When our wine correspondent Nathan Lane and his wife Zoe discovered the Victoria Hotel perched above Robin Hood's Bay, they found more than just a place to stay – they uncovered a perfectly positioned retreat where Victorian charm meets modern comfort, exceptional dining, and some of the most spectacular coastal views in North Yorkshire.

Tucked into the rugged North Yorkshire coastline, Robin Hood’s Bay is one of those rare places that feels like a discovery every time you visit.

Winding cobbled lanes tumble steeply down to the sea, flanked by characterful cottages that seem to cling precariously to the cliffs. It’s a village steeped in smuggling history and maritime charm, where every twist in the path offers a new perspective of the bay below or a surprise glimpse of the moorland stretching inland. It feels timeless.

The drive there is half the pleasure. Approaching from the west, we cut across the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, where miles of purple heather roll into the horizon under enormous skies. The scenery is cinematic, the roads are wonderfully quiet, and the occasional moorland sheep only adds to the rural drama. It’s the kind of journey that clears your head long before you arrive.

Perched at the top of the village with commanding views over the bay, the Victoria Hotel is in a prime position. Its handsome stone façade and carefully maintained gardens speak of a hotel that respects its heritage. The recent renovations are sympathetic to the building’s Victorian character, with modern comfort seamlessly integrated into its traditional charm. There’s a generous outdoor terrace with plenty of seating, ideal for a drink at sunset or a coffee with a sea breeze. Inside, the décor is warm, classic and inviting.

We stayed in Room 16, which is well worth requesting. Its large window offers a picture-perfect view of the bay and coastline, made even more atmospheric by the changing light and weather. The bed was comfortable, with plush bedding and quality linens. The room itself was spacious, tastefully decorated, and well-appointed with thoughtful touches, such as good lighting, quality toiletries, and a proper armchair, which made it feel like more than just a place to sleep. It’s the kind of room where you wake up and want to linger with a cup of coffee, watching the waves and sky.

Dinner that evening in the hotel’s restaurant was a highlight. We chose from the seasonal specials menu, which offered a small but appealing selection of locally inspired dishes. To start, we both had the salmon fishcake, which had good flavour but was, admittedly, a touch overcooked and smaller than expected. However, things really lifted with the mains. The North Sea cod loin arrived in a fragrant Asian coconut broth that balanced richness with freshness. The coconut and lemongrass worked together, and the accompaniment of samphire and sugar snap peas gave it bite and brightness. It was a generous and satisfying dish, full of clean, well-defined flavours.

Fishcake

Crab

Cheeseboard

We also tried the baked crab in Thermador sauce, served with crisp golden fries. The crab was sweet and rich, its creamy sauce enhanced by a subtle kick of mustard. It’s a classic dish done well -indulgent without being heavy.

To accompany the meal, we shared a bottle of Jonty’s Duck, a South African white from Avondale in Paarl. It was an excellent recommendation. The nose was bright and fruity, with grapefruit, pineapple, and a hint of honey on the palate. It delivered juicy, layered flavours of tangy peach and apricot, with enough acidity to cut through the richness of the crab and complement the Thai broth’s spice.

We ended the evening with the cheeseboard, which featured an unexpected treat: a slice of moist, spiced tealoaf that paired beautifully with the cheeses. It was a thoughtful touch and a fitting end to a relaxed and satisfying meal.

In short, the Victoria Hotel makes the most of its exceptional location and delivers an experience that’s both comforting and memorable. Whether you’re there for the views, the food, or simply a good night’s sleep after a long walk by the sea, it’s a place you’ll want to return to.

Hotel Victoria, Station Road
Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, YO22 4RL
Telephone 01947 880205
info@victoriarhb.com
https://victoriarhb.com/