The Gothic North Yorkshire Coastal Town That Has Lots of Tales to Tell
Gothic Whitby has more than a few tales to tell
Eat
Nothing beats fish and chips by the coast and Whitby’s eateries celebrate that. The Magpie Café is known throughout North Yorkshire as one of the finest fish and chip restaurants in the country – it’s worth a wait in the queue. This British favourite also takes pride of place on Quayside’s menu, where you’ll also find burgers, pies and homemade desserts. A little further inland at Sneaton, Beacon Farm’s ice cream parlour has a variety of flavours to cool you down on warmer days.
Sleep
Just a stone’s throw from Whitby’s seafront, Raithwaite Sandsend’s luxury rooms offer the perfect retreat for your coastal break. Couples, families and four-legged friends are all welcome and their beautiful spa and glorious grounds make unwinding here easy; their restaurant is a must-visit too. Elsewhere, there are 15 ensuite bedrooms at the Riviera Guesthouse and most enjoy spectacular sea views; Red House Farm’s holiday cottages make the perfect home from home, and The Stables oozes rustic charm with more of a country feel.
Browse
Fortune’s smokehouse and shop is one of Whitby’s most famous attractions (they’ve been smoking kippers for 150 years). Botham’s is another Whitby staple where you can stock up on gifts, hampers and sweet treats, but arguably the most well-known part of Whitby’s shopping selection is Whitby jet (a stone taken directly from the nearby cliffs). Get yours from W Hamond, the original Whitby jet shop. Treat yourself to Scandi style at Nordsjön – their brands are predominantly from Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland and France, but they also stock hand-stitched items that are made here in the UK. Expect Danish gansies, Norwegian waterproof coats and Swedish windproof jumpers. Just a stone’s throw away in Robin Hood’s Bay, discover The Higgledy Pig – a treasure trove for creative shoppers, stocking craft gins, beer, homewares and vinyl.
Don't Miss
The Dracula Experience offers a unique introduction to Bram Stoker’s story, complete with animatronics (watch your back, and don’t take it too seriously). Then tackle the 199 steps that take you up to the mighty abbey (there’s a bench if you need a break halfway). Whitby Museum in Pannett Park is the place to escape to when the weather closes in, while the Captain Cook Memorial Museum is where you can learn about James’ inspirational voyages.
Around the corner
Follow the banks of Little Beck through Little Beck Wood to Falling Foss Waterfall, just six miles south of Whitby. Open throughout summer, refuel at the outdoor café beside the stunning waterfall where you can enjoy delicious coffee and cake. Don’t forget to take your waterproof shoes – and your camera!
