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About Whitby and the Surrounding Villages
One of the most picturesque ports in England, Whitby and its harbour are set in a ravine at the mouth of the River Esk. Dominated by the cliff top Abbey ruins, the narrow alleys and cobbled streets climb down to the busy quayside, with its harbour side houses and quaint shops filled with arts, crafts and antiques.
Whitby needs little in the way of introduction as it is one of the most popular seaside resorts in the region. Spend your days with a bucket and spade on the long sandy beach and when you’ve worked up an appetite, sample some of the seafood in one of the many cafes and restaurants that make the town so well-known far and wide!
There’s always something happening throughout the town, and festivals and fairs are held throughout the year including the Whitby Goth Festival, Whitby Folk Week and the Whitby Regatta.
The town has strong associations with Captain James Cook, who learned his seamanship in Whitby between voyages, including on ‘The Endeavour’, a replica of which has enjoyed many successful visits to the town. The Grand Turk, another rigged sailing vessel, is often seen moored near to the Tourist Information Centre within the town.
Whitby is divided by the old swing bridge which is opened sometimes during the day to allow entry and exit to the higher reaches of the river. On the west side of the town sits the modern seaside resort, while on the east side is Old Whitby, where you find the ruins of the famous Whitby Abbey. Beside this is the amazing St Mary’s Church with its famous triple pulpit and both can be reached by Whitby’s infamous 199 steps from a maze of old streets and alleyways.
The town also has historic associations with Bram Stoker’s Dracula who, as legend has it, came ashore in Whitby, lived here and is buried in St Mary’s churchyard. There is a brilliantly varied choice of eating places in the town including the famous, Magpie Café as well as a wonderful array of small shops, ideal for browsing.
About the Coastal Bays and Villages
Along the Yorkshire Coast, we have lots of holiday properties waiting for you. As well as some of the country’s most stunning landscapes and coastline, the Yorkshire Coast is dotted with quaint market towns and pretty villages just waiting to be explored.
The Yorkshire coast is lined with beautiful fishing villages and quaint market towns which help give holidaymakers an insight into everyday life here. The breathtaking coastline provides a picturesque backdrop for many of our holiday properties and offers guests easy access to many walking routes and cycle paths — perfect for those who want to get up close and personal with a wonderful array of wildlife, flora and fauna. These picture-postcard towns and villages include Robin Hood’s Bay, Staithes, Port Mulgrave, Ravenscar and Runswick Bay, all of which are close to the busier coastal resorts of Whitby and Scarborough.
Why not book yourself a Robin Hood’s Bay cottage holiday? Situated just six miles south of Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay sits on the coast and has a notorious history involving pirates, smugglers and press gangs. The multitude of narrow alleyways and twisting cobbled streets must have many a tale to tell of bygone days. The village once had an important fishing community before sail gave way to steam, and once boasted one of the largest fishing fleets on the Yorkshire Coast. The salty characters that manned the fleet have long since gone to rest in the beautiful grey churchyard that sits overlooking the bay.
There is still fishing today in the Bay and the old fisherman’s cottages with their red pan tile roofs have changed minimally over time. This is a wonderful place to explore, made more magical by the sound of the sea in the background. Leafy paths and hedge rowed lanes, full of wildlife and flora, lead down to the shoreline which is a beachcomber’s paradise. A plethora of sandy and pebbly rock pools gives the young naturalist the fantastic opportunity to discover marine life, shells and fossils.
With Whitby six miles away and Scarborough less than twenty miles, Robin Hood’s Bay is an ideal touring base for the North York Moors, the coast and even a visit to York with its Jorvik Viking Centre and Castle Museum. Walkers will be in their element with a choice of coastal and moor walks, as well as the old railway line from Whitby to Scarborough. For something a bit different, there are riding and pony-trekking centres nearby, tennis courts, bowling and putting greens, as well as quaint gift shops and a fascinating museum. Treat yourself to a wonderful and varied self-catering stay in Robin Hood’s Bay.
About Scarborough and the Surrounding Villages
Whether you are looking for a traditional family holiday or a weekend getaway, Scarborough has all the ingredients for the perfect seaside break. From colourful seaside traditions, to bright beach huts, it is clear why Scarborough has remained one of Britain’s favourite seaside resorts for over one hundred years.
One of the original English seaside towns, Scarborough has been a firm family-favourite for coastal holidays for years and is a top tourist destination on the east coast of England. The Old Town is the ideal place to relax and indulge in some nostalgia thanks to streets lined with illuminated amusement arcades, quaint cafes, popular theatres as well as the famous sandy beach. This popular seaside town is surrounded by many picturesque towns and small villages, each offering something different for your holiday destination — from the hustle and bustle at the beach in Filey, to the tranquil rural countryside of Scalby.
Scarborough is hailed as ‘The Queen of the Yorkshire Coast’ and was one of the first English seaside resorts. A Spa town since 1622, the town was then visited by tourists eager to sample the therapeutic minerals waters which had just been discovered within it. It is still a thriving and exciting seaside resort today with lovely sands, donkeys and something for all of the family to enjoy.
In the 19th century, its fame vied with the Spas of Europe and fashionable visitors flocked to the town to stay in the magnificent hotels which can still be seen towering over the cliff tops with stunning views out to sea. The historic Scarborough Castle, dating back to the 12th century and although in ruins today, still provides a great history lesson for everyone and provides an insight into days gone by.
Scarborough is an all-year round town ideal for a family holiday, with two large sandy beaches, a busy fishing harbour and a yachting marina. There is also a fascinating Sea Life centre for the kids to enjoy and plenty of nightlife for the grown-ups, as well as a full calendar of events throughout the year including cricket games (Yorkshire C.C.), motorcycling on Oliver’s Mount, a student drama festival, a Shrovetide skipping festival and the sailing regatta in July.
The spectacular new Open Air Theatre attracts international stars such as Elton John and Jessie J. Other entertainment includes the Old Time Music Hall and concerts and films are shown at the Spa complex and the Futurist Theatre — where Ken Dodd has been a regular performer in the town for many years.
Possibly the greatest attraction is the surrounding area with the splendour of the North York Moors National Park, Dalby Forest and the rugged North Yorkshire coastline. Whitby is only a half hour drive away and York less than an hour. Other nearby places include Filey, Muston and Bridlington.
Food and drink in Whitby
There’s so much choice in Whitby that whether you’re after a large hearty dinner or just a tasty snack, you’re sure to have more than enough places to choose from. A trip to Whitby isn’t complete without a visit to The Magpie Café. It has become a visitor ‘must’ over the years thanks to its delicious array of seafood topped off with a beautiful view overlooking the harbour. For something quintessentially British, Humble Pie ‘n’ Mash provides an antidote to the area’s plethora of ‘chippies’, whilst still retaining that much-loved seaside charm. Made fresh each morning, the pies are encased in their homemade organic pastry and contain a variety of fillings ranging from traditional braised stout and leek to the more unusual sausage and black pudding. Perfect for a comforting dinner at the end of a wonderful day exploring.
The Moon & Sixpence is situated right on the harbour side in Whitby and is a relaxed, yet stylish place to meet for a drink or meal during the day or evening. With some of the best views in town, the bar offers a huge range of exciting and delicious cocktail drinks and Harry’s Bar serves fresh, locally prepared dishes daily. The Marine specialises in seafood, which isn’t surprising when you’re in the fishing capital of Yorkshire. Hand-picked local produce ensures that eating here is a real treat and there’s also a wide selection of wines, beers and spirits that have been carefully selected from all around the world. For a little slice of Italy in Whitby, just head to Moutreys on Grape Lane. Here you can indulge yourself in the wide range of pizza’s and pasta on offer but just make sure to leave some room for dessert!
Food and drink in the Coastal Bays and Villages
There are so many fabulous places to sample some of the Yorkshire fare around the coastal towns and villages that you will be truly spoilt for choice. Whether you’re after meat or a sample of the finest local seafood, there’s sure to be something to ensure that you’ll return. Being on the coast leaves little excuse not to try some of the delicious seafood that is found off our British shores. Whether you want some smoked kippers or just a tray of fish and chips whilst sitting on the seafront, it really will be an absolute treat for the tastebuds. Due to the beautiful Moors and Dales, the meat and game from the region is some of the best in the country. Topped with the very best of locally-grown vegetables, these dishes leave absolutely nothing to be desired. If you prefer to cook in the comfort of your very own self-catering holiday cottage, then don’t worry, as the region is full of farmers markets and farm shops where you can pick up a great selection of locally-sourced food at brilliant prices. Wherever you are in Yorkshire, you’re sure to not be far from an array of locally businesses wanting to promote their produce. Choose from a wealth of pies, sausages, vegetables and locally-brewed ales.
Food and Drink in Scarborough
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to finding somewhere special to eat during your holiday to Scarborough. Many establishments serve locally-sourced seafood and you’d be hard-pushed to find a fresher catch than in one of the many restaurants and cafes within this seaside town. There are also Italian restaurants, award-winning fine dining and fabulous independent cafes, so you’re to be sure to find something to whet your appetite whether you’re after a light-bite, or a main meal.
The Blacksmiths Arms in Cloughton is a charming and popular inn that has become famous for being where Her Majesty the Queen and HRH Prince Phillip had their very own pub lunch. Here, you can pretend you’re royalty and indulge in a fine choice of Great British pub grub cooked to the highest standard. Beiderbecke’s Brasserie is a great choice for something a little bit special when holidaying in Scarborough. Here you can enjoy a ‘Taste of Yorkshire’ menu which features some of the very best produce and fare from this beautiful coastal town. For a unique afternoon tea, head to Francis Tearooms in Scarborough, where you can go back in time to the 1930s and enjoy some homemade cakes, scones and biscuits, washed down with a famous Yorkshire tea.
Things to do in the Coastal Bays and Villages
Staithes Gallery
Houses contemporary artwork which has been inspired by Staithes and the surrounding area and is situated right in the village centre. Staithes Gallery also plays host to a number of special events which include dinner evenings where you can sit in the gallery and enjoy a 3 course meal.
Tel: 01947 841840 Address: Staithes Gallery, High Street, Staithes, North Yorkshire, TS13 5BH.
Mulgrave Castle (also known as Lythe Castle)
See the ruins of the second Mulgrave Castle which are situated in a woodland setting on the Mulgrave Estate. It is believed to have been built in the 11th century and was destroyed centuries later during the Civil War. This part of the estate is open to visitors on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and is closed throughout May.
Tel: 01947 893239 Address: Accessed on foot from the East Row entrance in Sandsend, near Whitby.
Turnstone Gallery, Sandsend
The Turnstone Gallery houses artwork and ceramics which are representative of Yorkshire’s talent. With its friendly atmosphere and picturesque location it is definitely worth a visit, whether it be to view the changing displays and exhibitions or to buy a special gift.
Tel: 01947 893289 Address: Turnstone Gallery, East Row, Sandsend, Whitby, YO21 3SU.
Robin Hood’s Bay Museum
The Robin Hood’s Bay Museum is a registered charity and is run by local volunteers. Situated in the southern part of the village, the museum houses a wide range of topical displays which vary from details of historic shipwrecks in the local area to geology and fishing. Group parties are welcome to visit the museum by arrangement.
Address: Robin Hood’s Bay Museum, Fisherhead, Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4TQ.
The Ingrid Flute Gallery
The Ingrid Flute Gallery is situated adjacent to St. Hilda’s Church in Ravenscar and was named after its benefactor, the late Ingrid Flute, who established our very own holiday cottage letting agency more than 40 years ago. The gallery plays host to a number of changing exhibitions which display the work of local artists as well as occasional arts and crafts fairs.
Address: The Ingrid Flute Gallery, St. Hilda’s Church, Ravenscar, North Yorkshire, YO13 0ET.
The Stained Glass Centre
This centre houses a selection of stained glass creations ranging from windows and door panels to lampshades and other gifts. Visitors to the centre are able to look around the showroom whilst learning about the history and methods that are involved in the production of stained glass goods. The centre also offers courses for those who wish to receive a more in-depth knowledge about the crafting of stained glass.
Tel: 01723 581236Address: The Stained Glass Centre, Killerby Lane, Cayton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 3TP.
Filey Museum
This award-winning museum is situated in a Grade II listed building which used to be a farm house dating back to the 17th century. It houses a range of collections and displays which relate to Filey’s historical development as a fishing and farming settlement right through to its current existance as a seaside resort. There are themed rooms throughout which include a Victorian Room and a Lifeboat Room.
Tel: 01723 515013Address: Filey Museum, 8/10 Queen Street, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9HB.
Things to do in Scarborough
Scarborough has everything you need to make a traditional family holiday that extra bit special. From colourful seaside traditions to bright beach huts, it’s not hard to see why Scarborough has remained one of Britain’s favourite seaside resorts over the years.
Explore the Old Town
The Old Town is the perfect place to relax and indulge in some nostalgia thanks to its streets lined with illuminated amusement arcades, quaint cafes and popular theatres. You can also just ‘shop till you drop’ thanks to the huge range of high-street and independent shops that are dotted across the town.
Discover the Gardens
There are many special gardens and parks dotted around Scarborough and its surrounding area including Glen Gardens in Filey and Peasholm Park in Scarborough. They make for a great change of scenery for a walk and allow holidaymakers to relish in their picturesque settings.
The Sea Life Centre
The Sea Life Centre has been a firm-favourite with children and adults alike over the years. Here you can get up close and personal with a range of underwater creatures including Clownfish, Black Tip Reef Shark, Japanese Spider Crab and the Humboldt Penguin.
Climbing
Climbing and mountaineering is popular around Scarborough and the wider area of Yorkshire, it’s a much loved way to enjoy the beautiful landscape. However it is important to stay safe when out and about, that’s why the Scarborough & Ryedale Mountain Rescue Team are there to help provide information on staying safe. They perform numerous rescues throughout the year and they’re run by dedicated volunteers and it’s a great service for the tourists and locals alike.