
Whitby is a large fishing village on the North Yorkshire Coast, set in the steep sided bay where the River Esk flows into the sea. Whitby is kind of split into two sections - the older harbour area and the cliff top 'hotels' area.
Whitby can get very busy in the peak summer months, the narrow streets and shops do get very crowded, not a place to come for peace and quiet. But once you're away from the village centre towards the harbour entrance things do improve.
Weather permitting, you can take a long walk along the harbour wall out to sea (the harbour walls run out to sea, not across the bay), you can even go up the harbour lighthouse tower for great views of the bay and village.
The sandy West Cliff Beach is at least a couple of miles long, with good access provided by steepish zigzag paths from the car parks along the cliff top. Also on the west cliff is a statue of captain James Cook who sailed from Whitby.
On the East cliff above the harbour are the ruins of Whitby Abbey, a Benedictine abbey originally built in 657. The abbey was abandoned in 867 after an attack by Vikings. A second monastery was built on the site in 1078, this lasted until 1540 when it was finally destroyed by King Henry Viii.
Today visitors can tour the ruins for the princely sum of £1.70 - open from 10am to 6pm in high season.
Features.
Large seaside town with River & Harbour.
Parking at harbour.
Boat trips. |
|
Great Fish & Chips.
Harbour wall walks.
Very long sandy beach.
Cliff top paths with good views of bay.
Steep Roads! |