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Holidays in Whitby, North Yorkshire

Whitby is situated on the east coast of England in the county of North Yorkshire. It is set in a ravine at the mouth of the River Esk (the only salmon river in Yorkshire) and is one of the country’s most beautiful and fascinating seaside resorts. With its attractive cliffs and beaches it makes an excellent selection for a holiday or break away as there are numerous things to do in this picturesque town and the immediate area. Stay in a pretty holiday cottage in North Yorkshire or alternatively one of the bigger hotels in the centre of town - there is something available for everyone.

Whitby is dominated by the ruins of St Hilda’s Abbey which sits on the East Cliff. Next to the abbey is St Mary’s Church which dates from the 12th century. There are 199 steps leading up to the church from the town. St Mary’s is thought to be one of the finest examples of an Anglo Saxon church in the United Kingdom. It features carved pews made by ships’ carpenters from Whitby’s time as a whaling port. The old town itself is very charming with numerous old, narrow, cobbled streets to explore. There are many delightful, minute shops crammed with art work, antiques, curiosities and of course the well-known Whitby jet (a hard black mineral cut from the cliffs since Victorian times). You can also go to traditional sweet and chocolate shops and buy treats from former times such as treacle toffee.

Whitby motivated Bram Stoker to create his classic novel ‘Dracula’. If you desire you can visit ‘The Dracula Experience’ or alternatively you can participate in one of the ghost or Dracula walks that take place in the evening.

Whitby is well known for its fish and chips and there are many outstanding seafood cafes and restaurants to select from. Perhaps the most well known is The Magpie Café which is certainly worth a visit. However, you should make sure that you get there early as there is often a queue to get in! Other famous restaurants include Trenchers and The Quayside.

One of Whitby’s most famous sons is Captain James Cook who discovered parts of Australia and New Zealand. He sailed from the port in his ship ‘Bark Endeavour’. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum provides an outstanding display of his achievements and is set in a recreation of his own home.

The Whitby Museum in Pannett Park has a big quantity of exhibits regarding the history and archaeology of the immediate region. Of specific appeal is the large collection of fossils that have been found on the local coastline.

Whitby has a plethora of accommodation to pick from including numerous hotels and bed and breakfasts which provide a friendly welcome to any traveller. There are also a number of apartments and cottages in North Yorkshire for those of you who wish to self cater. Camping and caravan sites can also be found in the surrounding area.

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