About the Esk Valley
Esk Valley is a small community originally built around an ironstone mine. Only around 30 houses were built plus workshops, a chapel, a Sunday School and the Mine Manager’s house. The old mine is part of the Land of Iron project and is just a few minutes walk from the cottage.
The Esk Valley is a picturesque area in North Yorkshire, England, known for its scenic beauty, stretching through the heart of the North York Moors National Park down to the coast at Whitby. The River Esk, which is the principal feature of the valley, is the only river in Yorkshire that flows directly into the North Sea. The Esk Valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, comprising rolling hills, dense woodlands, and pastoral farmland, along with charming villages and historic sites scattered along its course.
The River Esk plays a central role in the valley’s ecology, supporting a variety of wildlife, including the rare freshwater pearl mussel and salmon. The area is a haven for nature enthusiasts and offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, fishing, and bird watching.
The Esk Valley Railway, which runs from Middlesbrough to Whitby, offers one of the most beautiful train journeys in Britain, winding through the heart of the moors and providing spectacular views of the countryside. The railway stops at several quaint villages, including Grosmont, with its heritage steam railway connecting to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and Goathland, which served as the fictional village of Hogsmeade in the Harry Potter films and as Aidensfield in the television series “Heartbeat.”
The valley is dotted with historical and cultural sites, from ancient stone circles and burial mounds to the remnants of industrial heritage, reflecting the area’s rich history. The villages in the Esk Valley are characterized by their traditional stone cottages, historical churches, and cozy pubs, offering a glimpse into rural English life.
For those looking to explore the natural beauty and historical richness of North Yorkshire, the Esk Valley provides a peaceful and picturesque setting. It’s a place where visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the countryside, engage in outdoor adventures, or simply explore the charming villages and their heritage.
About Lambton Cottage
Number 10 Esk Valley is affectionately known as Queenie’s house. Tommy and Queenie moved into number 10 in 1948 when there was no road into the Valley and the accommodation was very basic with outside toilets. Queenie was an Esk Valley legend and she lived here until 2008 when in her late nineties ill health compelled her to move away to be nearer to her family.
The house was then purchased by a family who completely renovated it and planned on retiring here. However, the appearance of several grandchildren meant they reluctantly had to find somewhere larger. Their loss was our gain and we jumped at the chance to own the house next door and convert it into a holiday let.
We have kept the essential character of the house, with some new features such as central heating, refurbished bedrooms, and a dining kitchen with plenty of space for drying clothes (and animals) whenever the weather is inclement. We have two bedrooms, one with a double bed and the other with a small double topped with a single bunk – these both share a lovely bathroom on the first floor.
Downstairs there is a comfortable lounge, with open fire to supplement the central heating whenever you need it, along with a large dining kitchen and downstairs shower room and WC.
Your own parking space is literally outside the back door and you can be with us in round 40 minutes from Teesside, 15 minutes from Whitby, or just under an hour from York.
We love living at Esk Valley and want to share with you the tranquillity of life ‘in the Valley’ and the gentle pace of life here.
