Whitby

You may be forgiven in thinking that the sky is always blue in Yorkshire, but you see, when the weather man says its going to be fine, and I can get out, I get out. So travel with me over the North York Moors to Whitby.

Is it just me or do the moors get more spectacular every year?

We set off early and arrived in Whitby, on the Yorkshire coast at 10 am. It was a really really cold start, but as the sun warmed everything up, it became almost hot! Captain James Cook famously lived in Whitby.

For those who have never been, this is a real whale bone, just outside the Royal Hotel, used as "The Royal" hospital in the TV series (I didn't watch it much myself, but my god son is an actor and appeared in 3 episodes that I was duty bound to watch).

There is a fabulous beach which stretches all the way from Whitby to Sandsend (another stunning little village on the coast)

We had a stroll along the pier to one of the lighthouses. It was really busy. Either everyone has come to Yorkshire for a holiday, or we are all Staycationing.

The view from the Victorian side of town - over to the old village.

The Abbey in the town was the inspiration for "Dracula"

Of course, Fish and Chips are famous here - Rick Steins favourite chippy always has long queues.

The town is divided in two by the river Esk, the older half - the fishing village - is really quaint.

Because of the Dracula connection, Goths flock to Whitby. The "Goth weekends" are an amazing spectacular. We once happened upon one and I couldn't believe the stunning costumes and makeup.
Of course the town does Halloween really well because of this and if you get chance next weekend, they are putting on the most brilliant of all Goth Weekends. It will be a sight to see.

I always have to go and peer in, and smell the aroma at Fortunes Smoke house. He was smoking kippers, ham and salmon.

The view over to the Victorian side of town from the fishing village.

After fish and chips, we had a quick walk on the beach, and then drove on to Robin Hoods Bay.

I'll show you tomorrow what we did there.