With the increase of staycations across the UK since the pandemic, many Brits flock to coastal towns for a trip to the seaside and a portion of fish and chips. Whitby is high on the list for many with its rich history, sandy shores and great eateries. However, day-to-day life can often be different for those who live there all year round.
Locals in the seaside town have revealed what life is like when the bustling crowds are gone and residents can reclaim their beauty spots from the crowds. Whitby’s postman, Paul Gross, knows the town inside out, spending his days on foot delivering mail. When asked if he enjoys where he lives, Mr Gross, 62, responded with a giant grin on his face. “I’ve lived here my whole life”, he told YorkshireLive.
The postman explained how the town is now “a lot busier” than it was 40 years ago. “When I was growing up, it was only busy during the Regatta or in the summer holidays, but now there seems to be something happening every week. Sometimes, I wonder why everyone is here as I don’t think there’s much to see apart from the Abbey, steps and fish and chips,” he said.
Despite the lack of attractions, the postman said: “It’s a great place to live.”
Another Whitby local splits his time between the seaside town and York University for his studies. Deacon Gurney, 21, said the contrast between winter and summer is stark, especially while working in a small business.
“It is quiet in the winter times, so working in a small business can be a little bit slow. However, this changes in the summer as it is hectic, and hundreds of visitors come at once,” he said.
Mr Gurney mirrored that of Mr Goss: “I love living here as it has a nice community,” explaining how Whitby is both a “nice-looking place” with “lots of nice people in it”.
The student, in his opinion, gets the best of both worlds by being able to enjoy the peacefulness of living next to the sea and studying in the busier city of York.
Another local who has lived in Whitby for their whole life is Jodie Wilson, who works in a homemade soap shop. “I have lived here all my life, and I think that really says everything about the place. It is perfect,” she remarked.
