Stand on Whitby's headland by the now ruined  Abbey of St Hilda's watching the long, boneless fingers of sea fret creep silently towards the town and you will understand why Bram Stoker was inspired to create Dracula. Whitby continues to attract creative souls as you will see when you explore the many galleries and craft shops running down the hill from the Abbey and clustered around the old harbour. Look out for jewellery made from Jet, collected from local shores.

Nestling either side of the River Esk and surrounded by the North York Moors National Park, Whitby has earned its living from the sea for many centuries. As the East Cliff is dominated by the Abbey, the West Cliff is presided over by a statue of Captain James Cook the 18th Century explorer and voyager who was born in a few miles away in Marton, and lodged in Whitby as an apprentice: nearby is Whitby’s famous whalebone arch, a reminder of Whitby’s links with the whale trade. In Victorian times it became fashionable to “take the waters”, beginning Whitby's new career as a visitor destination.

Whitby's fishermen continue their centuries old relationship with the North Sea so it is no surprise that local chefs are expert at cooking fish.  Join the queue for the famous Magpie Cafe  or choose one of the many other award winning restaurants to find fish and chips cooked just the way you like it. If you want to push the boat out try Green's for fine dining.

In recent years Whitby and the surrounding villages and countryside have been the setting for the TV series “Heartbeat”  and 'The Royal'