Whitby and the North Yorkshire Coast United Kingdom England North Yorkshire

It might only be small, but Whitby is perfectly formed — the jewel of Yorkshire’s coastal resorts, with a history and heritage that sets it apart from neighbouring seaside bucket-and-spade places like Scarborough. The long sandy beach and thriving harbourside are invitation enough, but Whitby also boasts a huddled Georgian old town and a famous abbey on the cliffs above, not to mention its fascinating Captain Cook and Dracula connections. It’s also a bit of a boutique destination these days, with contemporary bars, flash seafood restaurants and designer accommodation sitting comfortably alongside the more traditional B&Bs and fish-and-chip shops.

History

Set on both sides of the River Esk, Whitby first came to prominence with the building of the 7^th century clifftop abbey, one of early Christianity's great powerhouses. It was later an important fishing port, first for herrings, then as a whaling centre, when men like William Scoresby (inventor of the crow's nest) set sail from the town's harbour. A young James Cook learned his trade here, piloting local ships between 1746 and 1755 before going on to fame as England's greatest explorer - and all four of Cook's ships were built in Whitby boatyards. The Cook connections are still significant for the town, though if the number of pasty-faced Goths around is any guide, it's Whitby's Dracula Trail that lures many here. Bram Stoker set his vamp classic in the town, and Goth shops, fang-friendly B&Bs and two big annual Goth festivals are just as much Whitby as sea, sand and sailors.