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Latest Whitby hotel reviews
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Dominating the Whitby skyline is its famous Benedictine Abbey. Disestablished under Henry VIII and left to ruin, the Abbey is now in the care of English Heritage.
The first Abbey on the site was founded in the year 657 by Oswy, King of Northumbria, under the name 'Streoneshalth', thought to signify 'Fort Bay' or 'Tower Bay', referencing a former Roman settlement at the site, although the connection was never proven and various other theories exist. This original monastery however was destroyed by successive Danish coastal raids in the 800's and remained desolate and ruined for 200 years.
Reinfried, a soldier of William the Conqueror, became a monk and travelled the the old Abbey of Steoneshalth. Planning to start a brand new monastery, he approached William de Percy, who gave him the ruins and surrounding land. The second monastery, the one which we can still see today, operated until 1540 when Henry VIII destroyed it during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Its remnants were mined for stone, and it was shelled by German Battlecruisers in 1914, aiming for the signal post on the end of the headland. However, it was still consistently used as a prominent landmark for sailors.
Entry to the Abbey and the museum in £6 for adults, £5.40 for concessions, £3 for children and £15.60 for a family ticket. English Heritage members gain free entry.
Written Oct 8, 2011
Address: Abbey Lane, Whitby, YO22 4JT
Phone: 01947 603568
Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/whitby-abbey/
The building of Royal Crescent was inspired by George Hudson who was born at Howsham, in the East Riding of Yorkshire on 10 March 1800.
After attending the local school, Hudson was apprenticed at a draper in York, quickly making his mark and fast becoming a partner in the business.
In 1827 he was the beneficiary of £30,000 in the will of a distant relative. This was to be the start of both his entrepreneurial exploits and his eventual downfall.
Hudson bought shares in the newly established North Midland Railway. It was the success of this venture that spurred him to set up his own railway company to link York with towns in the West Riding. He raised £446,000 and the line was completed on 29 May 1839.
There are some great gardens in front of the Crescent with some lovely colourful floral displays - a lovely place to sit and read during the summertime.
Written Aug 24, 2011
Bram Stoker stayed in Whitby and was inspired by the spooky surroundings to write the world famous Dracula.
The Dracula Experience is a unique tour through the Dracula story and the connection to Whitby. Using animated scenes, electronic special effects and live actors.
In 1885 the Russian Schooner The Demeter was hit by a wild storm and ran aground in Whitby harbour on Tate Hill Sands. Mysteriously all the crew were dead including the captain who was lashed to the helm. The instant the Demeter ran aground a huge black dog was seen to leap ashore and run up the 199 steps towards Whitby abbey. The dog was known to be one of the many forms into which a vampire could transform itself. Bram Stokers Count Dracula had arrived in England...
Written Aug 24, 2011
Address: 9 Marine Parade, Whitby, YO21 3PR
Phone: 01947 601923
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Whitby has a fantastic sandy beach. The large expanse of sand seems to go on for miles and miles - as far as the eye can see. At the area near the town you can take a Donkey ride, bounce on a trampoline or have a go on an inflatable slide. If a peaceful day on the beach is what you're looking for I imagine it's a bit quieter the further along you go and there is even a cliff lift near the Pavillion to help you out with the climb.
Written Aug 24, 2011
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During the summer months there are many different tour operators eager to entice you into their boat for a trip out to sea. You can take a trip on an old lifeboat, a speedboat or sail away in style in a small replica of Captain Cook's ship Endeavor. We didn't take a boat trip due to time restrictions but I would love to set sail on the attractive looking Endeavor. The boat trips were all at affordable prices - up to £5.00 per person.
Written Aug 23, 2011
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There are some great shopping streets in Whitby. The cobbled streets and alleyways are jam packed with shops of every shape and size, Jewellers, craft shops, Gothic memorabilia and plenty of quaint cafe's and delicious looking cake shops thrown in for good measure.
Written Aug 23, 2011
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At the top of the steps leading to the Church and Abbey you will find a great Celtic Cross. This is Caedmon's Cross which is a 19th Century Memorial dedicated to Caedmon, the earliest known English poet. It's worth taking a closer look as it contains some great carvings with intricate detail.
Written Aug 23, 2011
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Fortunes Smokehouse and shop is THE place to buy the most fantastic smoked fish. Established in 1872 by William Fortune, they have been smoking kippers for over 139 years and are the only traditional smokehouse in Whitby. It is situated just a few hundred yards away from the foot of the steps leading to the Abbey. The shop is a small understated affair with rows of freshly smoked kippers on display. We decided to take some home for our tea & it has got to be said it really was the nicest fish I have ever tasted - I want to go back NOW and buy some more :-))
Updated Aug 23, 2011
Website: http://www.fortuneskippers.co.uk/
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The Parish Church of St Mary has been altered many times during its' 900 year history. Although inside you will find the Georgian style galleries, box pews and triple decker pulpit have remained intact. It is quite different to many of the Churches I have seen. The church also has an Elizabethan altar table, memorial plaques, coat of arms and wall paintings for you to admire.
Written Aug 23, 2011
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The remains of Whitby Abbey sit high up on the East Cliff, the silhouette of this grand building can be seen from miles around.
The first Abbey was founded on this site in 657 AD by the Anglo Saxons. Lady Hilda of Hartlepool Abbey was appointed as founding Abbess. Following the demise of this Abbey, a soldier belonging to William the Conqueror created the Benedictine Abbey which was to remain until it was destroyed by Henry VIII in 1540 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The abbey buildings fell into ruins, and were mined for stone, but remained a prominent landmark for sailors and became famous for helping to provide inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula.
This beautiful ruined Abbey is now in the care of English heritage. Opening times and up to date pricing information can by found by clicking on the website below.
Written Aug 23, 2011
Address: Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire - YO22 4JT
Website: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/whitby-abbey/visitor-information
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Q: is there a bus service running between whitby and scarborough?
A: Copy and paste these into your browser ? http://www.arrivabus.co.uk/serviceInformation.aspx?id=2244
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