WHITBY

Whitby is so full of history, tradition and culture that it is impossible to give it the justice it deserves. The old town was built along the banks of the Esk estuary, the east side being of arguably greater historic value, not least because of the imposing and spectacular Abbey headland, reached by the famous 199 steps (best taken two at a time). The Abbey was founded in 657 AD and, shortly after, was the setting for the Synod of Whitby, a meeting between the Celtic Church and those of the Roman rule which culminated in the setting of the date of Easter.

Captain James Cook was born close by and learned his seamanship in Whitby. Both the Resolution and the Endeavour, in which he charted the coasts of eastern Australia and New Zealand, were built in Whitby. In the late 18 th century, William Scoresby and his son of the same name were instrumental in furthering our knowledge of the Arctic and inventing still-used nautical instruments.

In its time, Whitby has seen the growth and subsequent decline of such industries as shipbuilding, whaling, sail-making, rope-making, fishing, jet working and, further afield, potash and alum mining. Many of the remnants of its historical past are still evident today.

Today, Whitby is a beautiful seaside town with a working harbour and a thriving tourist industry. The old fishermen’s cottages perch on the banks of the Esk and hide a number of quaint yards which are well worth exploring. Cobbled Church Street on the east side is often compared to The Shambles in York and has an excellent variety of gift shops, galleries and restaurants.

There are so many reasons to visit Whitby. Here are just some of them.

• Walking from Whitby to Sandsend along the beach at low tide.
• Walking in Littlebeck, Maybeck and Falling Foss if you get tired of the beach.
• Visiting the Captain Cook Museum or Pannett Park Museum.
• The Magpie Café 01947 602058. Reputedly the best fish and chip café in the north. Tables can now be reserved. New takeaway opened 2005.
• Seriously good coffee in The Java (Flowergate), Sherlocks (Flowegate) and many other places too.
• Seriously good food at The Bagdale Hall Hotel 01947 602958 ( Bagdale Road), The White Horse and Griffin 01947 604857 (Church Street), Green’s Restaurant 01947 600284 ( Bridge Street) voted one of the top 200 restaurants in the country.
• Chocolate Falls (Church Street) where you can buy a skewer of fruit and marshmallows lathered in melted Belgian chocolate.
• Shepherd’s Purse (Church Street) – a delicatessen with a difference.
• Visiting Lealholm, Sandsend, Robin Hood’s Bay and other beautiful villages.
• Seeing the breathtaking austerity of the North York Moors, especially in late summer when the heather flowers.
• Watching thousands of Goths pour into town for their twice-yearly get-togethers.
• Shopping for antiques or watching how raw Jet is carved into jewellery.
• Watching the spectacular fireworks on the last night of the Regatta.
• Seeing the Grand Turk, the replica fighting frigate that was used in TVs Hornblower, in Whitby harbour for most of the year.