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Things to Do in Whitby
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Whitby Travel Guide

Whitby Things To Do

Reviews and photos of Whitby attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Whitby sightseeing.
Local Time 9:43 am Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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Popular Things To Do | Other Things To Do Tips | All Tips (160)
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Whitby Abbey
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  • One of Whitbys most famous landmarks!

    Most of the building work seen today is from the 12th and 13th centuries, but St Hildas Abbey was originally founded in 657, where the Synod of Whitby had bound English Christianity to that of Western Europe in 644.

    The Abbey housed both men and women, and was destroyed by the Danes in 867. The Danes then renamed the Anglo Saxon town of Streonshalh, Whitby! and began to colonise the Esk Valley.

    Farmers, trades and craftsmen migrated from Scandinavia to Whitby, and following conversion to Christianity built churches in the area.

    In the 11th century the Abbey was re-established for the Benedictine order, housing about 40 monks.

    Today, visitors can learn more about the history in the new visitors centre.
    Although I've not been into the centre, there are displays recording the development of the town, and its famous inhabitants, plus archeological finds, audio tours, interactive playcentre and tea room.

    At weekends, costumed guides are on hand!

    Open 1/4/04-30/9/04 daily 10-6pm
    1/10 - 31/3/05 Th-Mon 10 - 4pm
    closed 24 - 26/12 1/1/05

    I'll find out the dates for 2005 ASAP! but guess they're not too different!

    £4 adult
    £3 concession
    £2 children
    £10 family 2 adults 3 children
    under 5's free
    15% discount party of 11+

    free English Heritage/Overseas Visitors pass holders

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  • Address: St Hildas Abbey, Whitby
  • Phone: 01947 603568
  • Directions: Either walk up the 199 Church steps, or Donkey Road, through the Church yard and the Abbey is in front, drive up (parking available) Follow the road signs or catch the Whitby tour bus.
  • Website: www.english-heritage.org.uk
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    Boat trips around the Bay.
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  • A short boat trip around the bay will blow away the cobwebs! A chance to escape from the summer crowds, and see a different view of the coastline.

    There are a variety of excursions to be found in the harbour area.

    Although I didn't go on this particular boat, it looked pretty interesting!

    I think it's called The Kingfisher

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  • Address: Marine Parade, Whitby
  • Directions: From The Bridge, On The West Side, turn right (With the bridge behind you), and walk along the harbourside, you'll soon spot this boat, or if its out on a trip, look out for the advertising boards.
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    Spooky!!!
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  • In the grounds of this church (St. Mary's) which is also on East Cliff near to the Abbey you will see that the dates on these stones are very old.

    There are stories which link Whitby, The Abbey,and The Graveyard with Transylvania and Dracula whether any of it is true I dont know. It was here in Whitby that Abraham (Bram) Stoker when visiting had his inspiration to write his famous book Dracula.

    Looks spooky doesnt it?

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    Musicport- World Music Festival
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  • Ok, bit short notice, but the weekend of 22-24 October 2004, brings over 50 acts from around the world to Whitby.

    Full W/E ticket £67.50
    Fri night 18.30- 0200 £20
    Chumbawamba, Bajaly Susu, Nick Burman, Athena, etc Rita Ray dj session
    Sat 1100-1830 £20 Full day £35
    Peatbog Faeries, Schalom Bakhshayesh
    Sat night (Africa night) ? times£25
    Mabulu, Robert Maseko, Mory Kante
    Sat night Theatre £10
    Geno Washington, Engeleka 11
    Sun day £20 Full Day £30 Evening £20
    Schichesekai Japanese Monks,Biri Gautman, Oi Va Voi.

    Martin Furey, Bollywood Dancers, Martin Simpson, Baka Beyond.
    (See website for full listings etc.

    There are dance and music workshops (African, Tango,Belly etc) and didgeridu, drumming etc.
    Open mic at the compass club (Resolution hotel) Free admission, again see website for listings.
    Childrens festival, film programme, campsite.

    Hopefully this will be an annual event.

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  • Address: Various venues around Whitby
  • Phone: 01947 603475
  • Directions: Festival Office, The Port Hole, 16, Skinner Street. Activities at the following: Whitby Pavillion Complex, West Cliff Royal Hotel Resolution Hotel
  • Website: www.whitbymusicport.com
  • Other Contact: em tickets@whitbymusicport.com
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    The Church
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  • This is the church and the graveyard, it is called St.Mary's and its origins go back to 1110. It is just in front of this church where the 199 steps down to the town are located. There are also some benches to sit on up near the church where you look out over Whitby and the sea, such lovely views from up here.

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    Whaling
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  • Whaling was once a thriving industry in Whitby between the middle 1700's for almost 100 years. If the wives of the whalers saw when the ships were returning that a pair of whale bone jaws were hanging from the mast, meant that the ship had a full load.

    This arch of whale bone jaws was presented to Whitby by Norway in 1963.

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    Captain James Cook
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  • Captain Cook was a famous sailor who sailed the seas in the 18th century. James Cook was born in Marton-in-Cleveland on 27th October 1728. As he grew up he became very interested in the sea, boats and navigation and was introduced to John Walker. John Walker lived in Grape Lane in Whitby (where the James Cook Museum is now located) and his family owned several ships. James went to lodge with Walker and worked on his ships.

    His most famous ship was the Endeavour, this is a replica. Built during partly with monies from Australia, Japan and the UK.

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    Steps and Donkey Path
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  • Grit your teeth and climb the 199 steps to the top of the cliff where the parish church of St Mary's and the ruins of Whitby Abbey can be reached. Don't worry there are resting places on the steps - these were designed as rest for coffins being carried up to the church though! It was up these steps that Dracula is said to have raced up - well he must have been fit! - and fled back down disguised as black dog. The cobbled path at the side is known as the donkey path.

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    Church Street
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  • Church Street was originally made up of several short streets, and it's irregular plan, that can still be recognised today, dates back from medieval times.

    Church Street played an important role as part of the commercial centre of Whitby. The Market Place was built in 1640, with a toll booth.
    Records show that fishing vessel owners lived here around 1400. Development in the herring trade, resulted in a growth in population and housing. (About 3,000 lived here in 1700, and upto 4,938 in 1816)

    The jet industry also meant that workshops were a common sight around Church Street, with shops and a few workshops continuing today.
    Public Houses were to be found here, with at least 20 at one time.
    The White Horse & Griffin was a meeting place for Whale Boat captains, and Charles Dickens dined here in 1884.
    It was also important as a staging Inn, developing the horse drawn goods trading centre for the area, as the owners, and their horses had somewhere to eat, drink and rest.

    Walking along Church Street, you can see evidence of its history, by the buildings and cobbled roadway. 188 buildings on this street are listed as national or historical interest.

    Narrow ghauts (passageways) and yards lead off the Street. Some with interesting names, such as Arguements Yard! A popular photo opp!

    Nowadays, there are many interesting shops and cafes to keep the visitor busy.
    It can become quite crowded during the summer months, but out of season, early morning, or late evening, you can imagine life during earlier times.

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  • Address: Church Street, Whitby
  • Directions: From the bridge, facing The Abbey, Church Street is at the end of the road, although it runs to the right as well, the left hand turning is the one that you want.
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    The jetty/ Collier Hope Sands
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  • Whitby jetty, near pier - Whitby
    Whitby jetty, near pier
    by suvanki
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    After wandering along Church Street, then Henrietta Street, drop down to the sea.
    This jetty is to the left, if you're facing out to sea! I've spent many a hapy hour here, just enjoying the sun, the waves crashing nearby, and the sun setting over Whitby town. As you can see from the photo, the concrete path is decorated with ammonites and shells etc.

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  • Address: Collier Hope, Whitby
  • Directions: From Church Street/199 steps walk to the end of Henrietta Street, follow the path down towards the piers. The jetty is on your left hand side.
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    More Whitby Tips
    Overview
     
    General Tips
    Tips: 14 - Photos: 16
    Restaurants
    Tips: 32 - Photos: 29
    Hotels and Accommodations
    Tips: 19 - Photos: 21
    Things To Do
    Tips: 160 - Photos: 256
    Nightlife
    Tips: 6 - Photos: 3
    Off the Beaten Path
    Tips: 17 - Photos: 25
    Tourist Traps
    Tips: 15 - Photos: 39
    Warnings or Dangers
    Tips: 11 - Photos: 8
    Transportation
    Tips: 18 - Photos: 20
    Local Customs
    Tips: 10 - Photos: 10
    Packing Lists
    Tips: 4 - Photos: 2
    Shopping
    Tips: 21 - Photos: 22
    Sports Travel
    Tips: 2 - Photos: 3


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