The perfect port of call
OVER THE MOORS: Looking for somewhere to while away the summer holidays? Where better than Whitby, says Chris Berry.
EGATTA, Folk Week, fantastic theatre, agricultural shows, the seaside, the harbour, kippers, Dracula, Captain Cook, the Magpie Cafe, Pavilion and Spa Complex, the 199 steps, the abbey, St Mary’s Church, cobbled streets, swing bridge, rowing boats on the Esk, Heartbeat country and as they say much much more... Guess where we are?
The North York Moors provides you with perhaps the most scenic journey to any of Yorkshire’s coastal towns. At this time of year it’s even more resplendent than ever with purple heather out in abundance and blues skies offering a taste of what is to come when you reach the beautiful, almost magical and still seemingly unspoilt Whitby.
Whitby has so much to offer at any time of year but August sends this small fishing port and holiday destination into overdrive. The Whitby Regatta will take over proceedings in the harbour area from August 14 to 17, featuring yacht racing in sometimes very tough waters and the even more arduous sea rowing. This truly is a feat of endurance by the crews as they row out to their starting point, which differs dependent on the age category, before charging hell for leather back to port. If you’ve never seen it before you should try watching this. You certainly won’t find Sir Steve Redgrave and Sir Matthew Pinsent here!
At the end of the month (August 22-28) it’s the turn of the fabulously popular Whitby Folk Week, which as I’ve reported previously seems to be overlooked somewhat by those champions of folk music on BBC Radio 2 and yet this is arguably the country’s largest folk festival and is a tribute to those who have been around since its inception 50 years ago.
I know it might sound a little corny but there’s nothing like Whitby in folk week and walking around from hostelry to hostelry with the strains of violins, guitars, fiddles, penny whistles, squeezeboxes and a plethora of other instruments being played in many of them.
What should never be forgotten also is that Whitby really is a great seaside resort. Its beaches are wonderful and for those with families looking to take over part of the beach in the way that TV presenter Michael Parkinson’s family did to play cricket or football, or as my family did many years ago, I can confirm that the batting surface is exceptional.
My personal favourite beach area just up from Whitby is Sandsend with its inlet providing young children with plenty of beach and crabbing exploration – and I couldn’t get away without mentioning the terrific Whitby Golf Club between Whitby and Sandsend. If ever there was a more perfect looking links course then I have yet to see it.
August also provides a brilliant opportunity to spend a day or two on the North York Moors at special events. It is the summer agricultural show season and you are spoilt for choice with shows at Hinderwell, Danby, Rosedale, Egton and Farndale. Hinderwell is one of the smallest of the five but still a lovely show. It’s their 146th show this year.
Danby Show is real treat. This one is like going back into the days when Heartbeat