Many moons ago I went here for training as a youth instructor. I mentioned in another review learning to canoe in Whitby Harbour with them. I tried to sleep on the back seat of a minibus on the way to canoeing as we had been out most of the night..rough terrain I almost ended up in the front seat. It was tough training..I got lost in the forest at 1am! I also had to get a team to the pub, by orienteering, before it closed. I made that one in plenty of time. I also remember my team (when we were on a clocked treasure hunt and had to get our time in) being told..you are the fittest. RUN!
Later I went back as instructor with a group of 15 to 17 year old boys (about 14). Unusual for a female instructor to go with boys but no-one else would go with them. Other than the first night..when I was taking them all home in the morning..I became very proud of them over the time we were there. I got the usual treatment on the last day..they throw you in the river! I ran..eventually I gave up as I knew they wouldn't..two muddy buckets of water over my head later..in I went.
Those days have gone but now anyone can go and stay in this beautiful forest setting.
Cropton Forest Lodge (Cropton forest is a mainly coniferous woodland set on the edge of the North York Moors.) was originally built as Middle Head Farm, built around 1850. The farm consisted of the farmhouse and outbuildings, formed around a central courtyard.
In the mid 1960's, the farm was used by schools, and youth centres, as an outdoor pursuit centre. In 1975, Humberside City Council took a lease on the property and redeveloped the cowsheds that were at the back of the farm to the stone and pantile accommodation block (the area now used as the B&B accommodation).
The building was further extended in 1983 to provide a commercial kitchen, large dining room, lounge and lecture rooms.
The Centre, known as Middlehead Outdoor Pursuit Centre, became a very popular place for schoolchildren and instructors alike, having a full assault course, (roped together in 6's) a purpose built climbing wall, cycling, canoeing, orienteering and a whole host of activities.. accommodating up to 60 children and 12 full time staff the place is a lot quieter these days!
The Centre saw celebrities such as Hunter and Cobra from TVs 'Gladiators' here, and they have had many guests and visitors who came here as children and all had great memories!
Moved into to the renamed 'Cropton Forest Lodge' in 2001 - the buildings had been empty for 3 years, and needed full refurbishment.
In 2005, it opened for guests, offering a considerably more peaceful and comfortable accommodation than the bunk rooms and communal showers they started with - but hopefully still offering as much fun and enjoyment!
Outbuildings are soon to be refurbished to provide gamesrooms and tutorial rooms for group bookings, walking, cycling and activities holiday talks, health and relaxation breaks treatment and yoga rooms, painting and photography studios.
Not tried it yet hence the 4 stars (going on memories it would be 5) but if you like outdoor adventures then stay here. read more