The end seems to be in sight for getting out of the house, and I’m excited to start going on day and weekend trips around the UK. One of the places I visited a couple of years back that I’d love to return to and explore is Whitby in North Yorkshire. It’s the “birth place” of Bram Stoker’s Dracula but it also allows scenic views, beach walks and a collection of coffee shops and bookshops to amble around.
The Abbey
The main attraction in Whitby has got to be the marvel of 13th Century architecture, the ruin of Whitby Abbey. On top of East Cliff, it looms over Whitby and is a key tourist spot for anyone visiting. You can’t help but understand how Bram Stoker went on to write the beautifully gothic novel, Dracula, when you learn he used to holiday regularly in Whitby. This is also why Whitby is coined England’s spookiest town.
199 Steps and St Mary’s Church
To get to a good view of the Abbey you need to head for St Mary’s Church. Climb the 199 steps (bring good shoes!) and you’ll have an eerie walk through a graveyard to find a good viewing spot. You can look out over the North Sea here as well as over the town of Whitby, which looks quintessentially british.
Museums
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Based in the 17th century home where James Cook served as a seamans apprentice, the museum boasts a rich collection that celebrates his achievemets and that of those who served with him. See letters in Cook’s own hand, original paintings and drawings, ship models and maps, and strange objects from newly discovered lands.
Whitby Museum
Whitby Museum is full of amazing collections that showcase the importance of local history. With collections of local fossils, natural history, model ships, carved jet, toys, costimes, and social history there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.
Museum of Victorian Science
The Museum of Victorian Science is an appointment only museum where you get a 2 hour arranged appointment with live demonstrations, and a guided tour of science through 19th Century Physics. Notable instruments are the electro-static generator, discovery of x-rays and Dr Frankenstein’s Labratory (in keeping with Whitby’s Horror roots).
Whitby Harbour
At the centre of Whitby is the harbour and will be on your route no matter what your plans are. The harbour was once one of the only natural harbours in England, bt has been improved with man-made help to ensure it works best. Leading out from the harbour is the mouth and Whitby piers.
Whitby Beach and Lighthouse
At the mouth of the River Esk, there’s two piers names the East and West Whitby Pier. Built as part of harbour protection in the early 1300’s, they’ve been rebuilt, exteneded and improved throughout the years. At the end of the West Pier is a lighthouse, and this pier is easy to access for a light stroll out into the North Sea. Whitby is one of the few places where you can watch both the sun rise and set over the sea in Summer.
Near the start of the West Pier you’ll find the Whalebone Arch, a replica of the original Whale’sjaw bone which was put up in 1853 and the Captain Cook Memorial. You can also walk along the cliff face and reach Whitby Cliff Lift to go down to the beach, finding yourself in the perfect place to find photo-ready beach huts for homemade postcards.
Places to Eat
The Moon & Sixpence
Right by the harbourside you’ll find The Moon & Sixpence which has some of the best views in town. Whether you’re there for laid back cocktails or a full meal of seafood, gumbo or Cajun style grills you’ll be able to take in Whitby’s atmosphere.
The Blitz
Both a cafe and tapas bar, The Blitz blows away your expectations for a usual British Cafe. During the day they serve home cooked food and serve as a 1940’s themed cafe, then from 5pm the tapas menu and cocktailes make an appearance.
Crumbs N Cobbles
Near the centre of the street up to the 199 Steps, you’ll find Crumbs N Cobbles. From sandwiches and burgers, to a full English breakfast you have a wide variety of British dishes for both breakfast and lunch.
The YHA Tearoom at the Abbey
Located next to the Whitby Abbey in part of the YHA Hostel which is a mansion that you need to see anyway. Grab yourself a sandwich or panini, as well as sweets and cakes, served with a wide selection of hot drinks.
Sherlocks Coffee Shop
A popular cafe in Whitby is Sherlocks Coffee Shop, which is housed in a stunning historical building as a shrine to Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most popular character. With a wide array of cakes and scones on offer including the traditional Yorkshire cream tea,, you’ve got plenty to choose from to go with your favourite beverage.
Bookshops
The Whitby Bookshop
The Whitby Bookshop is an independent bookshop in the centre of Church Street just under the Abbey and before you reach the 199 steps. It stocks a wide range of books and also offer a next-day delivery for ordering books into the store. They also host book signings and launches, so there’s a chance to meet a favourite author or pick up a signed copy.
Whitby Book Clearance
Whitby Book Clearance is a bookshop located at 146 Church Street in Whitby just down the road from The Whitby Bookshop. A small but cosy shop that holds many books in different genres. It also sells postcards, gifts and magazines.
Holman’s Book Shop
Holman’s Book Shop is a family run independent bookshop situated on Skinner Street in the centre of Whitby. Priding themselves on friendly and helpful service, Holman’s has been a staple of the town for almost 100 years. Across three floors of a Grade II listed building, it has an old world charm whilst having a generous number of old and new books to choose from as well as stationary and cards.
Holman’s also stock a number of local interest books, from local authors and featuring the local area. If you want to pick up some books set in Whitby (and there are many!) then you can find them here.
Clewlow Books of Whitby
Clewlow Books of Whitby is a mostly online bookshop, and the shop itself is often closed in the winter months (as it can be quite cold!). During the summer months, although always check their facebook page first, you may be able to go into the store itself and rummage through an eclectic choice of used books. From magazines to novels, Clewlow has everything that can be read.
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View Comments (3)
Awesome timing! We're going to Whitby in a few weeks and have no idea what to do or where to eat.
That is such good timing! Fully recommend walking up to the abbey and along the sea front and fingers crossed it's nice and sunny!
I really hope it'll be nice but not scared of a bit of rain and wind either. The boys really want to go fossil hunting on the shore, I hope we can find something. The Abbey is a must and your food recommendations are much appreciated x