Whitby

Whitby’s narrow twisting yards evolved over a thousand years ago to provide protection from Viking raiders, and to help Whitby’s smugglers avoid the tax collectors. Straddling the River Esk and dominated by the 13th century ruins of St Hilda’s Abbey high on the East Cliff dominates the skyline, providing the backdrop for some of Lewis Carroll’s work, it was also famously the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Spreading below, a maze of alleyways and narrow streets running down to the busy quayside and picturesque harbour which have been a magnet for artists and tourists alike for centuries.

The high cliffs of the North Yorkshire coast hide a number of small ports, the most significant of which is Whitby. Captain James Cook was apprenticed to a Whitby ship owner and made the first of his voyages of discovery (1768-1771) in a covered Whitby built ‘cat’ – a small ship rigged collier renamed ‘Endeavour’.

Nearby along the coast, Robin Hood’s Bay (5.5 miles) is one of the most popular coastal locations in Yorkshire. The village is a maze of cobbled streets and higgledy-piggledy houses which seem to tumble down towards the sea. Sandsend is 3 miles away, a little seaside village with a long sandy beach, well worth a visit during your stay. Staithes and Runswick Bay are all under 10 miles away, steeped in history, each with their own unique charm. Heading further along the coast discover, Ravenscar, Filey, Scarborough and Bridlington.

Head inland from Whitby and you can be in the heart of the North York Moors within minutes, this is Heartbeat country, where the much loved T.V. series was filmed, take a tour of the pretty villages in the area, Egton, Danby, Castleton, Rosedale. Or head up on the high moorland of Castleton Rigg, we guarantee on a clear day it will take your breath away.

You can easily be in the wonderful City of York in just over an hour, with all of its history and magic it makes a great day out!