Saltmoore Whitby Review - A Luxury Dog-Friendly Hotel Near Sandsend

Just outside Whitby, Saltmoore is one of those places that makes you slow down without really realising it. Set between countryside and coast, it feels calm, spacious and quietly thought through - the kind of setting where your plans naturally start to fall away.

It’s not overly formal or overdesigned. Everything just works, and that’s kind of the point.

Staying at Saltmoore - The Beach House Experience

We stayed in the Beach House section, slightly removed from the main hotel, and it was genuinely beautiful. Soft coastal interiors, light pouring in, and a layout that makes it very easy to settle in quickly - we were fully leaning into our coastal living fantasy within about ten minutes.

It also worked perfectly with our dogs. Everything felt relaxed and accommodating, with immediate access to walks and plenty of space to just be.

One of the best touches was the buggy service. You call, they arrive, and suddenly you’re gliding up to the main house without having to think about it. It sounds small, but it makes the whole stay feel seamless.

And then there was the outdoor bath. Set overlooking the gardens, it’s one of those details that feels slightly indulgent in the best way. Ending the day out there, wrapped in a towel, looking out over the greenery - it’s hard to beat.

Food and Drink at Saltmoore

We ate in the MICHELIN-recommended brasserie on one of the evenings, and it delivered exactly what you want in this kind of setting. The menu leans into seasonal, modern British cooking, with a focus on good produce and combinations that feel considered without trying too hard.

You’ll find dishes built around fresh seafood, quality cuts of meat and lighter plates that change with the seasons. Think pan-fried fish with seasonal vegetables, well-sourced steaks, and starters that are clean and fresh rather than overly heavy. It’s the kind of menu where everything sounds good, which makes narrowing it down slightly more difficult than it should be.

The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Adam Maddock, who stepped up from head chef in late 2025. His approach centres around seasonal British produce, with a particular focus on seafood and Yorkshire ingredients, and it comes through in the food. Nothing feels overworked, but everything feels intentional and well judged.

The cocktails were also worth noting. A mix of classics and house drinks, all done properly - balanced, not overly sweet, and easy to keep ordering. The wine list and overall drinks offering follow the same approach, well curated but not overwhelming.

Breakfast was another highlight. It’s one of those setups where you end up ordering more than you planned. A mix of cooked options - different styles of eggs, full breakfast plates and lighter dishes - alongside pastries, fruit and everything else you’d want. It feels generous without being excessive, and sets you up properly for the day ahead.

On the second night, we headed out to Fish Cottage in Sandsend, just down the road. Completely different energy, but just as worth it. The fish tacos were a standout - fresh, simple, and exactly what you want after a long walk by the sea.

Saltmoore is also set to expand its offering further with the upcoming fine-dining restaurant, Calluna, which will add another layer to what is already a strong food destination on the Yorkshire coast.

The Spa at Saltmoore

The spa is where you properly settle into the stay.

We spent the entire day there, moving between the different spaces without much of a plan. It’s beautifully done, but still feels relaxed - somewhere you can drift rather than follow a schedule.

We tried the cryotherapy, which was undeniably cold - the kind that makes you question your decisions for a second - but it quickly turns into something quite addictive. You step out feeling reset, awake and far more energised than you expected.

After that, we spent hours outside in the gardens, reading and doing very little. It’s one of those spaces where time just disappears.

We then headed for lunch in the spa café - a great matcha and a pizza. What a combo.

Exploring Whitby and Sandsend

Both days, we headed down to Sandsend beach with the dogs, and it quickly became a highlight.

Wide stretches of sand, open views and that fresh coastal air - it’s exactly what you want from the Yorkshire coast. It’s also incredibly easy to get to, which means you can build your day around it without much effort.

Whitby itself is just a short drive away, but Saltmoore’s setting means you never feel like you have to.

The Overall Feel

What makes Saltmoore stand out is how easy it is to be there. There’s a quiet level of detail across everything - the rooms, the spa, the food - but nothing feels overdone. It’s polished, but still relaxed enough that you can properly switch off. You don’t feel like you need to do anything, but you end up doing exactly what you needed.

Is Saltmoore Worth It?

If you’re looking for a luxury hotel in Whitby or a more elevated Yorkshire coast staycation, Saltmoore is definitely one to have on your list. It works just as well for a slower, spa-heavy break as it does for long beach walks, good food and time outdoors with dogs.

Relaxed, thoughtfully put together, and very easy to return to - it’s the kind of place you leave already thinking about when you can come back.