Having fallen in love with its serene ambience when I reviewed Raithwaite Sandsend a few years back, I was thrilled to be invited back to experience the hotel’s version of the ‘new normal’ as it re-opens its doors after lockdown.
Raithwaite Sandsend is a majestic coastal retreat in North Yorkshire with two hotels, quaint private stone cottages, a tranquil Lake House and a spa. Located a stone’s throw from Sandsend Beach and close to Whitby, the hotel is ideal for romantic breaks.
It had been six long months since our last weekend break in the UK – or, for that matter, since the last time I slept in any bed that wasn’t my own. Our stay at Raiwthwaite Sandsend came at the right time and thankfully, it was just as relaxing as the last time – but this time, we were given a room with probably the best view in the house!
Here’s my updated review of Raithwaite Sandsend Hotel. If you’re apprehensive about booking a hotel stay in these uncertain times, I’d recommend this hotel on the Yorkshire coast because they’ve adapted brilliantly to the recent changes and I felt comfortable there.
Keep reading to get my code for a FREE ROOM UPGRADE!
2020 Raithwaite Estate Hotel review
Before I go any further, I want to outline some of the ways in which Raithwaite Sandsend has reacted to the pandemic in order to keep guests as safe as possible during your stay.
Upon arrival, guests must fill in a Health Declaration form. Payments are card-only now.
There are sanitising pads on interior high-traffic doors and all staff are wearing masks. They’re no longer able to show you to your room, but to be honest I prefer it that way. When you’re away for a romantic weekend away, sometimes having a stranger show you to your room can feel a bit awkward! Plus, the hotel’s layout is straightforward so it’s not like you can get lost.
The staff at Raithwaite are all super polite and they were helpful from the moment we checked in and had a socially-distanced drink on the sun terrace. I noticed all of the seating was much more spaced out than it was on my last visit. There were a few other couples enjoying the sun but they were so far away we couldn’t even eavesdrop on their conversations.
What are the hotel rooms like at Raithwaite Sandsend?
Raithwaite Sandsend have dog-friendly rooms available but we had decided to leave Archie with Tom’s parents so we could properly unwind.
Both times we’ve stayed at Raithwaite, we’ve been in an Executive room in The Hall. For our second visit we were put in room 202, which has a balcony overlooking the stunning hotel gardens. More on the gardens later!
Our room was really comfortable, with a large bed and complimentary tea, coffee and Ringtons biscuits in a sealed plastic bag for enhanced hygiene. There are fluffy white bathrobes which you can use in the hotel spa.
The number 1 reason I love Raithwaite Sandsend: the gardens!
Back downstairs, you walk through a sunny, colourful conservatory onto a huge outdoor seating area overlooking the most awe-inspiring gardens I’ve ever seen at a hotel.
The hotel has around 100 acres of land and every inch of it is lovingly well-tended. As you laze on the sun terrace, the only sounds are the babbling of the stream that runs through the gardens and distant birdsong from the surrounding fields.
I couldn’t resist a little photoshoot on the bridges crossing the stream, and in front of the gorgeous cascading wall of flowers. I felt like I’d stumbled into the Secret Garden!
There’s a elegant outdoor wedding space that’s waiting to welcome parties when they’re allowed again. Tom and I have just had more bad news about our Italian wedding and we seriously discussed scrapping the whole Sorrento plan to get married at Raithwaite Sandsend instead.
If only we could get our deposit back from the wedding planner!
I’m very envious of any couples who tie the knot here. It’s absolutely perfect for a wedding and I can just imagine how fantastic the photo album would be!
Dinner at Raithwaite Sandsend’s hotel restaurant
There are a few options for dining at Raithwaite Sandsend Hotel, including the relaxed Hunters Lounge and Poachers Bar. A few people were having afternoon tea in the conservatory the first time we visited. It looked fabulous.
I absolutely love the theme of Raithwaite Sandsend’s Brasserie restaurant: ‘French beret meets flat cap’. It perfectly sums up the menu, which is a mix of traditional French dishes made with fresh ingredients from Yorkshire.
The decor followed the same theme, with caricatures of some of the hotel staff on the walls, and painted murals depicting scenes where France meets Yorkshire. There were even berets hung on the walls!
The below picture was taken on our first visit. Since then, the number of tables has decreased a lot and there’s a lot of space between tables. We dined in the conservatory this time, where there was plenty of space.
We ordered a bottle of chenin blanc and I had the Shetland scallops, roast Yorkshire apple puree, smoked chicken jus and pork skin to start. The scallops were perfectly cooked. It was a brand new flavour combination for me and took a few bites to get used to, but in the end I thoroughly enjoyed it.
On our last visit, we shared the chateaubriand. It was absolutely beautiful, as were the huge, thick hand-cut chips it was served with. They were unlike any chips I’d had before, and tasted even better than they looked.
This time, Tom stuck with steak and ordered a fillet steak from the Malton Market with peppercorn sauce. Melt in the mouth and rich with flavour, it was perfect. I know because I ate the last few bites!
I never usually order lamb because I find it can be very hit and miss, but I trusted Raithwaite’s chefs enough to go for the Beltex lamb rump, sweetbread and Olde York croquette, artichoke purée and granola. I’ve never had such juicy, flavourful lamb!
We shared a dessert but sort of wished we’d got one each. The broken strawberry cheesecake is a masterpiece!
With delightfully moreish mouthfuls of baked cheesecake, a strawberry gelato that brings back childhood memories and perfectly poached berries, it certainly ended our meal on a high note.
The ‘new normal’: reverse buffet breakfast at Raithwaite Sandsend
I’d been lamenting the end of hotel breakfast buffets ever since the new safety measures were introduced so I got a happy surprise at Raithwaite Sandsend.
Breakfast is now served downstairs instead of in the Brasserie to allow for better social distancing. The buffet is still there, but it’s behind tall plastic screens and manned by a member of staff. You simply peruse the selection, tell the server what you’d like and they load it all onto a tray.
The tray is then carried to your table (by a very handsome waiter) and you can order from the hot food menu once seated. We chose to dine alfresco in the garden.
All in all, I felt it was an excellent system and actually more relaxed than the old buffet. If this is the new normal, I’ll take it! It also inevitably creates less food waste because you’re less tempted to put things on your plate that you won’t eat.
Everything was delicious although I was sad to see that the fresh honeycomb has disappeared from the buffet. I can completely understand that hotels etc are having to make little cuts after being unable to open for so long, but it’s one of the things I remembered about our first stay! Also, it’s messy and tricky to serve so I can see why they got rid of it…
A review of Raithwaite Sandsend’s spa
Hotel guests get complimentary access to the Raithwaite Estate’s spa. In keeping with the current rules, the pool has just re-opened. To use it, guests must book a slot.
The below review is from our initial visit to the hotel, as we didn’t use the spa on our most recent visit.
The spa is located in The Hall, so we could easily have walked down in our robes from the room if we’d wanted.
We didn’t sample any treatments so I can’t comment on that, but the pool was good, as was the jacuzzi, both of which look onto the gardens. The sauna and steam room were hotter than most, so we couldn’t hack them for long!
I’m happy to report that the changing rooms at the spa are some of the best I’ve seen. They have private cubbies complete with hairdryers.
What to do during your stay at Raithwaite Sandsend
1. Visit Whitby
Picturesque Whitby is just a few minutes away from the hotel by car. Read my guide to what to do in Whitby if you’re planning to head into town. Guests at the hotel get a 20% discount on entry to Whitby Abbey.
2. Visit Scarborough
Alternatively, the drive over to Scarborough is scenic and takes around 40 minutes. Read my guide to planning a big day out guide to Scarborough if you’re thinking of making the short trip over there!
3. Explore the local area
There are four woodland trails you can explore around the hotel so Raithwaite is perfect for active couples who enjoy getting out in nature.
4. Try one of the hotel’s new art programmes
Raithwaite Sandsend have recently introduced small group getaways that can be tailored to you. They’re perfect for an alternative hen or stag party, couples’ retreat or family holiday in the UK.
The packages include weekend art programmes run by local artists who work with various mediums, from textiles to glass-blowing. You’ll eat dinner with the artist on the Friday evening and enjoy a range of activities and meals throughout the weekend. Simply enquire via the website to arrange a booking.
I’ve heard rumours there might be a chocolate making mini-course available soon too…
5. Go surfing or SUP!
For adrenaline addicts, there are some exciting developments. Raithwaite Hotel is now offering surfing lessons on Sandsend Beach! The hotel’s closest beach is usually very quiet but experienced locals know the surf is great.
Alternatively, you can book a stand-up paddle boarding session on either the beach or the River Esk.
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We were honestly sad to check out when the time came, but had a top-notch overnight stay at Raithwaite Sandsend. It put my mind at ease about future hotel stays, because I was impressed with how well this particular hotel has adapted.
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Sam | North East Family Fun Travel Blog says
I’ve stayed in Whitby and Scarborough a lot and can’t believe this place has passed my radar! Hotels with a decent spa in this area are very hard to come by so it’s good to know they exist! The gardens are absolutely stunning too – you definitely picked the best weekend to visit! I’m off to visit Raithwaite Estate’s website now to find out more. Thanks 🙂
The Hoopers says
Looks amazing! my parents have a holiday home in nearby Burniston and not heard of this place!
Melis Besen says
What a beautiful set of photos and a great post about one of my favourite hotels – such a lovely find in Whitby. The area needed a gorgeous hotel like this. Love your dress as well! I definitely need to revisit Raithwaite when we get back to the UK – it was a while ago and I still remember in detail the amazing dinner I had there.
Katy says
My in-laws are just nearby here and I keep thinking I’ll have to pop try their spa at some point! It looks lovely x