The wonder that is Whitby (Whitby in general)

Member Name: sugar78

Product:	Whitby in general
Date:	21/06/09 (111 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful and just so serene

Disadvantages: None

Whitby is an absolute gem of a town! I started to visit Whitby in 2005. Me and my partner went for a weekend and loved it. It was that good that we booked the next weekend there for a month later and took my parents! (They also loved Whitby!).
There are plenty of things to do and see in Whitby, for all ages.
Next to the Royal Crescent you have the Whitby Wizard for the kids, which is full of scientific items that they can explore and have a go at doing. There are go-karts and a paddling pool next to the Royal Crescent as well, along with crazy golf. The little cafe next to the pool also does the best chocolate ice-cream you will have!!
Walking down towards the harbour, you will come into the view of the famous whale bones on the corner of the Royal Hotel. (The Royal Hotel and the Royal Crescent were built in the 19th century by George Hudson, but he only built half of the Royal Crescent as he ran out of money).
While standing near the whale bones, you get an amazing view of Whitby harbour, the abbey and St Mary's church.
I love to have a walk down to the harbour and have a walk on the west pier. It may be breezy at times, but it's refreshing! The lighthouse is sometimes open for you to climb up and normally costs £1.50. I did do this one year, but could not stand outside at the top as vertigo was kicking in big time!!! My other half took some great pictures from the top though.
There are lots of shops to browse around. Before crossing the bridge, have a look at the few shops on the main street. There are plenty of charity shops to have a good nosey in, and a lovely antique shop right across the road from the railway station. Across the bridge there are shops of probably everything that you could think of, soaps, jewellery, books, nic-nacs, lovely little cafes, and even a joke shop near the abbey steps!
My favourite place to have a meal at is Hudson restaurant. It used to be called Khyber Pass, and is right on the corner next to the west pier. The fish and chips are fantastic, but their other meals are great as well. Steak, pie, curry and other dishes.
Captains Cook museum is worth a visit and is fascinating. I have visited it a few times and normally costs around £4.00 for entry for an adult. The displays there normally get changed all the time, so every time i have visited, there has been new displays.
The Abbey has to be on your list when visiting Whitby, and is a beautiful place to visit. It costs around £6.50 for an adult for entry, and make sure that you get the interactive guide when going. It is a small hand held, what i call walkie-talkie(!). Press the numbers that you see on the boards when walking around the abbey, and you have a full commentary of the history of the abbey and sorrounding abbey!!
St Marys church, just outside the abbey, is also a place to visit. I visited for the first time this year, and inside it is stunning. There is no entry fee, but there is a donation tray before you step into the church. My 5 year old nephew was absolutely in wonderment as we entered. He adored the church, and i have to say that the atmosphere implores respect into you very easily. My nephew was so quite and whispered the whole time to me while in there, so as not to disturb anyone!!
It's good to talk about the abbey and St Mary's church, but you have to get to them first. The 199 steps up to them is a walk that i don't think anyone can forget!! Remember to stop halfway and take in the fantastic view. Also, it is tradition that you have to count the steps when you walk up them, and if you forget your count, your have to go right to the bottom and start again! (Have to say, i haven't tried this tradition out!).
As you can probably tell, i love Whitby, and have taken different family members on a trip there, and they have been converted too!!
My dad loved Whitby, and as he is no longer with us, i have bought a memorial bench for him on the west pier overlooking the abbey, and when i go back i can sit there, and be closer to my dad at one of our favourite places.

Summary: There is no better seaside town!