If you are planning your next travel destination, then you do not have to spend hundreds of pounds as the UK has some breathtaking locations everyone should visit at least once
If you’re planning your next getaway, there’s no need to splash out hundreds of pounds.
The UK is home to some truly stunning locations that everyone should experience at least once. Take Whitby, for example. This delightful coastal town in North Yorkshire, England, nestled at the mouth of the River Esk, is renowned for its picturesque beauty.
The town offers dramatic cliffside views of the ocean and proximity to the North York Moors National Park, but it’s also celebrated for its golden beaches, winding cobblestone streets, and charming harbour. According to TimeOut magazine, Whitby boasts the best fish and chips in the UK, and it’s said to have the top seafood restaurants in the region.
In a survey by McCarthy Stone, Whitby was voted one of Britain’s most beautiful coastal towns, and Express readers named it one of the best seaside towns to visit, reports the Express. Literature enthusiasts will know Whitby as the former residence of famed explorer Captain James Cook, whose name inspired Peter Pan’s arch nemesis, Captain Hook.
Harry Potter fans may recognise Goathland train station in Whitby from its appearance as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where the Hogwarts Express pulls in for the first time. But perhaps Whitby’s most famous claim to fame is its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
It was during a visit to Whitby in 1890, upon seeing the town’s gothic Abbey, that Stoker was first inspired to pen his iconic novel. Dracula famously travels from Transylvania to England, with his ship docking in Whitby.
The town honours its connection to the renowned vampire by hosting a ‘Goth Weekend’ twice a year in April and October, where everyone is invited to don black attire for the festival. Whitby hosts numerous entertaining celebrations throughout the year, including a family-friendly Pirate Festival in August and a steampunk weekend in February and July, where attendees dress in Victorian-inspired outfits.
The town also holds two major music festivals: the Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival in October and the Whitby Folk Week in August. Performers flock to the town to put on a series of concerts, dances, ceilidhs and other fun activities.
Even without the festivals, there’s plenty to do in this charming seaside town. One of the first things most visitors do is visit the ruins of Whitby Abbey, which are immediately noticeable as they tower over the town from atop a cliff.
This stunning abbey dates back to the 7th century and offers not only a fascinating history but also an incredible view once you ascend the 199 steps to reach the historic building.
Additionally, there’s the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, and you can even embark on a boat trip aboard a replica of the HMS Endeavour, the ship helmed by Captain Cook during his explorations. This is a fun way to explore Whitby for both humans and dogs, as your four-legged friend is welcome aboard too.
Whitby Sands also deserves a mention, a two-mile-long beach renowned for its caramel-hued sands, flanked by cliffs and vibrant beach huts. It’s the ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or even an ice cream treat.
Regardless of when you choose to visit, Whitby not only offers stunning views but is also a fantastic base to discover some of Britain’s quirkiest festivals and celebrations.