DAY 1: STAND IN AWE OF ABBEY
Conquer the 199 steps and Piers
AM
Think of Whitby, and it’s impossible not to picture the iconic Whitby Abbey. So that’s where we would suggest you start your Whitby route. There is a good car park at the Abbey, so this is a good place to park away from the busy town centre.
Next, take the 199 steps down to the town. You can feel pretty smug as you take this scenic entry into the town, watching others tackle the climb upwards. Don’t forget you’ll need to come back up again later!
However, in literary history, it is not just us mere mortals that have climbed the steps, but Dracula himself! Bram Stoker wrote that after the shipwreck that brought Dracula to the town, he ran up the famous steps to the graveyard in St Mary’s Church in the shape of a black dog.
Try the cobbled donkey road if you don’t fancy the steps on your return or fancy an even greater challenge. Of course, you’ll need a good stretch and sensible footwear before starting the steep climb. However, this quieter route still rewards spectacular views across the East Pier, beach and sea.
Recommended lunch stops
Tapas on the cobbled street: The Blitz
Fish and Chips: Hadleys Fish and Chips
Quaint pub and beer garden: The Little Angle
Unique Ale stop off: The Green Dragon Ale House
PM
The working harbours and iconic swing bridge divide the East from the West, providing great spaces to view tall ships, fishing vessels and yachts as they come in and out throughout the day.
At the mouth of the harbour lie the East and West Piers. With its lighthouse added in 1840, the West Pier is the easiest to access and the perfect spot to take a stroll and enjoy sunrise and sunsets across the sea.
If you love the sea and exploring areas in a non-traditional way, there are plenty of boat trips you can take, from sea angling to pleasure boats to soak up the view and sea spray.
This is a busy area all year round, so be mindful of the ongoing traffic that goes through the centre.
The Yorkshire Coast is known for its excellent fish and chips - you’ll be hard-pressed to get a bad portion anywhere!
Recommended meal stops
Seafood restaurant: The Magpie Cafe
Harbour Views: The Fishermans Wife
Golf Course Views: The White House
Best places to stay nearby
Room only a stones throw from Whitby Abbey: The Board Inn
Hotel with sea views: The Royal Hotel
Charming B&Bs with sea views: The Wheeldale and Morningside Hotel
