Whitby Regatta is one of the oldest sea regattas in the country. With annual rowing competitions from Sandsend to Whitby harbour since  1840.

During Sat, 22nd Aug, Sun 23rd Aug and Mon 24th Aug there are events, displays and activities for all ages, centred on the West Cliff.  Among the many highlights of Regatta Weekend are the Raft Race in the Lower Harbour (Sat) and Regatta Sailpast and Lifeboat Launch (Sat); the Vintage Car Rally (Sun) and Tug-of-War Competitions (Sun); plus the Grand Parade (Mon) and Red Arrows Display. The festivities are brought to a close with the Grand Fireworks Display at about 21.45 on Monday evening not to be missed!!!

WHITBY ABBEY -

High on a cliff above the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby are the gaunt, imposing remains of Whitby Abbey. Founded in 657 by St Hilda, Whitby Abbey has over the years been a bustling settlement, a kings’ burial place, the setting for a historic meeting between Celtic and Roman clerics, the home of saints including the poet Caedmon, and inspiration for Bram Stoker, author of Dracula. Discover how over 2,000 years of history make the Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites. And at the interactive visitor centre your family can view archaeological finds and spectacular audio-visual displays.

An exciting new addition to Whitby Abbeyin 2009 was a replica of the famous Borghese gladiator statue, the original of which is in the Paris Louvre, has been installed in the Abbey’s 17th Century courtyard to replace the lost statue that previously stood guard on the site. The life-size bronze replica is the final touch to the revamping of Whitby Abbey’s visitor experience centre which includes a new visitor entrance point close to the 199 steps.

WHITBY MUSEUM -

Whitby Museum is an independent Museum founded in 1823 and run by Whitby Literary & Philosophical Society. The main hall retains the atmosphere of a Victorian/Edwardian Museum and has sometimes been called a ‘Museum within a Museum’. It is also remarkable for the variety of its collections.

Explore an amazing collection of local fossils, natural history, model ships, carved jet, toys, costumes and social history. There are relics of the Scoresbys – famous whalers – and Captain Cook. Ships captains of the past brought back to the Museum unusual things from all the seven seas.

The Library and Archives:
Contains books and other resources on the history of the Whitby area. Members of the public are welcome Tuesdays to Fridays 10am to 1pm and the first Sunday afternoon of each month 2pm-4pm.

The fossil collection with the wall mounted saurians and the jet collection are of international importance. Other very important collections are the Samplers, Ethnography, Ship Models and the Scoresby (2 whaling captains). If you are interested in natural history, James Cook, archaeology, ceramics, paintings, bygones, Whitby Abbey, toys and dolls or militaria you are bound to find something of interest. Whitby Museum is the home of the ‘Hand of Glory’ and the ‘Tempest Prognosticator’.

The Society also runs a library, an archives and lectures. A new wing has been recently added to the Museum and contains temporary exhibitions and costume galleries as well as displays on ship building, herbaria and the Growth of Whitby.

CAPTAIN COOK MEMORIAL MUSEUM-

This handsome 17thC harbourside house is where the great explorer, James Cook, came to serve his apprenticeship in Whitby in the year 1746. It belonged to Cook’s master, the Quaker ship owner, Captain John Walker. When the young Cook was not at sea, he lodged here in the attic with Walker’s ‘other family’ of apprentices.

The house is now a museum. It houses a superb collection of original exhibits about Yorkshire’s most famous son. Regional winner 2005, White Rose Awards.

For further information and for our special exhibition 2010 ‘Northward Ho! A Voyage Towards the North Pole 1773′, visit the Museum’s website at www.cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk

SAINT MARYS CHURCH

St. Mary’s is a delightful hodge-podge of many eras. The oldest parts, primarily the tower and basic structure, are Norman and date from around 1110.

The church has never been entirely stripped or rebuilt, but various extensions, modifications and furnishings were added over the centuries. The interior is mostly 18th-century and contains one of the most complete sets of pre-Victorian furnishings in England.

From 1890 to 1896, Whitby was the home of Bram Stoker, who set an important scene in Dracula (1897) at the church

THE BRAM STOKER DRACULA EXPERIENCE-

Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’ is brought to life in this walk-through attraction – a series of 10 scenes using sounds and new electronic special effects, models and live actors.

The lifeboat museum on Pier Road, Whitby has as its main exhibit the last pulling lifeboat to be in service with the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), plus models of lifeboats and other types of vessel, diorama of ‘Rohilla’ wreck and local history of the Whitby lifeboat station.

Many medals for bravery have been awarded to Whitby crew members over the years including in 1988 a Bronze Medal to Coxswain Mechanic, my dad, Peter Thomson and Helmsman Nicholas Botham for saving one of the crew of the capsized yacht Cymba.

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS

Green’s of Whitby – Whitby – 01947 600284

One of our favourites this award winning seafood bistro and restaurant in Whitby. Fine dining upstairs Bistro downstairs.  Locally sourced shellfish and seafood, extensive wine lists, Sunday lunch menu. Warm and welcoming. Located over the swing bridge on right side.

White Horse & Griffin Restaurant – Whitby – 01947 604857

Just a few hundred yards from the Abbey and set amongst the quaint cobbled streets. The White Horse & Griffin Restaurant/bistro offers exceptional cuisine. The specialities are based around the beautiful fresh seafood, brought into the town daily by the local fisherman also gorgeous Beef, Pork & Lamb dishes. Located over the swing bridge second left turning and about 50 yards on the right.

Ditto Restaurant – Whitby – 01947 601402

Small relaxing restaurant in Whitby with locally sourced & varied menu. Great desserts, vegetarian meals available. Located on Skinner St a 2-minute walk away.

Trencher’s Restaurant – 01947 603212

Well-known fish & chip restaurant in Whitby serving fresh, local produce throughout the day. Children welcome, range of vegetarian dishes, Halibut a real treat!! Located opposite co/op and tourist information. 2 min walk.

The Marine Restaurant – Whitby – 01947 605022

Popular, stylish restaurant offering a primarily seafood menu with meat and game dishes available in season, group bookings. Toward the pier on the left hand side.

A Passage To India restaurant – Whitby – 01947 606500

Fully licensed Indian restaurant in Whitby with superb fresh food served in contemporary surroundings. Disabled access. Very friendly service. Located opposite train station

Moutrey’s Italian Restaurant – Whitby – 01947 602751

Family friendly Italian restaurant in Whitby with freshly prepared authentic cuisine & contemporary decor. Pizza is made fresh in huge oven centre of restaurant, really great!! Situated over the swing bridge take a sharp right and is on your left hand side.

Harry’s Lounge Bar & Brasserie – Whitby – 01947 601909

Popular bar and restaurant in offering a  range of wines and cocktails, varied menu with novel starter-size portions. Head towards the pier on the fish quay. 5 min walk.

The Magpie Café/ Restaurant – Whitby – 01947 602058

Premier seafood cafe overlooking the beautiful Whitby Bay with children’s menu available. Situated toward the pier on your left opposite the fish quay.

The Moon & Sixpence Bar & Brasserie – Whitby – 01947 604416

Popular bar & brasserie in Whitby with great seafood dishes & extensive drinks menu including cocktails. Try and get a table at the front of restaurant  to get great views of the abbey.

Red Chard Grill Rooms – Whitby – 01947 606660

Relaxing restaurant in Whitby serving a wide range of locally sourced dishes including Yorkshire beef, lamb & seafood. Situated on Flowergate behind guesthouse at top of hill, a 2 min walk.

Crossbutts Restaurant – 01947 820986

High quality restaurant in Whitby on the Yorkshire coast with private dining room available for groups of up to 12, range of traditional British foods. A converted farm set in beautiful surroundings. Try the Swan profiteroles for dessert! Situated half a mile outside of town on the moors road to Middlesborough.

Estbek House Restaurant – Sandsend – 01947 893424

Award winning 2 AA Rosette Restaurant set in a delightful coastal village location. Superb views & serving fresh local produce. Situated 2.5 miles from Whitby

The Postgate Inn – Egton Bridge – 01947 895241

19th Century country inn on the North York Moors near Whitby. Locally sourced cuisine served in welcoming restaurant, beer garden approx 5 miles from Whitby

Whitby Goth Festival 28th-31st October.

Whitby Goth Weekend makes its second appearance of the year in October. The Goth weekends have become very popular in Whitby over recent years and this years event is set to be no different.

The Whitby Goth weekends are held in April and October and have grown into one of the most popular gothic events in the world, attracting all generations from across the UK and around the world.

The majority of events are held at the Whitby Pavilion including the Bizarre Bazaar Goth Market, however, there are also other venues such as The Metropole are used for overspill and unofficial events.

Although referred to as a weekend it includes events during the day on Friday and Saturday as well as events on the Thursday, Sunday and Monday. These events include additional club nights, markets, and a charity football match.

There are often unofficial day events taking place around the town too.

Whitby doesn’t just leave the dressing up to goths only, many of the local partake also, costumes from batman to beetlejuice!!!

Seven days of dancing in the streets, music and singing in the pubs, concerts and dances until late into the night, and a whole lot more. Seven days of meeting old friends and making new ones.

This long-standing celebration of the traditional music, dance and song of the British Isles has taken on the trappings of a tradition in its own right. With over 600 events covering workshops, concerts, singarounds, dance, sessions, street entertainment and the extensive ‘fringe’ events that blossom spontaneously. Folk Week is a festival that no lover of real music should miss.

Not into folk music?? no need to worry the atmosphere of the town and the friendliness of the locals and visitors alike will make for a fantastic week .