Whitby holds a special place in the heart of Manchester Evening News reporter Rob Williams. Its mix of seaside revelry, historic buildings, excellent seafood, and Dracula-related spookiness makes it a place of endless delights for him and his family, and recently they were lucky enough to take trip to the charming seaside town.
However, it wasn’t without its challenges. While climbing Whitby’s famous stairs up to the abbey, Rob realised he may have bitten of more than he could chew. He said: “It was somewhere around step 150 of 199 that it dawned on me: washing down crispy chilli halloumi bites and battered prawns with a large glass of wine at The Moon and Sixpence was, in hindsight, not ideal preparation for a wobbly ascent of Whitby’s infamous Jacob’s Ladder.”
The first documented reference to these 199 steps dates back to 1340, but it is believed they have been around even longer. Once considered a test of Christian pilgrims’ determination to reach the magnificent Abbey perched above the coastal town.
Rob said: “In my case, they tested the resolve of an agnostic 50-year-old who’s horribly out of shape. It was a test I passed – just.”
Rob and his family stayed at the ideally situated and tastefully decorated Peony Rose Cottage on Cliff Street in the heart of the town – a charming two-bedroom property seemingly just a five-minute stroll from all the must-see sights, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He said: “From the outside, the cottage is charming: a pink gate and door, tangled greenery, and a cosy seating area set the tone. That same thoughtful design continues inside. The cottage is snug and filled with little touches that bring a smile as you discover them.
“The central seating area, like the rest of the home, is beautifully decorated and inviting. A multi-fuel stove, television, and large, squashy sofa provide the perfect place to flop after a day’s exploring.
“As a base for exploring Whitby, this place would be hard to beat.”
It’s often said that no trip to Whitby is complete without a visit to the renowned Magpie Café and Rob found out that it is easy to see why. TripAdvisor is filled with glowing reviews praising the “perfect” fish and chips, excellent service, and reasonable prices.
“We went twice during our stay and were impressed both times.
“The fish and chips were among the best I’ve ever had. Despite the crowds, the service was efficient and unfazed. The café caters well to those needing gluten-free options, and the thin, crispy batter on the GF chippy tea was excellent. Other seafood dishes on the menu were equally fresh and full of flavour.”
If you’re a fan of fish and chips, Whitby is the place to be – Quayside, in particular, is a standout. However, be prepared for the crowds and consider booking ahead to avoid lengthy queues.
For breakfast, the family ventured to the delightfully eccentric Jet Black Jewel Café Bar on Skinner Street. The gothic interior – complete with taxidermy, skulls, and various curiosities – may not appeal to all tastes, but Rob said the food was “very good indeed”.
Whitby boasts an array of attractions, but a visit to the Abbey is essential.
During their visit, the superb Time Will Tell theatre company was performing a family-friendly, three-person adaptation of Dracula outdoors. Eerie yet entertaining, this show has been running for over 13 years and is definitely worth seeing if it’s playing.
With its eclectic mix of unique shops, historic streets, coastal allure, top-notch cuisine, and literary heritage, Whitby caters to all interests. Being situated in the town centre without the need for a car enhanced our experience, and Peony Rose Cottage served as the ideal base for exploring this coastal treasure on foot.
Just perhaps give the pinot a miss before embarking on those steps.
Travel fact box
- Rob Williams enjoyed a stay in Whitby, courtesy of holidaycottages.co.uk.
- Peony Rose Cottage, a charming two-bedroomed cottage, is conveniently located less than 500 metres from the beach and a mere 150 metres from a local pub and shop.
- To book your stay at Peony Rose Cottage, visit www.holidaycottages.co.uk – prices begin at £555 for a week-long stay, accommodating 4 guests in 2 bedrooms.