Whitby Hotels - Smooth Hound Hotel Directory

Whitby is well known as a picturesque coastal town located on the north coast. Whitby was once the home of the famous world explorer James Cook and it is reputed to be the same location where Dracula once landed, according to the novel by Bram Stoker. Millions of visitors make their way to Whitby each year to enjoy the historical heritage, scenery and the local fish and chips.

Accommodations are easy to find in Whitby, along with plenty to see and do, including several museums that are definitely worth the trip. The city is easily accessible by car, train and boat.

Whitby is in North Yorkshire and faces out to the North Sea. It is home to almost 14,000 people and has been populated since at least the time of Oswy who was the medieval king of the area. Whitby Abbey was founded by Oswy in 657 AD and its spectacular remains still overlook the town from the nearby cliff tops. The ruins of the abbey can be reached through the old banqueting house, which has recently been restored by English Heritage and now contains a museum with displays and exhibitions about the history of the abbey and the town. The abbey can be reached either by road or, if you are feeling energetic, by climbing the 199 steps that reach up to it.

Over the years, Whitby has been important as a port and this is still the case. It is often used to transport goods between the UK and Scandinavia and the town handles a variety of imports into the country, including grain and steel.

In August each year the Whitby Regatta takes place. Whilst this was originally a rowing competition, it has grown into a major event including a fair, military displays and firework shows. The Red Arrows flying team normally makes an appearance during the event. Rowing races take place across all three days of the regatta and local rowing clubs fight to win the various events.

If you are staying in Whitby on the eve of Ascension Day, you will be able to witness the ancient Penny Hedge tradition, which dates back to 1159. The event features the building of a short hedge which must be designed to withstand the force of three tides.

Twice a year, Whitby is the location for a Gothic Weekend, when the town features a variety of goth music bands as well as a charity football match and various other events.