Exclusive and romantic 21 bedroom-AA Top 200 Hotel-3 Rosettes for Restaurant-RAC Blue Ribbon-Privately Owned-Set in 21 acres of grounds - Judges Country House Hotel was built on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors in 1881 as a family residence for the Richardsons of Hartlepool, prosperous engineering entrepreneurs. In the 1970's the building was transformed into a country lodging for circuit judges-hence the name. The carefully restored house, replete with glossy Victorian woodwork has a comfortably clubby atmosphere that is known to play havoc with guests short stay plans! Part of the charm is the lovely garden with its sunny terraces, the Victorian walled garden where fruit and vegetables are grown for the kitchens and the extensive woodland walkways. Judges is a delightful getaway for families, couples and business travelers alike. A terrific base for exploring the Moors, visiting the ancient abbeys of Rosedale and Rivelaux or Mount Grace Priory and heading to the coast for Whitby where Bram Stoker wrote Dracula, fossil-hunting is a must and Captain Cook is celebrated with his own museum and monument.