Whitby and North Yorkshire Moors steam railway

Pete October 14, 2016October 14, 2016 0 Comments 199 steps, Caedmon's Cross, Captain Cook, Church of Saint Mary, Grosmont, North York Moors Historical Railway, North Yorkshire Moor, River Esk, Whitby, Whitby Abbey, Yorkshire

The last day of August promised to be a fine day and so the decision was made to have a day out at the picturesque old seaside town of Whitby, still a working port and harbour.

This old town is split in two by the River Esk, the east and west sides linked by a swing bridge, and with age there comes history. Operating as a whaling port from 1753 to 1833, built Captain Cook’s famous ship the Endeavour, and the ruined Gothic Whitby Abbey was Bram Stoker’s inspiration for “Dracula”.

The traditional route to the ruined Abbey takes you through the old town on the East side, along the cobbled Church Street, up the famous 199 steps

to be greeted at the top by Caedmon’s Cross and St Mary’s Parish Church.

Panorama view of Church of Saint Mary & Whitby Abbey

Many of the Victorian hotels and guest-houses are located on the west side of Whitby, and you will find a large sandy beach, a whalebone arch and a bronze statue of Captain Cook.

Panorama view of Whitby West Cliff and the harbour entrance

A walk up the West pier will provide you with the opportunity to climb to the top of its lighthouse.

You will also have scenic views of East pier with the Church of Saint Mary & Whitby Abbey in the far distance

Whitby east pier with the Church of Saint Mary & Whitby Abbey in the far distance

You can also take a trip on the North York Moors Historical Railway from Whitby all the way to Pickering.

Our journey was on a fine steam engine to Grosmont station before hopping on a modern network rail train to Castleton station to return to Westerdale village.