Spiers House campsite has been through a few changes since we last featured it in Cool Camping. Refurbished fully, it now boasts a fancy cafe and reception, a swanky loo block, and several luxury huts with hot tubs and real beds. Some pitches have also been taken over by Eurocamp, but don't worry - for all the cosmetic changes, the heart of the site hasn't changed. Its location, about 20 miles west of Scarborough in the North Yorkshire Moors, is still fantastic if you're looking for an active and varied holiday, especially if you're into mountain biking. Spiers House is in the middle of Cropton Forest, so you get immediate access to miles of hassle-ffee, traffic-free (but not effort-free!) cycling. Up on the moors above Rosedale is perhaps the best off-road biking route in Britain; rangers run organised tours for the uninitiated.There's also a full range of hiking tours, such as the Bird Walk, which leaves at dawn for a morning-chorus concert by your feathery neighbours. There are casual tours, too, and a steam railway, chugging between Pickering and Grosmont. It may have had a facelift, but Spiers House remains the fantastic adventure hub it has always been.

COOL FACTOR Fantastic off-road biking opportunities all around. Beautifully situated for a hassle-free holiday.

WHO'S IN? Everyone.



ON SITE Decent toilets, hot showers, family room, disabled facilities, laundry, washing-up sinks, and children's play area. Onsite shop sells food, maps, gas refills, and a few camping accessories. No campfires.

OFF SITE A steam-train journey along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (01751 472508) makes a lovely day out, and the bright lights of Scarborough are also within easy reach. Castle Howard (01653 648444) is impressive, too.

FOOD AND DRINK In Cropton, you'll find the excellent New Inn (01751 417330), with fabulous food and its own microbrewery. If it's fruit you're after, try the PYO service at Cedar Barn (01751 475614), about 8 miles away.

GETTING THERE From the A170 (Thirsk to Scarborough road) at Wrelton, take the minor road towards Rosedale Abbey. The site's signposted, a mile after Cropton village.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT In high season only - the Moorbus service (from Pickering), drops 2 miles from the site.

OPEN All year.

THE DAMAGE Tent plus 2 people £11.50-£17.50 (seasonal; min. stay 2/3 nights in high). Adult £5-£6.50; child £2.50-£4.