Whitby in North Yorkshire was previously named one of the prettiest towns in the UK – and it’s home to the chippy famed for its fish and chips
The enchanting seaside town of Whitby, nestled on the North York Moors coastline, was crowned one of the nation’s prettiest spots back in 2021.
Perched atop the stunning cliffs of North Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk, this historic town is acclaimed for its evocative Abbey, its connection to globetrotter Captain Cook, and for being the backdrop to Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece Dracula – not to mention a legendary fish and chip shop that locals can’t stop talking about.
Dominating the spectacular views of Whitby harbour stands the Magpie Cafe, lauded far and wide for its comprehensive menu brimming with fresh fish and decadent seafood delights. This establishment is steeped in history, first constructed as a merchant’s residence back in 1750 by a member of the renowned Scoresby whaling dynasty.
With its roots deep in the maritime trade, the building transitioned from Harrowings’ shipping office to become a beloved cafe in 1939. Today, it prides itself on serving up an array of options including cod and haddock portions of all sizes, not to mention hake, plaice, skate wing, halibut, and locally-sourced Whitby wholetail scampi, reports MyLondon.
Patrons are treated to culinary classics such as the Magpie Fish Pie, Hot Seafood Pot, Lobster Thermidor, and Lindisfarne oysters. Garnering over 6,298 ‘Excellent’ reviews on TripAdvisor, the Magpie Cafe isn’t just a local staple – it’s a Whitby legend. It was also the recipient of the site’s Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2023.
Satisfied diners aren’t shy about their praise, with one asserting: “Must admit can’t come to Whitby and not eat here. My favourite seafood restaurant. Fantastic choice and great value for quality.”
Another food enthusiast recounted: “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.”
An individual raved about the culinary delights of Whitby, saying: “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.”
Whitby beckons with its iconic landmarks such as the evocative ruins of the town’s ancient Abbey. Founded in 657 AD by Abbess Hild, Whitby’s first monastery was a beacon for both men and women. It is at this historical Abbey where the monumental Synod of Whitby took place, aligning Celtic and Roman Christian practices regarding the celebration of Easter.
Ravaged by the harrowing Viking raids of the ninth century, the original monastery lay in ruin, only to be reborn in 1078 when the monk Reinfrid instituted a new Benedictine order on its grounds. Now, the remnants of the Abbey stand as a testament to its grand past following the Reformation’s Dissolution of Monasteries.
Bram Stoker found his muse within Whitby’s Gothic remnant, drawn there in 1890, lodging at a residence atop the West Cliff, which ultimately manifested into his magnum opus – Dracula. Flock to Whitby Goth Weekend, a bi-annual celebration of Stoker’s legacy, occurring each April and Halloween.
Those seeking to explore the Abbey must ascend the famed 199 Steps from the antiquated quarter of the town, trekking past the venerable St Mary’s Church while taking in panoramic views of Whitby’s harbour – an ideal spot to embark on a fishing adventure. Captain James Cook, the revered mariner, also hailed from Whitby, with his seafaring odysseys displayed at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum lodged in John Walker’s house by the sea.
This is where Cook began his seafaring career under the mentorship of Captain John Walker. Whitby Beach, a long stretch of coastline filled with rockpools, lines the front of the town. For those seeking adventure, Whitby Surf School offers surfing lessons in the North Sea, or you can participate in a beach clean-up.
Venture inland to Sneaton Forest and you’ll find the Falling Foss Tea Garden, serving homemade cakes, scones, sandwiches and plenty of tea and coffee – all beside the beautiful Falling Foss waterfall. For a taste of ‘Yorkshire tapas’, The Endeavour dishes up local delicacies like dressed Whitby crab, crayfish tails, and local pork pie from Bothams of Whitby.
While Whitby has earned a spot in the top ten prettiest towns in the UK, it also provides a glimpse into local history, cultural heritage, and is a haven for food lovers.
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