Whitby was a thriving community long before St Hilda became Abbess in 649AD. Once an important trading centre, renowned for its whaling and fishing industries and seafaring explorers Captain Cook and Captain Scoresby, Whitby is now prized for the relative remoteness of its location, its unspoilt charms, and the spectacular surrounding countryside.
It is a popular destination for visitors both from the UK and overseas. There are often tall ships in the harbour, and Whitby hosts some excellent festivals such as the Musicport World Music Festival, Goth weekends (see links below), and Folk Week. The nearby village of Grosmont, home of the North York Moors Steam Railway, also has a contemporary art gallery and jazz cafe. Goathland (Aidensfield) is where ITV's 'Heartbeat' is filmed, and Robin Hoods Bay is one end of the Coast-to-Coast walk.
Images of the Whitby area are available here: Whitby images
