Whinstone View Timeline
Over 200 years ago - The land where Whinstone View now lays, was a bustling quarry where skilled men worked hard to mine whinstone that they created into cobbles that still today path the local market towns of Stokesley and Yarm.
1975 – Rob & Julie Wray moved to ‘Whinstone Cottage’, Great Ayton with their two daughters Amanda & Jackie. The cottage came with 14 acres of land and in the fields in front of their house was a disused cow byre and a few tin shelters left from the war. Their aim was to build a camping park and clubhouse. Rob worked off-shore for 10 years whilst he built up Whinstone View on his time off, along with the help of his family and friends.
1978 – Whinstone View officially opened its doors and welcomed the first campers.
1984 – The iconic willow tree was planted
1985 – Aged 43, Rob retired from his job and concentrated on working at Whinstone View full-time. At this point, Whinstone View was an established, and much loved, camping park with clubhouse.
1991 – Extension to existing clubhouse built, which created an additional dining area, upstairs private function room and storage / office space.
1993 – First chef employed. Whinstone View was now a fully operating restaurant and bar which served food and drink to customers all year round.
The 90s – Rob & Julie’s grandchildren born: Spencer 1991, Pierce 1992, Evan 1996, Harvey 1999
1997 – Sisters, Amanda and Jackie took over the running of the business. They had lots of ideas on how they wanted to expand the business.
1999 – Caroline, our longest serving member of staff, started working as a waitress at Whinstone View.
2007 – Construction began on building six Scandinavian log cabins and spa.
2008 – Six luxury log cabins and an on-site spa opened.
2010 – Rob sadly passed away this year.
2011 – A wedding marquee was built so couples could have a large summer wedding reception at Whinstone View separate to the bistro.
2012 – Percy peacock appeared one evening and made Whinstone View his new home!
2013 – Due to the success and demand for weddings at Whinstone View, work started on building a 220sqm barn which included a large bar, veranda and facilities. The existing wedding marquee came down September 2013 and the first barn wedding was April 2014!
2013 – New branding and visual identity was launched to tie in the four aspects of the business – bistro, spa, lodges and barn. The colours and style were carefully considered and were designed to reflect Whinstone View’s relaxed, rustic, countryside setting mixed with its modern and luxury services.
2014 – Wray’s Barn opened. The first wedding was held in April 2014.
2014 – As the business grew a dedicated General Manger was required to oversee the day-to-day running of the business. Peter Williams joined the team which meant Amanda and Jackie could concentrate on other aspects of the business.
2015 – A courtyard was built adjacent to the barn, which meant civil ceremonies could take place in a more private area. It also created another area for wedding guests to enjoy.
2016 – The entrance road and car park were tarmacked, making the ride into the grounds much smoother for cars!
2016 – The bistro had a makeover to highlight Whinstone View’s rustic feel and character. The bar was also reconfigured so the space was better used. A bar sink and fridges were installed.
2016 – Percy Peacock, the peahens and their babies moved to a new home of Tockets Mill.
2017 – Two permanent, large, all-weather parasols were installed on the outside terrace along with outdoor heaters, so now this space could be used all year round and gave customers another sheltered space to dine al fresco.
2018 – Wooden flooring was fitted in the upstairs private dining room giving a natural, rustic appearance to the room.
2019 - Frida a 3-storey log cabin was added to our rentable accommodation
2020 - A sheltered area was added to the side of Wray's barn to give additional covered outdoor space for weddings and events. The pandemic hit and Whinstone View (along with many hospitality businesses ) had to unfortunately close. The business opened where it could when it was allowed and procedures were put in place to ensure guests had a safe and stress free visit.
2021 - The business was put up for sale and the purchase was complete late 2021
2022 - New owners, UK Docks, took on the popular business. They had a successful first year, and Whinstone View held many weddings and events throughout the year wit no interruptions from covid-19.