Whitby Tourist Information |
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The town of Whitby is on the coast of North Yorkshire near Scarborough. It sits at the River Esk estuary and is spread along the steep sided banks of the river valley. It has a long history and was known as Streonshal when Oswy, the Christian king arrived in 656. He founded Whitby Abbey on the clifftop and the first abbess was St Hilda. The Synod of Whitby was held there in 664AD, when the celebration of Easter was decided, and the traditions of the Roman Catholic Church were adopted. Whitby Abbey became a centre of learning and was also a royal burial place. The monastery with its associated wealth, attracted the Vikings who destroyed it in 867 and it was refounded in 1078. It lasted until the 16th century and was again partly destroyed, this time by the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII. Pre 1605 Whitby was a small fishing port with 20-30 houses but it later expanded. Whitby's main trades in the 18th century were shipbuilding, whaling and trading in jet and alum found nearby, which was used to cure leather. In 1839 George Hudson, built the railway between Whitby, Pickering and York which brought tourism to the town. 1914 was an historic year for Whitby. As well as being shelled by German battleships, the hospital ship Rohilla sank with 85 people drowning. They are buried in the local churchyard. Captain James Cook served his apprenticeship in Whitby and his statue stands in West Cliff. The town also has a whalebone arch to commemorate its whaling history. Present Day Whitby The small port still handles exports of grain, timber and steel to Europe. Fresh fish is sold on the quay at the fish market. There are several fish and chip shops in Whitby including the Magpie Café, said to be the best in the UK by restaurateur Rick Stein. The town has a good range of banks, shops, supermarkets and specialist stores along its narrow cobbled streets. It has five primary schools, two secondary schools and a Community College as well as Fyling Hall, an independent school. One of Whitby's main claim's to fame is that Bram Stoker based his Dracula novel in the area. A film festival is now held every October in his honour. Things to do in Whitby The beach and seafront at Whitby were recognized as Best Seaside Resort in 2006 by Which Holiday magazine. Visit the famous Abbey ruins by climbing the 199 steps from the Old Town and enjoy the exhibits at the Visitor Centre. The Cleveland Way, a long-distance footpath from Helmsley to Filey, passes nearby on its 100 mile route and is popular with local walkers. Visit the Whitby Archives Heritage Centre to see the original whalebone arch erected in the town and learn about the town's seafaring history. Whitby Museum offers an interesting insight into the local jet mining industry.
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| Weather: Whitby Weather Forecast | |
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Directions
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Attractions near Whitby
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Captain Cook Memorial Museum
(1 Mile)*
In Whitby's narrow, winding Grape Lane close by the busy Harbour, stood the handsome house of 18th century Quaker shipowner John Walker and his family - and - in the attic, his 'other family' of seventeen apprentices, lodging there. |
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Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
(12 Miles)*
On the site visitors can enjoy an exciting and authentic underground experience and discover the special skills and customs of the Cleveland miners. |
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Scarborough Sea Life and Marine Sanctuary
(15 Miles)*
Crabs and their many clawed cousins are like marvellous machines, the armoured division of the marine world. |
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Towns near Whitby
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Ruswarp Tourist Information
(1 Mile)*
Ruswarp is a pretty village which lies in the scenic Esk Valley, one mile south Whitby, which is on the North Yorkshire coast. |
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Sandsend Tourist Information
(2 Miles)*
Sandsend lies on the east coast of Yorkshire. It is a delightfully picturesque village consisting of small fishermen's cottages set against the grassy cliffs and facing the long sandy beach. |
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Sneaton Tourist Information
(2 Miles)*
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Hotels near Whitby
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Self Catering near Whitby
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Located on the edge of the old town in Whitby, this apartment overlooks the swing bridge and is ideally located for the beach, the shops and some of Whitby's finest pubs and restaurants. |
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This large apartment consists of the upper floors of the house, it will give you an elegant place to stay, this picturesque house is set feet from the river. |
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Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day. |
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