Mariners Retreat, Whitby

An electric vehicle charger on the drive sets the tone at Mariners Retreat: this is a contemporary house built for modern living, even if you've left the petrol engine behind. The property sits within walking distance of Whitby's harbour and town centre, with views towards the Abbey rising above the roofline. Three bedrooms across two floors sleep six, including a ground-floor king bedroom, a second king (which can be split into twins), and a bunk room that works well for younger guests. Two bathrooms mean no queuing on mornings.

The top floor is one open-plan living space where a well-equipped kitchen sits alongside a dining and sitting area flooded with light through French doors that open onto a Juliet balcony. A coffee machine handles the mornings. The garden wraps around the house and catches sun throughout the day, with private parking on site. No smoking throughout the property.

From here you can walk to independent shops, fish and chip restaurants and the Abbey without the car. The sandy beach at Sandsend is nearby, as are the fishing villages of Runswick Bay and Staithes. Head inland and you reach the North York Moors National Park for moorland walks and wooded trails. Local trains and buses make car-free days along the coast straightforward. One dog is welcome with you.