There's Something About Whitby!
If you've followed any of our social media outlets (Instagram/Twitter/YouTube), you'll know how much we love the Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby.
What was once a quiet, historic fishing town is now a booming tourist hotspot, and it's easy to see why.
Like Moana, the sea calls me. That's why we head to the coast whenever we can. As much as I love to find new places, I'm regularly drawn back to Whitby. It has a special 'feel' about it when you walk around it's historic east side of the River Esk, which cuts the town in half and flows into the 700 year old harbour. I love to walk around the cobbled streets, and browse the independent shops before climbing the infamous 199 steps to St Mary's Church graveyard. It was in this graveyard that I proposed to my now wife. That may sound a strange place to pop the question, but if you see the view from this vantage point over Whitby, you'll see why it is common to find the benches that line the cliff edge, filled with people soaking up the atmosphere.
Just behind the grounds of St. Mary's, the imposing, ancient ruins of Whitby Abbey, watch over the town. Built in the 1220s on the site of an older monastery, founded in 657, the Abbey was made famous worldwide by Bram Stoker's 1897 novel, Dracula. It was this magnificent ruin that inspired Stoker, as he holidayed in the town.
The west side of Whitby has it's own little treats. It is on this side that you'll find what is probably the town's most photographed attraction, the Whitby Whalebone Arch. The original arch was erected in 1853 to recognise the town's historic link with British whaling.
Other attractions upon the West Cliff are a paddling pool, the perfect spot to spend a warm afternoon, set between other activities such as go karting, pitch and putt and a small skate park. The main sandy beach at Whitby is accessed from the ramp on the west side of the historic, ancient piers. It isn't unusual to find some interesting fossils along the beach from here and towards Sandsend.
No British seaside town is complete without a fish and chip shop, and Whitby has plenty. There are a number of establishments claiming to be best best in town, but I can fully recommend, Trenchers.
Fish and chips aren't the only culinary treat available in Whitby. Humble Pie n Mash Shop offers something to fit everyone's taste. It is well worth queuing a little while to be able to sit in their 1940's inspired dining area whilst enjoying your meal (I recommend the Romany Hommity pie) and finishing off with a portion of their famous homemade jam roly poly.
Another small, but perfectly yummy eatery, is Emma's Diner, on Flowergate. The 1950's American inspired diner is a great place to stop with the family, and their homemade shakes are to die for.
Whatever your idea for a perfect day out, a weekend away or a full blown holiday, Whitby will have something that'll tick off a lot of checklists.
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