Whitby
Whitby: Ghosts, Fish and Dracula
Whitby is a concoction of ghosts, Dracula and fish. We chose a weekend in Whitby for its rich history, dramatic coastline and famous fish and chips.
Situated on the North Yorkshire coast, it is not a straightforward journey but a stunning one over the North York Moors.
We stayed on the West side where all the Victorian hotels can be found. The choice is plenty but parking is extra – you will need a tourist pass from your hotel. If you have longer then do visit Staithes as well for its picture box prettiness.
The highlight of Whitby is undoubtedly the abbey. Where ever you walk around the port you can find a way to see a view of the remains of the abbey. The Abbey has a spiritual prominence for me. Overlooking the town and sea it is has paternal strength within it. The origin of this medieval abbey dates back to the seventh century.
Firstly, we took the 199 steps leading up to St Mary’s church and for the panoramic views. Sadly, like other English monasteries the Abbey was dissolved by King Henry VIII in the 1500s. The museum inside the house provides a very necessary history of the Abbey.
No trip to Whitby is complete without including Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Bram Stoker visited Whitby in the summer of 1890 and was very taken with the Abbey and church yard. We learned most about the myth from the Ghost Walk. Doctor Crank is recommended for his knowledge and off beat route – where are the cats?
A little knowledge will inspire you to check out the Bram Stoker’s memorial bench near the Whale bone arch, and the 199 steps, where the vampire walked up from the beach to the churchyard.
Memories of Whitby are ghosts, Dracula and fish. It’s hilly, having a lemon top ice cream, there are a lot of fish and chip bars and restaurants, and the craft ale bars are worth a visit
The West Cliff is a monument to a past time when the port gained a train station and grand Victorian architecture adorned the town to accommodate the new visitors. The charming Royal crescent may be impressive but is also noticeable in how its architect was unable to finish it, having run out of money.
Whitby Beach and West Cliff, with its Victorian pavilion, are best viewed from a boat trip on the North Sea. This is in huge contrast to the old narrow streets around the port.
Finally, The unassuming Whalebone Arch actually hides a controversial history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, whaling dominated the work of the port – when the ships returned, they tied the bones of the whale’s jaw to their masts to announce they had caught whales. The Whale Bone Arch was erected in 1853 to commemorate the tradition.
