Fish and deckchairs

Swim, sunbathe, surf or simply stroll on the edge of the North York Moors, before venturing into the seaside town of Whitby for an afternoon of smoked fish and vampires, says Anthony Burton

Whitby, North Yorkshire

This old fishing town on the Yorkshire coast is divided by the River Esk. Under West Cliff is the popular Whitby Beach, complete with seaside huts, deckchairs for hire, donkey rides and a paddling pool for the kids. Follow the sands west for 2.5 miles and you’ll arrive at the fossil-filled cliffs and terracotta-roofed beach houses of Sandsend.

The beaches here are only part of the allure. Whitby is a picturesque town, with houses tumbling through the streets towards the harbour. There are fishy attractions too, including half-a-dozen fish and chip shops – Quayside, Trenchers and The Fisherman’s Wife. And there’s The Smokehouse, where the Fortune family have been producing delicious kippers since 1872.

Overlooking the town are the gaunt ruins of the gothic abbey – 199 steps up to get there. For many, it is not the architectural charms that appeal, but that it was the inspiration and setting for the most famous vampire story of them all – Dracula.

The Church of St Mary overlooks the eastern houses of Whitby

Anthony Burton is a freelance writer and author of a number of walking guides.