Wonderful Whitby Blog

Spring in Whitby

Posted on March 5, 2012 by admin

Springtime Morris dancers

Spring in Whitby, a wonderful time of year to be visiting our town. The snow has hopefully passed us by and the warmer weather should be be approaching. I know that March is supposed to to come in roaring like a lion and go out like a lamb and hopefully this will be true this year. Its fair to say that we haven’t had a severe winter this year as in previous years, there is a shortage of water and a possible drainpipe ban in other parts of the country, but we seem to be lucky in that respect. Anyone planting spring flowers at the moment will probably find that the soil is easily manageable at the moment. Not too wet and modestly dry.

Shortly the daffodils will be opening their flower heads trumpeting in the spring alongside the glorious display that the crocuses have given us this year. The snowdrops have sadly given of their best and grouped together with their heads drooping are looking slightly dejected.

The primulas are displaying shades of yellow from the palest cream through to the deepest cadmium yellow. The merest hint of pink of some primulas through to the deepest crimson and majenta shades. The wide spectrum of colour never ceases to amaze and delight the observer.

Heralding in the warmer weather of Spring in Whitby last weekend, were some very colourful morris dancers outside the Tourist Information Centre. A small crowd had gathered to observe the spectacle and it certainly cheered up a rather cloudy morning.

Visitors to the town are increasing due to the inclement weather and it won’t be long before the Easter season will be upon us which again will raise the number of tourists bringing with them an increase in trade for the town from the cafes and restaurants to the hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages, not to mention the tourist based attractions of the town.

Spring in Whitby, is certainly one of the most uplifting seasons to cheer us after the gloom of the winter months.

Morris Dancers in Spring in Whitby

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Things to do in Whitby

Posted on February 22, 2012 by admin

Whitby Harbour Boat trip

Fishing trip

Things to do in Whitby is a thought that passes through the mind of any of the visitors that come to visit this lovely town throughout the year.

Easily enough solved when travelling here in the warmer weather or those crisp lovely sunny days if we are lucky enough in the autumn and spring. Nothing better than a brisk walk along the beach (of which there are two) to get the pulse racing. With over two miles of sandy beach to Sandsend from the West Cliff beach, a bracing stroll there and back will chase away any cobwebs! For the lovely sunny days of summer there is the option to sit and play upon the beach, make sandcastles, dig trenches to let the sea flow into, dig holes and fill them with seawater, have a picnic, paddle in the sea, swim in the sea, have a donkey ride, fly a kite, play bat and ball or even just sit and watch the world go by. The possibilities are endless.

Many of the above, of course, could be aimed at the children but they do not necessarily exclude the adults! (Well maybe the donkey rides).

Other Things to do in Whitby for those of a more sedate nature could include a walk Pannett Park and a venture into the Museum and Art Gallery. Pannett Park has had a transformation over the last couple of years and is well worth a visit. The gardens have had extensive work to include a Jurassic Garden and also the Commemorative Garden. The museum has a wonderful collection of Whitby Jet and many artefacts from Captain James Cook’s voyages.

More active pursuits could include The Whitby Leisure Centre upon the West Cliff which houses a swimming pool, tennis courts, a gym and keep-fit classes, in addition to other activities advertised when available.

Whitby Pavilion is home to many amateur dramatic shows in addition to varying festivals over the yearly calendar. The summertime events held are suitable for adults and children alike.

As one would expect from a town with an historical maritime past, there are lots of Things to do in Whitby which are centred in and around Whitby Harbour. Sadly, the fishing industry has had a decline over the last few years but there are still a number of party fishing boats or indeed local small craft which will take anglers out to sea for short or long trips. Sightseeing trips aboard an old lifeboat, a speedboat, an Endeavour replica and many other pleasure craft set sail from various points along the harbour and can offer the visitor a chance to ‘sail the waves’ for a nominal sum, of course!

There are actually many more Things to do in Whitby to entertain both young and old, agile and not so agile. Activities than can suit every pocket and many that do not require any funds at all.

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Whitby Events 2012

Posted on February 16, 2012 by admin

Photo of the Red Arrows Acrobatic Team on Regatta Monday

Red Arrows over the Sea

Photo of NYMR Railway in Wartime visitors

NYMR Railway in Wartime Weekend visitors

Photo of couple on Gothic Weekend in Whitby

Whitby Gothic Weekend couple

Although the famous maritime port of Whitby in the County of North Yorkshire situated on the North East Coastline seems to be small by comparison with many other towns in North Yorkshire, it is huge in stature with regard to the many events held over the course of the year.

Many of the calendar events are held by virtue of the differing aspects of the town. The maritime theme, for instance, is instrumental in the one of the most popular events in the town, namely, Whitby Regatta. This yearly event has been in existence for over a hundred and eighty years. Primarily a fishing boat race between various fishing and salmon vessels, it later encompassed yachts and in the present day it involves the amateur rowing clubs. This competition between the clubs is the main focus of the regatta but over the years it has developed into a major three day attraction by the inclusion of displays on the West Cliff by the Army, Navy and Air-Force, a motorcycle gymkhana, bouncy castles and assault courses, vintage car parades to name but a few. On Regatta Monday, the whole of Pier Road and the West Cliff Pier are turned into a fun-fair with stalls, children’s rides, large adult rides, hot-dog stalls and many more fairground attractions. Most years on the Monday there is an air display by the Red Arrows Acrobatic Team giving a marvellous unforgettable presentation at just above eye-level from the cliff top. The end of the three day event is marked by a huge firework display late in the evening which never fails to entertain the large number of spectators who line the cliffs and the piers to watch the spectacular entertainment.

Another event that successfully brings hundreds of visitors to the town is the Gothic Weekend, or that should be Gothic Weekends, as the event has become so popular that it is now a bi-annual event. Bram Stoker, the author of the novel ‘Count Dracula’, frequently stayed in the town and drew his inspiration for the novel from the atmospheric Whitby Abbey and the one hundred and ninety nine steps leading up to St. Mary’s Church on the Abbey Headland. In October of this year, the Bram Stoker International Film Festival will be held drawing large crowds in addition to the Gothic Festivities on offer.

Whitby Folk Week held on the last week before the Autumn Bank Holiday is well-known on the Folk Festival Calendar all around the country. Held annually for over forty years, the town is filled to capacity with visitors both participating and spectating the music and dance extravaganza. The majority of the town’s public houses are venues for impromptu musical jamming sessions and sing-a-longs. Morris dancers perform near the bandstand and outside the tourist information centre amassing huge crowds who are invited to participate.

In the late Spring, the Eskdale Festival of the Arts takes place at the Whitby Pavillion and is a showcase for local children’s talent with regard to poetry and prose as well as musical displays and competitions.

Throughout the year, the North Yorkshire Moors Railways has special events which is proving popular year upon year. One such weekend is that of the Railway in Wartime Weekend in October. The town around the harbour area resembles a scene from the 1940s invaded by the troops and various German Officers. Members of the public don old style clothing to further enhance the wartime atmosphere.

There is certainly much to see and do around Whitby which is perhaps why the tourism trade is alive and flourishing in this wonderful town.

Posted in NYM Railway, Whitby, Whitby Folk Festival Weel, Whitby Gothic Weekend, Whitby Regatta | Tagged Whitby Events | Leave a comment

Whitby Holidays,Whitby Cottages, Whitby Hotels, Whitby Guest Houses

Posted on February 5, 2012 by admin

Seagull in Whitby

Donkey Rides on Whitby Beach

Children’s roundabout

Whitby holidays are part and parcel of childhood memories for many people. The majority of visitors to our town are returning once again to a town that has a special significance with their past. This could possibly be because of a school trip field course or maybe a family seaside holiday spent on their annual holiday.

Whitby holidays conjure up a picture of building sandcastles on the beach or paddling along the seashore. Donkey rides along the beach with the sound of bells tinkling on the reins. Ice-cream cones licked in rotation to stop drips running down fingers and mixing with sand! The shrill cry of seagulls as they swoop across the harbour looking for tasty tit-bits that the visitors may leave behind after their fish and chips. The long walk up the Abbey steps, counting all the while, to make sure that there are indeed one hundred and ninety nine. Then walking through St. Mary’s churchyard looking at the gravestones and wondering if you will find the pirates gravestone that you’ve heard about. The delight of eating fish and chips, maybe out of the paper, sprinkled with salt and vinegar and eaten with a small wooden fork. The amusements, bright lights twinkling and the sound of coins dropping into machines, the sight of teddy bears waiting to be ‘grabbed’ by metallic fingers and the all to often disappointment of a missed catch. Crab-lining from Kiddie’s Corner with excited anticipation that a small crustacean may be dangling from the hook when hauled to the surface, or indeed, a small fish, anything but a piece of seaweed! Whitby rock and small paper plates with a rock breakfast of bacon, eggs and sausages. Candy-floss in either pink, blue or yellow ready to melt on the tongue. Waffles rich in chocolate and cream or laced with strawberry sauce and other delights to increase calorific intake in a most delightful way.

Whitby holidays bring back many memories to many people and with the wide variety of accommodation available in the form of Whitby Hotels, Whitby Guest Houses, Whitby Bed and Breakfast and Whitby Cottages, there is no shortage of quality Whitby Holiday accommodation. The children visiting and staying in the accommodation now are the parents of children staying in the future bringing their own families, carrying on the tradition of a Whitby holiday because of childhood memories.

Coach trips to Whitby are a source for ensuring the return of visitors. A small brief day trip can act as a ‘taster’ for a maybe a full week’s stay or a weekend away. As can be evidenced by the increase in tourism to the town, there are many people eager to enjoy a Whitby holiday if not at the present time then sometime in the future.

Posted in Hotels Whitby, Whitby Holidays | Tagged Whitby Accommodation, Whitby B & Bs, Whitby Guest Houses, Whitby Hotels | Leave a comment

Whitby Seafood

Posted on February 2, 2012 by admin

Wonderful Whitby Shellfish

Whitby Shellfish

Whitby Seafood, is indeed, food glorious food. Where else can you get the wonderful choice of seafood in such surroundings as our hometown of Whitby on the North East Coast in the County of North Yorkshire.

Whitby Restaurants and Whitby Cafes have delicious dishes on their menus including Whitby seafood. Who is not familiar with local caught crab and lobsters. Whether on their own or in a delicious seafood salad, that is one dish that is the tops on many a visitor’s or local’s list. Of course, the iconic dish of Whitby UK is ‘fish and chips’. Once thought of as a humble dish, it is now a gastronomic delight with even the most famous of television chefs trying their hand to fry this tasty dish. Our local restauranters and chefs could teach them a thing or two about fish frying!!!

Whitby scampi is know all across the country and is found in the majority of restaurants and cafes from John O’Groats to Land’s End. A walk along the pier on a busy day and there are the shellfish stalls selling their wares. Small dishes of your favourite selection to be ‘taken away’ with little wooden forks as you stroll along Pier Road or onto the piers. This has been a tradition for the visitor for many years and evokes childhood memories.

The fresh fish shops have a wonderful selection of fresh shellfish in addition to their vast array of succulent fresh fish. Sadly, not much fresh fish varieties are landed at our former glorious fishing port, indeed, the industry has sadly declined of late but hopefully in the future there will be a return of sorts to the landing of catches.

Whitby Seafood is one of the reasons many visitors return to the town. This helps not only the local fish shops but also the local Whitby Restaurants and Whitby Cafes not to mention the Whitby Pubs. The accommodation sector will also benefit from the returning visitors. All in all it is a win win situation for the town.

Whitby Cod Fillets

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Whitby UK Restaurants

Posted on January 29, 2012 by admin

WHITBY UK RESTAURANTS, VALENTINE’S DAY

Valentine's Day Cards

Whitby UK Restaurants are planning to have a bumper Valentine’s Day Event this year with many of the restaurants already planning their menus to tempt customers into their premises to sample the delights of romantic sounding dishes.

Who could not be swayed with the prospect of ‘Love heart red pepper stuffed with mushroom kissed rice’ followed by ‘Fillet steak tenderloin lovingly prepared with sun-kissed tomato relish’ and then to top it all with a ‘Passionfruit Meringue Pavlova’. Obviously, of course, these special invented meals are not served in any particular restaurant that I know of, but you get the general idea!

There are certain times of the year where different occasions are celebrated, for instance, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Halloween, St. George’s Day, St. David’s et al, all of which are instrumental in ensuring Whitby UK Restaurants increase their customer numbers. This is essential in these economic times both to keep a healthy turnover and to employ the local workforce out of season.

The imminent arrival of St. Valentine’s Day is evidenced all around the town already. Window displays are a blazing colour of red, hearts are in abundance from the card shops to the charity shops. No doubt the Whitby Restaurants will adorn their premises on Valentine’s Day making it a special occasion for romantic couples to enjoy the evening celebration.

Whitby Restaurants have been increasing in numbers over the last few years and there are many quality establishments serving an extensive range of food choices. Cuisine from all parts of the world are represented in our town. Anything from Asian to the Mediterranean not forgetting typical English fayre.

In these times of economic austerity it is a welcome sign to see that the Whitby UK Restaurants are thriving and hopefully all the restaurants will be full to capacity over the weekend of Valentine’s Day and the actual day itself.

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Whitby Whalebone Arch, Whitby Town

Posted on January 17, 2012 by admin

A postcard showing the Whalebone Arch at Whitby over the seasons

Whitby Whalebone Arch is an iconic symbol of Whitby Town as evidenced by the above postcard. For years they have been a magnet for photographers. Hoards of schoolchildren gather to stand underneath them and families over the years have photographs of Whitby with their children standing close by to the arch.

There has been a Whalebone arch since 1853 when the first ones were originally erected as at that time Whitby played an important role in the Whaling industry. In 1963 the original bones were replaced by whalebones given as a gift by the Norwegian Shipping Company ‘Thor Dahl’. They had been sourced from a huge Fin whale killed in the Antarctic and stood at over nineteen feet high.

There they remained until March 2003 when they were deemed to be unsafe because of deterioration over time. They were removed and placed in storage with the Whitby Archives. There the story would have ended but strangely enough, these particular whalebones have resurfaced on e-bay. Apparently they were removed when Whitby Archives moved offices and were put into storage. After the Whitby Gazette revealed the sale of the whalebones on e-bay, there was an outcry from many of the population of Whitby and they were hastily removed from the listings primarily the reason given was that e-bay were reluctant to be involved in the sale of endangered species and specifically animal matter!

Since then Scarborough Borough Council has offered to sell them and anyone interested in purchasing these iconic symbols should get in touch with them. It would indeed be a shame if they were to be removed from Whitby Town as they are part and parcel of the heritage of this once great whaling town.

The present bones are from Alaska and stand proudly at the top of the Khyber Pass, a testament to the whaling industry and a great draw for the tourist.

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Pictures of Whitby UK

Posted on January 7, 2012 by admin

Photo of the East side through an archway

Through the Keyhole

As everyone knows there are some wonderful Pictures of Whitby UK and, many of course, have been posted on this particular blog post as well as on the Wonderful Whitby Website. Photographers over the last century or so have recognised Whitby as one of the most original settings and host to a distinctive image be it of Whitby Abbey, the Whalebones or Captain Cook’s Statue.

Frank Meadow Sutcliffe was one of the earliest known photographers who captured not only the buildings of the time but also the many local fishermen, fisherwives, children and indeed local tradesmen and townsfolk. His many photographs are iconic to Whitby and have been displayed as calendars, place mats, postcards and numerous books.

For the modern day photographer, however, the scenes are not too dissimilar from those that Sutcliffe viewed. The town has changed little from its original format save for, perhaps, some shop frontages. Whitby Abbey, still majestic as it sits atop the headland overseeing the town and looking to the North Sea. St. Mary’s Church and graveyard reached by the 199 steps parallel with the Donkey Path, a photo opportunity from whichever direction it is viewed.

The Whalebone Arch at the top of the Khyber Pass has for many years delighted both photographers and children alike.

Whitby Harbour in the pink

Photo of Whitby Harbour at late afternoon

Sunset reflections near Whitby Harbour

Many tourists can be seen taking their snapshot of Whitby Abbey framed by theWhalebone Arch. Another popular and distinct image is of the East Side framed by the Arch on the Khyber Pass, as though looking through a keyhole.

The historic Whitby Harbour and Swing Bridge are some of the most captured images of the town as evidenced by the number of magazines and publications portraying such views.

There are, however, too many places to mention individually whereby a picturesque image of Whitby Uk may be captured. Each day and every type of weather can produce different photo opportunities for Whitby Pictures and this is perhaps one of the reasons why visitors return again and again to the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the North East Coastline.

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Boxing Day Dip, 2011, Whitby UK

Posted on January 2, 2012 by admin

Boxing Day 'Dippers' 2011

Boxing Day 'Dippers' in the sea at Whitby

Brave Boxing Day participants running to the sea

Ready Steady Go

Lining up for the Boxing Day participants

Cool Running Bobsleigh Team Fancy Dress

Super Mario and Luigi raising money for charity

The Boxing Day Dip, Whitby Uk

was hailed as a great success with over one hundred and twenty five ‘dippers’ taking part in what was the 39th such event. On an unusually sunny and mild Boxing Day the warmer weather brought out a large number of spectators to witness the event. Huge crowds gathered near the bandstand to watch to arrival of the participants, some in fancy dress, as they made their way down the slipway to the West Cliff Beach.

The age ranges of the ‘dippers’ varied from children to old age pensioners, all with the aim of raising as much money as possible for the Whitby Lions who donate to many local charities. Most participants had individual sponsorship but the large crowd of onlookers were able to contribute and, in fact, the total amount raised is said to be in excess of £780.00.

After lining up for the commencement of the Boxing day Dip 2011, the eager participants ran en masse down to seashore bravely defying the cool temperatures of the North Sea in their determination to raise funds for charity. Although shivering, there was a good natured atmosphere amongst them all and the crowd of approximately three thousand watched intently as they splashed and even swam in the cool waters.

It was a long cold walk back for the ‘dippers’ as they made their way back from the sea shore but they could congratulate themselves on their achievement and be proud of their participation in the Boxing Day Dip, 2011.

The Whitby Mayor, John Freeman judged the Fancy Dress Costumes and it must be said that a great deal of thought and time had been taken with some of the costumes. It must have been extremely difficult to choose the winners from such an array of differing outfits. The winning childrens’ entries were a reindeer and a christmas box, the men and ladies winners were an Elvis Impersonator and a Masked ballgown lady whilst the team winners were the film ‘Cool runnings’ bobsleigh team.

Congratulations and well done to all who participated in the Boxing Day Dip 2011. It was a memorable performance for all concerned probably made a little more comfortable by the milder weather.

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Whitby Pictures and Whitby Photographs

Posted on December 23, 2011 by admin

Whitby pictures and Whitby photographs are to be found almost everywhere. This picturesque town has been captured on film over the last century or so as evidenced by the collection of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. Today, however, the sights are more often than not captured using digital cameras.

The digital image allows the photographer the ability to change the structure and shape of the subject, to enhance the colours and to brighten or darken any particular photograph. This has led quite often to abstract and unique images of the Whitby town appearing in the national press and a great number of magazines.

No matter what time of year be it spring, summer, autumn or winter, Whitby can present the most seasoned or amateur photographer with a splendid view of a particular building or structure, perhaps a beautiful sunrise or sunset, maybe a bustling harbour view or an atmospheric shot of Whitby Abbey with St. Mary’s Church and the 199 steps.

Visitors to the town are often amazed at the scope of picturesque scenes available and no doubt return home with reels and reels of film or undoubtedly hundreds of digital images. Another amazing opportunity for photographs is the Whitby Gothic Weekends, Whitby Regatta, the Whitby Folk Week and the North Yorkshire Moors Steam Railway Weekends. Each one a wonderful photo opportunity to take

Picturesque Whitby Harbour

Photo of Captain Cook's Statue in Whitby

Captain Cook's Statue, Whitby, UK

Clipper in Whitby Harbour

Whitby Abbey and reflection