The village of Loftus lies 14 miles north of Whitby on the east coast of Yorkshire. Originally an old alum mining village, it comprises terraced houses, old stone cottages and a few grand stone dwellings. The long and lively main street hosts a variety of shops, eateries, pubs, banks and an impressive town hall. Lying behind the main street is a leisure centre with an excellent swimming pool. Loftus is well placed for discovering the small coastal villages of Runswick Bay and Staithes, the latter being a popular choice for artists. Four miles to the north is the elegant spa town of Saltburn with its golf club and long pier stretching over the wide sands. The stunning North Yorkshire Moors countryside is on the doorstep and the Jurassic fossil coast lies to the south.