choose each day’s walk with the group’s comfort and enjoyment in mind.
The following gives you an idea of what the holiday may include.
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Our complimentary collection will leave Malton railway station at 12:00. If you are travelling independently, you are welcome to arrive at the cottage from 14:00.
Once you have found your room and settled in, there will be time to meet the rest of the group and get comfortable. You might choose to sit in the lounge, take a short look around Goathland or visit one of the village pubs.
We’ll serve our first group evening meal at approximately 20:00, allowing those travelling from further afield time to arrive without rushing.
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The North York Moors gives us plenty of choice, from open moorland and wooded valleys to historic villages and the Yorkshire coast. Rather than setting a fixed itinerary in advance, we’ll select the best walks for the weather, ground conditions and available daylight.
Most days will cover approximately six to eight miles at a relaxed pace. Wherever possible, we’ll leave time for a café stop, a look around one of the local towns or villages, or a drink in the pub after the walk.
The options below give you an idea of the places we may explore during the holiday.
Rosedale and the Central Moors
Rosedale offers a mix of open moorland, valley paths and reminders of the area’s ironstone-mining past. Old railway tracks and industrial remains can still be found across the landscape, adding some interesting local history to the day.
We’ll choose a circular route of approximately six to eight miles, with the possibility of finishing at a local pub before returning to Goathland for dinner.
Robin Hood’s Bay to Whitby
We hope to include a day on the Yorkshire coast, following a section of the Cleveland Way between Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby.
The clifftop route is approximately seven miles, with coastal views throughout and time to explore Whitby when we arrive. You may want to wander around the harbour and old town, stop for a drink or find some fish and chips before we head back.
We may walk in either direction, depending on the weather and arrangements on the day.
Helmsley and Rievaulx
Helmsley is a small market town with independent shops, cafés and plenty of local character. From here, we could follow countryside paths towards the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey and the surrounding wooded valley.
After the walk, we’ll aim to leave a little time for a look around Helmsley, a café stop or a drink before returning to the cottage.
Sutton Bank and Gormire Lake
Sutton Bank has a good choice of winter walking routes, with views across the Vale of Mowbray and towards Gormire Lake.
Depending on the conditions, we could follow the escarpment, descend towards the lake or combine woodland paths with sections of open countryside. Your guide will choose a route that suits the group and makes the best use of the winter daylight.
Walking Around Goathland
Goathland is surrounded by moorland, wooded valleys, waterfalls and old railway paths, giving us several options directly from the cottage.
Possible routes include Mallyan Spout, Beck Hole and sections of the Rail Trail towards Grosmont. Starting from the door means no driving or organising lifts, leaving us free to finish the walk back in the village and perhaps call into one of the local pubs.
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Christmas morning will begin with a leisurely breakfast at the cottage.
We’ll then head out for a short local walk directly from the door. There will be no driving or complicated arrangements: we’ll simply put on our boots and explore the paths, moorland and wooded countryside around Goathland.
After returning to the cottage, your hosts will prepare Christmas dinner while you relax. We’ll then sit down together for a full group meal, followed by a sociable evening of drinks, conversation and optional festive activities.
We’ll have an optional Secret Santa. If you would like to take part, please bring a wrapped gift costing no more than £10 that would be suitable for any member of the group. Gifts will be placed under the tree and shared out on Christmas Day. Taking part is entirely your choice.
There may also be a Christmas jumper competition. Again, this is just for fun and there is no expectation that you take part.
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The evenings are intended to feel relaxed and informal.
The cottage has a shared lounge where you can sit by the fire, have a glass of wine, play a game or spend time chatting with the rest of the group. Goathland also has pubs within walking distance if you fancy going out for a drink.
There is no pressure to remain with the group throughout the evening. If you would rather spend some quiet time in your room, read a book or simply have an early night, that is absolutely fine.
We may organise a few simple Christmas activities, but everything is optional. You can take part as much or as little as you choose.
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On our final morning, we’ll have breakfast and enjoy one last short walk before returning to the cottage to pack and say goodbye.
Guests using the complimentary transfer will be dropped at Malton railway station between approximately 12:00 and 14:00. As the precise time will depend on the morning’s plans, we recommend booking a flexible or open return rail ticket rather than a train-specific advance ticket.
Essential Information
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Meeting Locations & Times
We offer two ways to join us on the first day of your Christmas holiday.
Malton Railway Station – 12:00
Complimentary collection is available from Malton railway station at 12:00. This must be booked in advance and is limited to eight guests.
Goathland – From 14:00
If you're travelling independently, you can arrive directly at our cottage in Goathland from 14:00.
The full accommodation address and arrival instructions will be provided in your final details.
Travelling by Train
Malton railway station is our designated collection point for guests travelling by train.
Please reserve your station collection when booking, as places are limited and cannot be guaranteed without a confirmed reservation.
Station Pickups
Our complimentary collection from Malton railway station departs at 12:00 on the first day.
Guests with a confirmed station collection also have transport to and from the guided walks included throughout the holiday.
Travelling by Car & Parking
If travelling by car, you can drive directly to the cottage in Goathland and arrive from 14:00.
Parking information and the full address will be included in your final details.
Transport During the Trip
Our minibus has eight guest places, which are reserved for those who have booked the Malton railway station collection.
If you travel to Goathland by car, you may need to use your own vehicle to reach the starting points of some walks and return afterwards.
Additional minibus seats may occasionally be available, but these cannot be guaranteed. Your guide will confirm arrangements during the holiday.
Ferries & Boat Transfers
No ferry or boat transfers are required for this holiday.
Departure & Return Travel
On the final day, guests using our station transfer will be returned to Malton railway station between approximately 12:00 and 14:00.
As the exact arrival time depends on the morning's plans, we recommend booking a flexible or open return rail ticket.
Important Travel Information
Station collection and minibus places are limited to eight guests and must be reserved in advance. If you are joining us independently, please plan to have your own transport available for walks where minibus seats are not available.
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Accommodation Location
We'll be staying in a comfortable cottage in the centre of Goathland, in the North York Moors National Park.
The village has local pubs and a shop within walking distance, and several walking routes begin close to the property.
The full accommodation address and arrival instructions will be provided in your final details.
Accommodation Type
Our cottage will be home for the five nights of the holiday.
There are shared dining and living areas, including a lounge with a fire where you can relax after a day's walking, enjoy a chat or find a quiet corner with a book.
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
The cottage has a variety of shared and private bedrooms. Shared accommodation is arranged on a same-sex basis, and you don't need to know anyone else before booking.
Room Options
Shared Female Room
A place in a shared bedroom with other female guests. You'll have your own bed and share the bedroom and bathroom facilities.Shared Male Room
A place in a shared bedroom with other male guests. You'll have your own bed and share the bedroom and bathroom facilities.Private Twin Room
A private bedroom with two separate beds, suitable for two people booking together. Shared bathroom facilities.Double Room – En Suite
A private bedroom with a double bed and its own en-suite bathroom. Available for two people sharing or sole occupancy, depending on the ticket selected.Double Room – Shared Bathroom
A private bedroom with a double bed and access to shared bathroom facilities. Available for two people sharing or sole occupancy, depending on the ticket selected.All room options are subject to availability. You can select your preferred room type when booking.
Bathrooms
Some double bedrooms have private en-suite bathrooms, while others use shared bathroom facilities.
Shared bedrooms and twin rooms also use shared bathrooms.
You can choose between an en-suite double room and a double room with a shared bathroom when booking, subject to availability.
Bedding & Towels
Bedding and towels are provided. Please bring your own toiletries.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included each morning and is prepared on a relaxed, help-yourself basis.
There will typically be a selection of cereals, toast, fruit and yoghurt.
Tea and coffee are available throughout your stay, so you're welcome to help yourself whenever you fancy a cuppa.
Packed Lunches
Packed lunches are included for our guided walking days.
These are prepared on a help-yourself basis and typically include a sandwich, crisps, a snack and a piece of fruit.
Please bring a reusable lunchbox and a water bottle. Water is available at the accommodation for filling bottles before the walks, but drinks are not provided as part of the packed lunches.
You're welcome to bring additional snacks for the walking days.
Evening Meals
Evening meals are included throughout the holiday, with meals prepared and shared together at the cottage.
On Christmas Day, your hosts will prepare a full Christmas dinner for everyone to enjoy together.
Alcoholic drinks are not included, but you're welcome to bring your own.
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Accommodation & Meals
Included
Five nights' accommodation in our Goathland cottage, in your selected room type.
Breakfast each morning.
Packed lunches for the main walking days.
An evening meal each night.
A full Christmas Day dinner with festive extras.
Tea, coffee and sweet treats throughout your stay.
Not Included
Alcoholic drinks. You're welcome to bring your own.
Additional food and drinks purchased in pubs, cafés or shops.
Guides & Support
Included
A Large Outdoors host and walking guide throughout the holiday.
Pre-trip information and support from the Large Outdoors team.
Walking & Activities
Included
Five days of guided walking, including a shorter walk on the final morning.
Optional Secret Santa and relaxed Christmas activities.
Not Included
Any optional activities with an additional cost.
Personal walking clothing and equipment.
Travel & Transport
Included
Complimentary collection from Malton railway station at 12:00 on the first day, for guests with confirmed collection places.
Return drop-off at Malton railway station between approximately 12:00 and 14:00 on the final day, for guests with confirmed transfers.
Transport to and from the guided walks for guests with confirmed station collection places.
Not Included
Travel to Malton railway station or directly to the cottage.
Transport to and from the walks for guests without a confirmed station collection place. You may need to use your own vehicle.
Important: Station collection and associated minibus transport are limited to eight guests and must be reserved in advance.
Insurance & Personal Expenses
Not Included
Travel and activity insurance.
Personal purchases during the holiday.
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Walking Grade: Leisurely
This holiday is graded Leisurely, with relaxed, sociable walking and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery along the way.
We'll generally be heading out for walks of around 6–10 miles each day, exploring the North York Moors, local woodlands and, weather permitting, the Yorkshire coast.
We'll walk at a comfortable, unhurried pace, with regular stops to enjoy the views, take photographs and have a breather. Where the route allows, we'll also aim to stop at a café for refreshments.
Terrain & Conditions
Although the pace is leisurely, this is a winter walking holiday, so you should be prepared for a variety of conditions.
Our routes may include woodland paths, open moorland, coastal paths, tracks and uneven ground. December weather can make some sections particularly muddy, wet or slippery.
There may also be hills and some uphill and downhill walking, although we won't be rushing.
Routes may be adjusted to suit the weather, ground conditions and daylight hours.
Fitness & Experience
You don't need to be an experienced hillwalker, but you should be comfortable walking 6–10 miles over varied terrain and spending several hours outdoors.
A reasonable level of general fitness and some regular walking experience will help you enjoy the holiday.
We'll keep the pace relaxed and sociable, with plenty of breaks along the way. You'll only need to carry a daypack with your waterproofs, lunch, drinks and other essentials.
Winter Walking
December days are shorter, and the weather in the North York Moors can be changeable.
Please bring suitable waterproof clothing, warm layers and walking boots with good grip.
Your guide will choose suitable routes for the conditions, with everyone's safety and enjoyment in mind.
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Walking Clothing & Footwear
December in the North York Moors can be cold, wet and muddy, so please come prepared for winter walking conditions.
We recommend bringing:
Comfortable, waterproof walking boots with good grip.
Waterproof jacket and overtrousers.
Warm layers, including a fleece or insulated jacket.
Comfortable walking trousers (avoid jeans).
Warm hat and gloves.
Walking socks, with spare pairs.
A small daypack for your daily essentials.
What to Carry on Walks
You'll only need to carry a daypack each day. We recommend packing:
A reusable water bottle or flask.
Your packed lunch and additional snacks.
Waterproofs and spare warm layers.
Any personal medication you may need.
A small personal first-aid kit.
A headtorch, particularly useful during the shorter winter days.
Walking poles can also be helpful on muddy or uneven ground, although they're optional.
Clothing for the Cottage
This is a relaxed and informal Christmas holiday, so there's no need to dress up unless you fancy it!
Bring comfortable clothes for the evenings, indoor footwear or slippers, and your usual toiletries.
You might also like to bring something a little festive for Christmas Day, but that's entirely up to you.
Christmas Extras
We'll be spending Christmas together as a small group, so you're welcome to bring your favourite festive treats or alcoholic drinks to enjoy during the evenings.
We'll also have an optional Secret Santa. Details will be shared before the holiday for anyone who would like to take part.
Full Kit List
We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.
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Booking Confirmation
Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.
Deposits & Balance Payments
If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.
Your Trip WhatsApp Group
Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.
It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.
Joining is entirely optional.
Final Details
A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.
Keeping Up to Date
Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.
We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.
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Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Most people who book with Large Outdoors come on their own, so you certainly won't be the odd one out.
Our Christmas holidays are designed to be friendly and sociable, with shared walks, meals and relaxed evenings making it easy to get to know everyone. There's no need to arrive with a friend or partner.
Can you cater for dietary requirements?
Yes. We can provide vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free meals. Please include your dietary requirements when booking so we can plan the menus in advance.
All food is prepared in a shared kitchen, so although we take reasonable care, we cannot guarantee an environment completely free from cross-contamination.
If you have a serious food allergy or medical dietary requirement, please contact us before booking.
Do I have to join every walk and Christmas activity?
Not at all. We encourage everyone to enjoy the holiday in their own way.
You're welcome to skip a walk, spend some quiet time at the cottage or sit out any of the evening activities.
If you decide not to join a guided walk, you'll need to make your own arrangements for the day.
How does Secret Santa work?
Secret Santa is completely optional, but it's a fun part of our Christmas celebrations.
If you'd like to take part, please bring a wrapped gift costing no more than £10, suitable for any member of the group.
We'll put the presents under the tree and share them out on Christmas Day.
Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs aren't permitted on this holiday, except for registered assistance dogs.
If you need to bring an assistance dog, please contact us before booking so we can discuss the accommodation and walking arrangements.
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Tuesday 22 - Sunday 27 December 2026
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Questions Before You Book?
Not sure whether this walking holiday is right for you? We're always happy to help with questions about the walks, accommodation or joining us on your own.
Email hello@largeoutdoors.com or get in touch through WhatsApp.
More Festive Walking Breaks
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New Year in the North York Moors
A quieter New Year with leisurely walks, comfortable accommodation and no big party.
