Wonderful Whitby Blog

WHITBY GOTHIC WEEKEND

Posted on March 31, 2011 by admin

Photo of three Whitby Goths in the Market Square

Whitby Goths near the Market Square

Whitby Gothic couple outside St. Mary

.advertisement

Photo of a Whitby Goth and children near the Whalebones

Whitby Goths near the Whalebones

Whitby Gothic Couple on the West Cliff

: Whitby Goth Weekend couple on West Cliff

.advertisement

Posted in Whitby Gothic Weekend | Tagged Whitby Gothic Weekend | 1 Comment

Fishing is synonymous with Whitby but over the past decade there has been a decline in the number of full-time fishing vessels operating from the port, possibly because of the quota restrictions. Whitby Boat Trips, however, are becoming increasingly popular both with daytrippers and holidaymakers.

Walking along the harbourside there are a number of advertising boards displaying the type of fishing trips, the hours of operation and the number of hours per trip. Anything from a two to three hour fish, to a full day. Alongside the fishing vessels are the pleasurecraft offering boat trips out to sea on a wide variety of craft. There is a mini version of the Endeavour, a jet boat, an old lifeboat and a few larger craft with dining and refreshment facilities.

Most of the Whitby Fishing Boat Trips sail on inshore waters, anything from 5 to 20 miles out to sea catching mainly cod, possibly a few haddock and whiting. Over the last few years there has been an increase in the number of whale and dolphin (porpoise) sightings. A few of which have been as near as two to three miles out. This has led to a number of boat trips offering ‘dolphin and whalewathching’ sighseeing trips.

The majority of the Whitby Boat Trips embark from the harbourside, a few from the inner harbour and one or two from the bandstand. The fishing boats will often hire tackle to those coming unprepared or last minute bookings. For those sailing on the pleasurecraft, however, all that is needed is a good pair of binoculars!

Whatever the decision, however long the trip, whichever type of boat, whatever the weather, any sailing on the Whitby Boat Trips will be an unforgettable experience.

Posted in Whitby Boat Trips | Tagged Whitby Boat Trips | 1 Comment

Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshire

Posted on March 27, 2011 by admin

Photo of the tide out at Robin Hood's Bay

Robin Hood's Bay at low tide

Robin Hood’s Bay, Yorkshireis one of the more unusual seaside villages on the North Yorkshire Coast. Last week on a lovely sunny day it was apparent how popular this village is by the number of early morning risers taking advantage of the warmer spring temperatures. Walking briskly down the steep hill to the lower part of ‘The Bay’, as it is locally known, there was the impression that the new season was beginning for the tourism. The cafes were open for business with the aroma of coffee and home baking which were most welcome after the walk down the hill!

The tide was out which revealed the rocks and rockpools associated with Robin Hood’s Bay. What better way to spend a couple of hours than to pick your way through the rock pools and delve into each one with the expectation of discovery. A hermit crab, a shrimp, a green crab, small fishes, many different varieties of seaweed and the ever bountiful winkles! Taken home and boiled for 20 minutes then picked from their shells and savoured. A tasty treat although not that pretty in appearance.

At the top of the bank is the Millenium Statue. A most unusual structure made of stone. It gives the appearance of maybe a stone log with an atlas atop, perhaps looking like an owl from the distance. Looking closely there are more and more features to discover.

A visit to Robin Hood’s Bay is definitely recommended. Take sturdy walking shoes and explore the beach perhaps find somefossils or maybe a walk along the old railway line to Ravenscar.

Posted in Robin Hood's Bay | Tagged Millenium Statue, Robin Hood's Bay | Leave a comment

Whitby Goth Weekend

Posted on March 25, 2011 by admin

Photo of the Whitby Whale Boes during Whitby Goth Weekend

Atmospheric view of the Abbey and Whalebones on Whitby Goth Weekend

Photo of two Whitby Goths near the Whalebones on West Cliff

Goth Weekend visitors near the Whalebones

: Gothic mist near Whitby abbey

Whitby Goth Weekend is well underway today as more and more of the Goth visitors are making their way into Whitby.

Visitors to the town, who were walking on The West Cliff this morning were treated to some most unusual images of the Whitby Abbey from across the harbour. The swirling mists rolling in from the sea combined with the beautiful sunshine, made the whole vista very atmospheric. It could not have been more appropriate for the Goth Weekend. To add to this most unusual weather phenomenon, there were a number of Goths strolling along in their beautiful costumes much to the delight of a number of photographers who happened to be taking various shots of The Abbey and the Whalebones.

For those wishing to see for themselves, the fantastic costumes and accessories worn by the Goths, then why not walk around the town and up on the West Cliff over the coming weekend and remember to have those cameras ready! It may even be worth walking up the 199 steps to the Abbey as a photo opportunity.

Hopefully the weather will stay fine for us over the Goth Weekend as already it is feeling more springlike, the daffodils have opened on the Mayfield Road grass verge, the blossom is appearing on the cherry trees all around the town, and the dawn chorus would seem to be arriving at an even earlier hour!!

Other local events taking place tomorrow are a Craft Fair in Glaisdale, a Jumble Sale in Castleton, a Dominoes Drive in Hawsker and a concert by the Trio Akvani tomorrow evening at Goathland.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Whitby Goth Weekend | 2 Comments

Whitby Gothic Weekend

Posted on March 22, 2011 by admin

Whitby Gothic Weekend

Whitbyis gearing itself up for the influx of Gothic Visitors this coming weekend. ‘Gothic weekends’ as they are popularly known, happen in fact, twice yearly, normally in April and October.

Originally established in 1994 probably because of the town’s connection with Dracula, (Bram Stoker) this once yearly event was expanded to a twice yearly event in 1997 due to its ever increasing popularity with the Gothic followers in this country and indeed all over the world!

There is now a further division, the original Whitby Gothic Weekend and now The Dark Daisy Alternative Weekend. Each has a weekend’s event early in the year and again in October.

This year the ‘Whitby Gothic Weekend’ commences on Wednesday with a meet up at the Elsinore and The Little Angel, but the major part of the festival begins on Friday 25th March with a Bizarre Bazaar at the Whitby Pavilion and Whitby Leisure Centre. There is a full itinerary of events for the whole of the weekend up to and including Monday 28th March. From Bizarre Bazaars to Gothic Bring and Buy, from Live bands to a Pool Competition, from an Official Dog Walk to a football match between Real Gothic v Whitby Gazette.

It seems as though the whole town embraces the atmosphere of the Goths. Many of the charity shops display black gothic clothing. A large majority of the town’s pubs are more than happy to decorate their establishments in the tradition of cobwebs, coffins etc.

Hopefully this years good-natured celebration of the Gothic Weekend will be as enjoyable for both the participants and the many members of the public who travel to admire the spectacle of the imaginative period dress costumes for both the women and the men! Although, in the latter years there has been an increase in Electro/Punk dress, just as eyecatching! No doubt there will be numerous cameras at the ready to snap both the weird and the wonderful sights.

Should anyone miss the events of this weekend, then The Alternative Dark Daisy Gothic Weekend commences on Thursday evening, the 31st March.

Details of the times and events for both weekends are available on either ‘flyers’ or The Whitby Gazette.

Posted in Whitby Gothic Weekend | Tagged Dark Daisy Alternative Weekend., Goths, Whitby Gothic Weekend | Leave a comment

I Love Whitby, Yorkshire

Posted on March 21, 2011 by admin

Whitby Abbey

I Love Whitby

The 199 steps seem to climb to the sky,

And the view from the top brings a tear to my eye,

Worth the puffing and panting, counting steps on the way,

And the seats that you pass, which may tempt you to stay.

But, go further up, and at St. Mary’s you’ll be;

Nestled amid gravestones with a view of the sea,

Of the piers stretching out like welcoming arms

To guide weary sailors home and keep them from harm.

Whitby Abbey stands proud, such a wonderful sight.

So grand in the daytime; so magical at night.

Quaint little cottages tumbling down

To cobbled streets below in the old part of town,

Where tourists stroll around and enjoy all the sights,

Eating fish and chips, while seagulls swoop down mid flight!

On the West Cliff, the Whalebones and Captain Cook stand,

Symbols of this once great seafaring land.

If you’re lucky, you could find some jet on the beach,

But all the best bits may be just out of reach!

I came as a child, building castles in the sand,

Hunting in rock pools with a net in my hand.

My family grew up here and I’ll never leave,

There’s something about Whitby, and the magic it weaves.

I’m proud to be part of Whitby, our town.

It truly is Yorkshire’s best jewel in the crown.

A personal view by Helen N. 2011

Posted in Uncategorized, Whitby Yorkshire | Tagged whitby yorkshire | 2 Comments

WHITBY JET

Posted on March 19, 2011 by admin

: A Whitby Jet bracelet

: Antique Whitby Jet Necklace

: Whitby Jet ring

During the Jurassic Period of approximately 180 million years ago, tropical waters covered a large area of the North Yorkshire Coast and the North Yorkshire Moors. The river deltas brought fallen monkey-puzzle trees (araucaria araucana) down from inland where they were deposited on the sea floor. Over a period of time they were crushed by mud, sand and other debris with the result that after millions of years they were compressed and fossilised.

Shifting land formations have revealed seams of the fossilised trees now known as Whitby Jet along the shore near Whitby and the cliffs along the coast from Staithes to Robin Hood’s Bay this resulted in many jet mines employing the local population.

With the introduction of lathes in the 1800s, the jet industry escalated and by 1873 there were 200 workshops employing 1500 men.

In its raw state, the jet is rather dull and can be both brown and black in colour. As it has its origins in wood, it is quite light and easily scratched, but when highly polished it can achieve a beautiful sheen and be warm to the touch.

Whitby Jet became very fashionable after the death of Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert in 1861. It was considered at the Royal Court to be both fashionable and appropriate to wear Whitby Jet Jewellery in times of mourning.

In the Pannett Park Museum there is a collection of Whitby Jet Jewellery and Whitby Jet carvings on display.

In present day times there are numerous outlets, particularly on the East Side which specialise in merchandising and making jet jewellery. It is very popular with tourists as a souvenir of their visit and even more popular with the Goths who are frequent visitors on Gothic Weekends.

Many a happy hour can be spent on the beach looking for small pieces of Whitby jet but remember if the piece is black and shiny it is more likely to be coal! Any likely pieces that are scratched on a hard surface and leave a brown mark are more often than not, jet. The lighter the colour, the better the quality.

Happy Hunting!

Posted in Whitby Jet | Tagged Whitby Jet | Leave a comment

Wonderful Whitby facebook

Posted on March 19, 2011 by admin

Hopefully we are linking to our facebook page again!

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Whitby UK Cafes and Whitby UK Restaurants

Posted on March 18, 2011 by admin

a photo of Freshly caught Whitby Mackerel

FRESH WHITBY UK MACKEREL

WHITBY UK SHELLFISH

When looking around the various streets of Whitby UK there are signs of the cafe and restaurant owners busy renovating and and preparing their premises for the coming tourist season as well as the local population.

Popular on the menu of the local cafes and restaurants is the local caught produce i.e fish, seafood and shellfish. Mention ‘Whitby’ almost anywhere in this country and there is a huge association with fish and fishing.

Over the last few years there has been an abundance of varied types of eating establishments to suit every palate and occasion. Whether you are just walking around the town and are in need of a refreshing drink then there are numerous cafes serving delicious coffees and snacks. If perhaps you would like lunch then the choice is tremendous, from a simple snack to a full three course meal. There seems to be a number of new establishments setting up around the town also. We’ll have to wait and see what they develop into.

There are a number of restaurants which also cater to a wide variety of tastes, either English, Italian or practically whatever is a particular favourite. Fish and Chips are a hugely popular choice and there are many establishments catering solely for this local delicacy!

In addition to the Cafes and Restaurants there are a number of takeaway outlets and, of course, there are the Whitby Pubs serving both lunchtime and evening, meals and snacks.

In the national press this week it has been stated that the preferred dish of our nation is the Roast Dinner. Well there are plenty of Whitby Cafes and Whitby Restaurants more than happy to oblige! Especially on a Sunday.

Trafficwise, there are diversions on Stakesby Road due to new gas pipe installation. The work is due to be completed today on Lythe Bank but will restart on the 28th March until the 1st April. The Mayfield Road temporary traffic lights have now been removed and the area is looking a lot tidier. More disruption to traffic can be expected to begin next week when there will be safety work on the railings over the New Bridge to bring them up to new safety guidelines. This work is expected to be in operation for the next ten weeks but assurances are given that the busy Easter period and the Bank Holiday will be excluded from works disruption. The Swing Bridge is expected to be fully completed tomorrow to allow traffic to cross after work to widen the footpaths.

This evening is the last time that there is a showing of The King’s Speech at The Whitby Pavilion. There will be a performance this afternoon as well as this evening. Hopefully more people will support these film showings as it would be a shame if it folded through lack of support. Films can also be seen periodically at the Whitby Coliseum.

Tomorrow’s activities include a jumble sale at Aislaby, Domino Drives at Fryup and Hawsker and a coffee morning at Hinderwell.

Posted in Whitby UK | Tagged Whitby UK Cafes, Whitby UK Restaurants. | Leave a comment

Today around Whitby Yorkshire

Posted on March 17, 2011 by admin

Walking round and about Whitby Yorkshire today in the lovely sunshine it’s lovely to see all the signs of spring. The hedges are displaying a green glow with the new buds, the daffodils are starting to burst forth, the primroses are happily showing their colours and the crocus are still retaining their petals.

Workmen have been busy planting the new bedding plants on the roundabouts around the town as well as on the West Cliff in the Crescent Gardens. Pannett Park is looking wonderful at the moment, the Floral Clock has been planted with new flowers and walking through the Park, there seems to be a sense in invigoration after all the work that has been carried out over the last couple of years.

Around many greens on the outskirts of the town there is evidence of badgers hunting for worms and squirrels busily scouting for food. There’s even been one or two pheasants flying overhead!

Hopefully some of the sights of Whitby Yorkshire will be evident in a certain tv programme called Emmerdale which has been filming near Whitehall Landing for the last couple of days. It certainly adds to the list of television programmes and films which have featured our town over the last few years.

Another sign of the spring weather here in Whitby is the number of trip buses bringing visitors to the Yorkshire Coast and Coastal Villages. It definitely feels like the beginnings of another holiday season.

Posted in Whitby Yorkshire | Tagged Crescent Gardens, Pannett Park, whitby yorkshire | Leave a comment