Peering down from its iconic setting on the cliffs at the mouth of the river Esk the town has been home to historical icons from Captain Cook to inspiring Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’
The popular seaside town of Whitby, which sits atop the dramatic North Yorkshire cliffs, has a rich history stretching back centuries.
Peering down from its iconic setting on the cliffs at the mouth of the river Esk the town has been home to historical icons from Captain Cook to inspiring Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’.
One of the main draws, aside from its rich history, is the town’s famous fish and chips. The Magpie Cafe stands at the heart of Whitby’s charming harbour – drawing crowds for its famous seafood delights.
Built in a merchant’s house dating back to 1750 the magpie has become renowned for its generous portions of cod and haddock to hake, plaice, skate wing, halibut, and authentic Whitby wholetail scampi, The Express reports.
The cafe is a bonafide local treasure with more than 6,298 ‘Excellent’ ratings on Tripadvisor and it also won the site’s Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2023. Diners heaped praise in online reviews, with one saying: “Must admit can’t come to Whitby and not eat here. My favourite seafood restaurant. Fantastic choice and great value for quality.”
Another happy customer said: “Having heard about this fish and chip restaurant on a James Martin Saturday show we had to try it. Well we were not disappointed, the fish was the best cod I have tasted.”
A third diner enthused: “Having been before and had the best fish and chips anywhere, I revisited with friends. The quality of the cod and chips was just as good – the best in the UK in my opinion.”
Once refuelled at the famous chippy it is time to wonder the charming streets and explore what else the town has to offer. History buffs won’t be disappointed, with Whitby Abby’s iconic ruins providing a must-see stop on any trip to the area.
Founded in 657 AD by Abbess Hild, the original monastery fell into disuse after Danish raids in the ninth century before being re-established in 1078. The abby, ruined in Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, remains as a hauntingly beautiful ruin.
The famous site inspired Bram Stoker’s legendary Dracula during his 1890 visit to Whitby, where he stayed on the West Cliff. The legend is kept alive at the Whitby Goth Weekend, celebrated twice a year in April and October which sees fans converge on the town to celebrate all things vampiric.
Meanwhile the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, located in John Walker’s historic harbourside house, chronicles Cook’s epic voyages as Whitby Beach unfurls along the coast just opposite, offering miles of sand and intriguing rockpools to explore.
