The town's skyline is dominated by the ruins of St. Hilda's Abbey, high on the East Cliff. Spreading below, a maze of alleyways and narrow streets run down to the busy quayside. From the old town, 199 steps lead up to the parish church of St. Mary, one of the finest examples of Anglo Saxon churches in the country, and whose churchyard gave Bram Stoker the inspiration to write his world famous book, Dracula.

Whitby has produced it's own famous sons. Among these are Captain James Cook, the 18th century explorer and voyager, the outstanding father and son whaling masters of the Scoresby family and pioneer photographer, Frank Meadow Sutcliffe.

Having a unique old world charm, for centuries Whitby has provided a safe haven for shipping and fishing fleets. It was once the main whaling port for the North of England.

The small fishing town of Whitby is part of the Heritage Coast of North East England. The town has a thriving holiday resort trade, bolstered by the arrival of the replica of Captain Cook's ship "HM Bark Endeavour", which was the focus of nationwide and global news.

Surrounding coastal villages - beautiful beaches and lovely walks........

All the picturesque coastal villages on either side of, and including, Whitby, form part of the beautiful Cleveland Way Walk.  Starting North of Whitby, the first village that you will come across is Sandsend,with its lovely sandy beach, stunning cliff walk and Mugrave Woods. Don't miss the hidden valley with its friendly pet goats, ducks to feed and pheasants meandering aimlessly! For friendly banter and a little sustenance try The Hart Inn at East Row, alternatively the lovely 'Wits End' cafe by the bridge in The Valley. Sandsend Stores, the local 'Harrods' for everything you could possibly need!

Runswick Bay, a sleepy little village 5 miles further North, has the most stunning bay and car-free higgledy piggledy little paths meandering in and among the lovely cottages. Stop at the Sandside cafe, where you can enjoy delidious homemade cakes and scones, enjoying the uninterrupted bay views and watching the fisherman bring in the lobster pots.

Staithes further up the coast is a lovely fishing village with various places to 'graze' ! Try The Cod & Lobster on the seafront.  And finally

Saltburn with its pristine beaches and fabulous Pier. Try 'La Mer' for a drink or something to eat. Sit on the new decked terraces and drink in one of the best views in the world! (Honestly, I am not joking y!).

South of Whitby you will come to the quaint fishing village of

Robin Hood's Bay  another car-less village. Park at the top and walk down the (very steep hill - even steeper on the way back up!) but well worth it. An arty/hippiesh sort of village.Various good pubs (The Dolphin, The Bay and The Laurel) and cafes as well as a lovely shale beach to search for fossils and ammenites. A fab fish and chip shop down at the bottom.

Delightful Inland villages - amongst fabulous purple heather moorland.....

Goathland - now probably most famous for the 'Heartbeat' programme on ITV, but still a lovely village with roaming sheep!  A mile down the road from Goathland you will come to a delightful little spot -

Beck Hole  - with its bridge and picturesque stream. The footpath alongside the stream leads to a lovely waterfall with a deep pool - lovely for picnics. Opposite the The Birch Hall Inn (still has a little bar/shop selling sweeties between the two tiny bars!) there is a footpath beside the stream leading up to the infamous Mallion Spout, a waterfall, not to be confused with the hotel in Goathland! (also worth a visit

Grosmont - why not pay a visit to the steam railway or sit on the station and watch the engines come and go, otherwise take the steam train, passing through lovely villagesand stunning scenery,to

Pickering -.    A delightful market town on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors. Head for The White Swan, a wonderful coaching inn on the main street, for coffee, lunch, a swift pint or a glass of wine.