Cloughton Station, Yorkshire

A couple of weeks ago my uncle took us all away to North Yorkshire to celebrate his 70th birthday.

It’s typical of his generosity and love of his family and a good gathering that he’d do that. It’s just a shame the man himself was quite unwell over the weekend, because his charades demonstrations are legendary. Gestures done with such passion, energy and determination, he’s quite unaware why just one swoop of his arm has us in hysterics.

We stayed at this pretty special place near Scarborough. The former Cloughton Station house is a B&B and tea rooms, and alongside it is a converted train carriage (named Oscar) and goods shed, both offering self-catering accommodation.

By all accounts Oscar is a little creaky and cramped, but so much fun if you have train enthusiasts in your family. The Goods Shed is a big, modern space with three bedrooms.

The Mr and I were still feeling a little emotionally delicate but, in the bosom of my family, sharing stories and smiles under the evening sun, with cold drinks and food fresh from the barbecue, we healed a bit more.

Cloughton Station is only about a mile from the sea, and set right on the former Scarborough to Whitby railway line. The line has now been converted into a brilliant walking and cycling route that forms part of the Cleveland Way and can take you from Scarborough all the way up the coast to Whitby and as far as Saltburn-by-the-Sea.

We love seeing the sea, so didn’t miss the chance to get on two wheels and take in some of this dramatic coastline. More on that later in the week!