I stayed here in March 2011 with two kids aged 11 and 13. The location is very rural, so a car is a must really, but as long as you have one then the amenities of Pickering and Whitby are just down the road and the Moors are on your doorstep.

There were only two other guests there besides us, and we had a large family room to ourselves which had plenty of space and storage. Beds were comfortable, room temperature was perfect.

There's a huge lounge with dining tables and comfy sofas and a fireplace that's lovely and cosy on cold evenings.

The kitchen is huge and extremely well-equipped, and bathroom facilities are clean and spacious. There's lots of information readily available about things to do in the local area but as you'd expect for the location, this is mostly nature/hiking/cycling related -- you wouldn't come here for the night life!

Parking is adequate and secure, staff are helpful and friendly but without getting in your face too much.

No nonsense about mixed genders as some youth hostels can be -- as a single dad with an autistic daughter I've had life made hard for me in the past by some establishments with very rigid rules on male/female only room sharing. No such problem here.

The whole place is on one floor and rather disabled friendly. The building itself is full of character and simple charm.