The Travelista

Theos First Time Swimming at Raithwaite Estate

᛫ 1 Comment

Our recent family mini break to Whitby was full of many firsts for Theo; his first holiday, his time on the beach, his first time in a swing and his first time swimming. It felt so nice to take a mini break as a family for the first time and to see Theo experience new things. If you've followed my journey this year, you'll know that my anxiety following Theo's premature birth has stopped me from wanting to travel abroad with him yet. But our trip to Whitby opened up the opportunity for a little bit of escapism and adventure, without having to travel too far from home. Our base for the break was a gorgeous little cottage in the heart of Whitby town, but we spent a leisurely day at Raithwaite Estate; Whitby's most luxurious coastal retreat.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Raithwaite Estate is an easy 5 minute drive from the centre of Whitby. Although it's called a coastal retreat, Raithwaite isn't directly on the beach. It's tucked away around 1km inland from Sandsend beach, so you're not far from the sandy beach and crashing waves. As we entered down the long private road, the estate felt very well kept and exclusive.

Raithwaite Estate Whitby, entrance

After a warm welcome from the front of house staff, our first activity of the day was to go swimming in the pool which is located within the spa. It was nice to learn that Raithwaite Estate is a family friendly hotel and the spa pool welcomes babies and children between the hours of 10am-12pm and 4pm-6pm. As it was Theo's first time swimming, it was also my first time working out how to get us both ready and changed in the changing room (help!) I thought ahead and arrived with my swimming costume on which made things easier, but I couldn't find a baby change so I ended up getting him ready on the bench of a cubicle. I later found out there was a changing mat in the disabled toilet but think it should be more clearly signed. After a bit of a wrestling match, Theo and I were ready to meet Daddy and enjoy the water.

The spa area itself was lovely. The temperature in the pool area was very warm, so I wasn't worried about Theo getting too cold when we got out of the water. We'd brought a little baby float along with us which was absolutely ideal for Theo to have some free movement and kick his legs under the water. I found the float on Amazon and would definitely recommend it. We only spent about 20 minutes in the pool before Theo started to get tired but it was such a positive experience for all of us and something Scott and I will remember for years to come. We didn't get to make use of the sauna and steam room but it you're visiting Raithwaite Spa without kids you'd definitely want to make the most of them.

After our swim we went to have lunch at The Brasserie at Raithwaite Estate. It was a sunny autumn day so we sat in the conservatory area which was flooded with natural light and colour. Theo fell asleep in his pram which was perfect timing and meant we could enjoy a glass of prosecco in peace before the food arrived. I wanted to try something local so I opted for dressed Whitby crab ciabatta and Scott went for a hearty burger. The crab was gorgeous, I only wished there was more of it in the ciabatta. When Theo woke up it was time for his lunch, and the waitress was very helpful in bringing over a high chair for us. Another baby-friendly tick for Raithwaite!

Glass of Prosecco at Raithwaite Estate Whitby, Brasserie

Raithwaite Estate Whitby Crab Ciabatta Sandwich

When we'd finished in the restaurant Theo for a walk in the pram around the extensive grounds, whilst I got to enjoy a 30 minute back, neck and shoulder massage in the spa. 'Mum life' has given me such an achey back so I was so looking forward to switching off and releasing some tension in my back. My therapist was fantastic and really personalised the massage to me. She focused on getting the knots out of my shoulders so by the end of I really felt as if she'd helped my back. I didn't get to spend much time in the treatment area but the relaxation room was very tranquil and a lovely place to relax pre and post treatment.

Raithwaite Estate Whitby, Spa treatment room

Our day trip to Raithwaite Estate was definitely a highlight of our mini break to Whitby and it's somewhere I would love to return to for perhaps an adult-only escape when Theo is a little older.

Have you ever visited Whitby? Are you thinking of taking your baby swimming for the first time? If you enjoyed this post please leave me a comment in the box below x

Non-residents are welcome to use the spa and pool facilities at Raithwaite Estate if a treatment is booked for the minimum value of £70, or if you book a spa day package (from £70). Spa days include a 30 minute massage or facial, afternoon tea or a light lunch and use of the spa facilities. Non-residents are also welcome to dine at The Brasserie and have a drink at the bar.

Raithwaite Estate
Sandsend Road
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3ST
+44 (0)1947 661 661

I was invited to experience this day at Raithwaite Estate on a complimentary basis, in exchange for coverage. All photos and words are my own.

Comments

Spark a conversation!

Follow on Instagram

  • Honestly is there anything better than a freshly bathed baby dressed all in white? 🛁🤍👼🏼 From this angelic face you’d have no idea that he has seriously tested me today by throwing approximately 98% of the food I’ve made him on the floor 🙃 How are you all doing? #StayHome #13monthscorrected
  • 🌿Maybe this was mother nature’s way of telling us to stop and think? 🌿. . Perhaps she’s trying to tell us all to slow down; to consume less, to pollute less, to put our health first, to be more present, to find new ways to be entertained, to appreciate loved ones, to know what it’s like to live without instant gratification. . We’re all so busy constantly chasing after the next thing that we think is going to bring us more happiness (that dreamy new bag, a new job, a new car?) but now all of that has been taken away from us, the one thing that everyone I know seems to be struggling with most (including me) is the lack of human contact. Laughing with a friend, a spontaneous chat to a nice stranger, seeing your kids play with others. We are missing these social elements of our day, and it’s hard. So hard. But when we get our humans back, we will appreciate them much more than the flat whites and the freedom. What do you think? . Just a few philosophical musings that I had on FaceTime this weekend after 3 glasses wine 🥴🤣 Trying to find some light in this dark situation 💕 (Shot by @korm87 back in Feb) #socialdistancing
  • No groundbreaking updates from me today. Just this video of Theo finding pure joy in a spinning bowl 🤣💕 Watch if you’re in need of a little lockdown laughter #StayHome
  • Today we built a soft play area in our living room which entertained Theo for ohh...a good 4 minutes 🤣. . It wasn’t the Mother’s Day we had planned but it was spent with my two favourite boys which is the most important bit. We are all healthy and right now that is all I can ask for. Being Theo’s mummy is the hardest but most rewarding job I’ve ever had 💗. Tonight we’re supporting a local business and ordering food from my favourite Turkish restaurant. What are you getting up to (at home)? . Please please all do your bit and follow the guidelines of social-distancing and self isolation. It’s incredibly frustrating to see people ignoring the advice when families like us are cancelling plans with loved ones and trying to entertain an almost toddler at home all day (NOT easy). The sooner we all stay at home the sooner this can all be over and the more lives will be saved. It’s pretty simple 🙏🏼. . Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mamas out there both on earth and in heaven 💕 Our amazing playmat was gifted from @munchkinandbearuk
  • What a testing week its been for the world. I hope you’re all staying safe and doing OK. I’m managing my anxiety a lot better this week by just trying to live in the moment and taking one day at a time. I’m not thinking past the next 24 hours. . I’m spending a lot less time on my phone, practising gratitude, exercising daily and avoiding unhelpful content and generally just focusing on Theo (bye bye childcare). I did however tune into @thenestingcoach IG live last night, which really resonated with me so thought I’d pass it on. . The message was this; over the next few months our worlds are going to become smaller and it may feel as if we are living in a bubble. But here’s the positive; we are in control of what we let in to that bubble. Do not let anything into that bubble that may bring it down e.g. anxiety-inducing platforms, negative influences. Make it a safe and happy place and remember this will NOT last forever. It’s an unprecedented in our lifetimes, but it is all temporary. Protect your bubble. Thank you so much Stacy for sharing this message! You can still view the live on her page. . Let’s just be kind to each other and help each other wherever we can. Look out for your neighbours. Call your grandparents. Hug your kids. DON’T bulk buy. We are all in this together. We can do this! I would usually say 'have a good weekend’ but I think ‘good luck’ is more appropriate. Now time for a glass of red! 🙃❤️🍷 Photo by @korm87
  • Hey guys. Time for some honesty. I decided to spend the weekend without going on any social media or news apps. I have been following the #coronavirus situation avidly and pretty much over dosed on news articles and unhelpful video content. . My anxiety peaked last week and I ended up in tears at the thought of my weekend plans. I was meant to be in Manchester for a 30th birthday weekend but I pulled out as the thought of going amidst the virus outbreak was way too much. I know this will sounds crazy to some, and sensible to others. . I am mostly anxious because I feel Theo is vulnerable given his prematurity. I’m sure other parents and especially #nicuparents will feel the same about their kids. I keep thinking of all the poor parents and tiny babies in NICUs across the world right now. As if they weren’t already dealing with enough. . We all need to stay informed and educated about the situation but I think there is so much unhelpful and unnecessary content online that can really fuel anxiety. It’s making it all feel like we’re in an episode of Black Mirror. . I really hope this post doesn’t make anyone feel worse or more worried. That is not my intention. Everything will be ok. But if you are feeling anxious, just know that you are not alone. I wanted to share that stepping away from social media and the news for a little while has actually really helped me. We’ve got to protect our mental health. . Curate your feeds to lift you up not bring you down. Watching @megan_rose_lane’s latest IGTV about anxiety really helped me and if you feel a similar way then definitely go and check it out. Hope everyone is OK during this weird and uncertain time 💕🌸. . Photo taken this weekend of the lovely pale Cherry blossom at the end of my road 🏡

Subscribe

Never miss a post! Subscribe for Travelista updates and newsletters

Latest Video