What to do in Whitby

There is lots of things to do and see in Whitby!
Here are some of the main attractions:

Whitby Beach
For many years tourists have gone to Whitby to spend time on the beach.
The beach has lovely white sand and clean water.

This photo is from 1930

The fishing town is also a good seaside town with ice-creams and fish & chips to buy.  The fish is really fresh as it is from the mornings fisherman's catch. 

On the beach there are usually donkeys for children to ride and just above a mini funfair to keep children entertained.

Around the beach and along the main streets of Whitby there are amusements, cafes, souvenir shops, craft shops and other tourist attractions.

Whitby beach now

Fossil Finding 

The coast around Whitby is also full of fossils of prehistoric animals (like dinosaurs) and also fossilised wood from monkey trees which is called Jet.
If you look around in the shells and stones you can pick up fossils such as ammonites (they look like fossilised snail shells) and other evidence of prehistoric creatures.

The Black jet is collected by local people who make it into jewellery to sell in the local shops, there is more about this under the Local Traditions heading.


The Whitby Lighthouse

'Whitby Lighthouse is a lighthouse operated by Trinity House.  It is rated as one of the top tourist attractions in Whitby.  It is located on Ling Hill, on the coast to the south-east of Whitby, beyond Saltwick Bay. If you want amazing views out to sea then this is a great place to go! Whale Bones The whale bones were donated by Alaska in April 2003. The original Whale jaw bone arch was erected some time after 1853 and is now displayed in the Whitby Archives & Heritage Centre. Whitby Abbey Whitby Abbey was founded in 657 AD by the Saxon King of Northumbria, Oswy as Streanshalh.  In 664, the abbey, built on the east cliff overlooking the Esk and town of Whitby, was the site of the Synod of Whitby, at which the Northumbrian Celtic church was reconciled to Rome.  In 867, Whitby Abbey fell to Viking attack, and was abandoned until 1078, when it was re-founded by Regenfrith (Reinferd) a soldier monk, under the orders of his protector, the Norman, William de Percy.  The second monastery lasted until it was destroyed by Henry VIII in 1540. The abbey buildings fell into ruins, and were mined for stone, but remained a prominent landmark for sailors. The abbey looks over the town of Whitby and looks amazing at night!! 199 Steps Whitby's 199 steps are an extraordinary attraction in Whitby. They attract visitors from all over the world - visitors who make the tiring trek from bottom to top. Many think there are 200 steps or 198 but I am sure there is 199 steps leading to the abbey! Dracula One of the most popular stories ever told, Dracula has been re-created for the stage and screen hundreds of times in the last century.  Yet it is essentially a Victorian saga, an awesome tale of thrillingly bloodthirsty vampire whose nocturnal atrocities reflect the dark underside of a supremely moralistic age.  Above all, Dracula is a quintessential story of suspense and horror, boasting one of the most terrifying characters in literature: centuries-old Count Dracula, whose diabolical passions prey upon the innocent, the helpless and the beautiful. The story of Dracula is based in Whitby and the abbey is where the writer got his inspiration from! There is also a Dracula Museum attraction in Whitby.  I have never been as to be honest it looks really rubbish, but it is always busy. Coastal Walks There are lots of coastal walks from Whitby to neighbouring towns/villages. Some nearby places to walk to include Saltwick Bay, Robin Hoods Bay and Runswick Bay.  Each have their own history and stories to tell.