There is no doubt about it; Whitby is absolutely stuffed with history.
Captain Cook set sail from the harbour in Whitby-built ships on his journeys of discovery, Dracula arrived at Whitby harbour in a storm, Queen Victoria established the fashion for jewelry made from Whitby jet, after the death of her husband, Albert, William Scoresby moored his whaling vessels here, Oswy, an early Christian king of Northumbria, established the first abbey in Whitby, the Synod of Whitby met here in 656 and found in favour for the Roman church over the traditional Celtic form of Christianity in Northumbria – I could go on, but there is even more to Whitby than history.
Today the town is one of the most picturesque harbours in Britain, with plenty to offer visitors including the annual folk festival, the twice-yearly Whitby Goth Festival, a Victorian railway station with links to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, fabulous fish and chip shops, Fortune’s oak-smoked kippers, several independent shops, sandy beaches (with donkey rides) and, of course, a splendid range of pubs.
The Black Horse on Church Street.
Of all the pubs in Whitby, this is my favourite. In fact when I am in the town I find it very difficult not to pop in for a pint.
The tiny main bar in The Black Horse. As well as wonderful ale, his pub offers an impressive range of snuff, if you are so inclined.
Martin, Pam and Vicki enjoying a pint in The Black Horse in 2013
The White Horse and Griffin on Church Street in 1995.
This old inn now trades as a restaurant.
Built in 1691 by Sir Hugh Cholmley, the White Horse & Griffin was the first Coaching Inn to operate from Whitby to York and London in 1788. Many famous people have stayed here over the years, including, of course, Charles Dickens. This chap is associated with so many hostelries around England; it is surprising that he found time to write any novels.
The Dolphin, Bridge Street
The Dolphin is situated on the banks of the River Esk, adjacent to the swing bridge that links the East side of the harbour with the west. Over the years my visits to this imposing brick-built pub, with impressive views over the river, always left me feeling it had never reached its full potential. On one occasion we spent a couple of nights here and experienced what must have been the smallest bathroom in existence. The tiny plastic shower, miniscule plastic sink and molded plastic WC were all packed into a plastic box about the size of a Tupperware box. Since my last visit, however, The Dolphin has undergone a complete refurbishment and recent reviews are very positive.
Three Jolly Sailors pictured outside the eponymous pub on St Anne’s Staithes in November 2013.
More like escapees from ‘Last of the Summer Wine’
The Elsinore, Flowergate.
The Whitby Gothic Weekend was established here in 1994 by Jo Hampshire. This is a superb pub where it is quite easy to spend a complete evening. In fact I have already done so.
The Golden Lion, Golden Lion Bank
A view from inside The Golden Lion. This quirky little pub is recognized as the oldest inn in Whitby.
The Golden Lion – just as you enter
The Board Inn and The Duke of York, Church Street in 1995.
Both pubs are well worth a visit. The Duke has some impressive views over the lower harbour.
Be prepared to meet many strange and wonderful creatures if you visit the town during Whitby Gothic Weekend.
A group of Goths at the bottom of Whittby’s famous 199 steps.
A piratical Goth and his lady.
Attractive young Goths in Whitby churchyard
He’s not really dangerous – so long as you don’t look into his eyes!
Vampires everywhere
The Little Angel, Flowergate.
A friendly pub frequented by Goths. This building is thought to date back as far as the 12th Century.
The Station Inn, New Quay Road
If you plan to leave Whitby by train, allow yourself a little extra time to visit The Station Inn for a pint or three. This pub has a well-deserved reputation for the range and quality of its beer.
The New Angel, New Quay Road.
This historic old inn has been acquired by Weatherspoons and given a new lease of life.
