Monday, December 14, 2009

Whitby - North Yorkshire - A Traditional Coastal Town

By Frederick Hoymer

Located in the North East of England, in the Scarborough district, Whitby - North Yorkshire is a well-known fishing port and popular tourist destination. Loved by both residents and visitors alike the town is the pride of the Yorkshire coast waiting to be discovered. Dating back to medieval times, today the town maintains its unspoiled atmosphere and there are a number of things to see and do.

For those wishing to explore the 2000-year history of the town then they can climb the 199 steps up to Whitby Abbey. The abbey, now in ruins, dominating the cliff top skyline and landscape of the town, provides spectacular views of the harbor and ocean. For families this is a great area to unwind, run free and take in the tranquility of the surrounding. Northumbria's Saxon King built the abbey in 657 AD

A short drive from Whitby is the fishing village of Robin Hoods Bay. The village comprises of a number of narrow, winding, cobble stoned streets. These run from the ocean to the top of a cliff with cafes and cottages balanced precariously on either side. The houses of the village are said to possess a number of underground tunnels and passageways that were used in the times of the Viking raiders, when smuggling was common.

Whitby was the where the great explorer, James Cook, came to serve his apprenticeship in 1746. The 17th Century Walkers House was home to Cook learning the trade and skills that took him on many great voyages of discovery. Today the harborside building is home to the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. The museum provides an opportunity to view many of the explorer's original exhibits and find out about his life.

For a number of years Whitby has provided great stimulation to many writers, most notably Dracula by Bram Stoker. This literature classic uses the town as the arrival point of Dracula in Britain alongside some other local folklore. There is now a popular Dracula museum and twice a year the town holds a festival for Goths.

This seaside town is a fantastic place to eat and drink with excellent restaurants serving up freshly caught fish. You can also enjoy many continental dishes and locally produced meals at one if its old traditional inns. Yorkshire is famous for its tea; there are plenty of tea houses brewing the finest available and baking delicious fresh pastries.

Whitby - North Yorkshire, with its medieval history, beautiful landscape and stunning coastline has something for everyone, both old and young.

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