24 hours in Whitby. Things to do in Whitby.
Well here we find ourselves in Whitby, North Yorkshire for 24 hours.
First impressions are what a lovely place, I am glad to say my thoughts stayed positive throughout our stay.
https://www.visitwhitby.com/tourist-information/people-places/whitby-town
The town is situated either side of the River Esk, which flows out into the North Sea. It seems most of the town is on the opposite side to the Whitby Abbey which sits majestically above the river.
There is plenty of out of town parking. In town parking can be challenging in the high season.
Yellow Boat Whitby
First stop is a 20 minute boat trip around the harbour, and subject to good weather conditions, the boat goes out of the harbour walls for a high seas adventure, well sort of you are only on it for 20 minutes.
What is there not to like about this trip? It costs £4 an adult, and under 5s go free. A good old fashioned harbour boat trip.
One of the magical aspects of Whitby is the cobbled pedestrian alleys, with quirky shops.
If you want a’ kiss me quick’ hat, or a stick of Whitby rock, then this is the place to go.
There are 2 things I like in life, these are beer, and fish and chips. Whitby ticks the boxes on both, multiple times.
So first stop is the Whitby Brewery, next door to the Whitby Abbey, set up on the headland overlooking Whitby. You cant miss the Abbey, this is a rather imposing ruin on the hill, next to the The St Mary the Virgin Whitby, Church, also up on the hill.
Whitby Brewery
To get to the brewery there are 199 steps, apparently, uphill. If you need to stop for a camera shot (And to get your breath back) there is room on the stairs. Walk past the Abbey to your right and the church to your left. And voila! The Whitby Brewery.
The brewery and shop are easy to find. Buy your beer, or wine, or soft drinks, and you can sit either in the converted barn, or on the benches outside.
There were about 4 real ales on sale in draught, and their equivalent sold in bottles for consumption there, or takeaway. I had the Jet Black and the IPA. Both were excellent.
The St Mary the Virgin Whitby
At the brewery we walked alongside the Abbey and stepped into the churchyard of The St Mary the Virgin Whitby.
What an interesting place. It was previously falling into the sea, so there are some areas blocked off.
This is also a great place to look at the opposite headland, and also down to the next town along, heading North, Sandsend.
Centre of Whitby
Walk back down the 199 steps, or there is a tour bus that goes up there.
We didn’t take the bus on this occasion.
Down in the town we popped into the Jolly Sailors Pub on the front, just by the jetty for the Yellow Boat. A couple of pints of Samuel Smith’s beers went down very nicely, thank you.
Papa’s Fish and Chips
Time for some food. We both like fish and chips, and where better than to pop into the legendary Papa’s Fish and Chips, right on the front, overlooking the bridge, and the Abbey.
https://papasfishandchips.com/
The only downside was that because of the CoronaVirus they were unable to supply alcoholic drinks. Never mind. I had the Fishcakes, Chips and Mushy Peas, washed down with a diet coke.
I know I am a London boy, and therefore use to paying high prices, so I was very happy with the £10 a head cost. Talking to a local they say that is expensive. I was impressed with the service and the food.
Sandsend
From the centre of town, it is about a 60-90 minute walk along the cliff tops to Sandsend.
Sandsend is a sleepy little coastal town, which requires only a day trip. Anything more I think would be tiresome. But due to its close proximity to Whitby, this should not cause a problem.
Parking was fairly easy, there are metres along the front for parking payment. But as I said it is but a short walk from Whitby.
As you approach Sandsend with the sea to your right there are a number of cafes for sit in and take away.
The public toilets are well kept.
The beach is good, with good access along its length. Dogs are allowed on certain parts of the beach.
The beach is beautiful and sandy, with ample room, especially when the sea is out.
Approaching with the sea to your right, go over the bridge (East Row Beck) and turn left into the car park. You can then walk up to a castle which is about a 30 minute walk.
A very nice place for a spot of luncheon is The Hart Inn. You can sit outside with the dog or go inside alone.
Conclusion
Whitby is a beautiful little town for a short visit. Of course if you have a car then you can drive onto the Yorkshire moors and explore from there.
We had our own accommodation. However in the past we have had some terrible places with terrible views. For these go and view http://dickandsuegotravelling.com/2020/04/bad-hotel-views-around-the-world.html
These hotel views are put on here just for fun, so don’t take them too seriously.
A wonderful way to spend 24 hours. I shall go again.