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Credits:

Photographs, research and writing by Matthew Falcus

Whitby

North Yorkshire,
England

Introduction to Whitby

Set on the dramatic North Yorkshire coast and straddling the steep valley walls of the River Esk, Whitby is a town so steeped in history and legend you will feel like part of an inconceivable movie plot the moment you arrive.

To get the more obvious claims to fame out of the way early, we will start with the fact that Whitby's famous ruined Abbey is the last resting place for numerous Catholic Saints of days gone by. Bram Stoker lived and wrote his novel Dracula here, basing the story on the streets of the town. Then perhaps most famous of all, Captain Cook lived and worked here in his younger days before setting out for the New World on a former collier ship built on the river here, named the Endeavour.

But those minor points aside, this is a town teeming with antiquities, history, legends and character. People flock here during the summer months to sample the atmosphere and eat a traditional Fish & Chips lunch, before exploring the North Yorkshire Moors national park which borders the town.

Time your visit with one of the visits of the lifesize reconstruction of the Endeavour as it tours the world, returning 'home' now and then much to the appreciation of the local crowds. Then climb the 199 steps to the ruined Abbey, a landmark seen from all around as it towers above the landscape on the headland of the East Cliff. Then opposite on the West Cliff, walk through the famous Whalebone Arch, and note some of the early 20th Century architecture built in a time when the beach resorts of the UK were world class.