Whitby, England Tourist Attractions
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Whitby (pop. 15,800), an old seaport full of tradition, has magnificent beaches of sand, extending to Robin Hood's Bay and beyond. The River Esk flows between the older and newer parts of the town. Whitby was formerly an important whaling station. Captain Cook served as an apprentice in Grape Lane and began his first Pacific expedition from Whitby. There is a memorial above the harbor to the great seafarer and discoverer.The golf-course is breathtakingly situated on high cliffs above the beach, while the best view of the town and coast is to be had from the inappropriately named Khyber Pass.Whitby hosts a regatta each year in August - three days of displays, events and fireworks as well as a rowing competition. The town also hosts Whitby Folk Week and Whitby Now featuring live music.
Whitby Abbey
On top of the cliffs are the towering ruins of Whitby Abbey, founded in 657 and the venue of the famous Synod of Whitby (664). After being destroyed by the Danes, the Abbey was rebuilt in 1078. The most striking remnant is the 13th/14th century church, built predominantly in the Early English style. The 199 steps of "Jacob's Ladder" lead to the Norman-Romanesque Church of St Mary's, with a beautiful south door.This site is of particular importance because it is the setting of Bram Stoker's famous novel "Dracula".The Synod of Whitby was the meeting at which the English church decided to follow the Roman church rather than the Celtic Irish church.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
The Captain Cook Memorial Musuem was once the navigator's home ashore. It houses a collection of authentic charts, manuscripts and other items of note that relate to the famous explorer.
Wheeldale Roman Road
Wheeldale Roman Road is the remains of a Roman road crossing moorland, about a mile long.
Whitby Festival
This annual festival runs from June to July.
