Captain Cook Museum – where James Cook lodged!!

Get to know Captain Cook at this award winning museum, his life, his voyages, his discoveries……

Down a narrow lane, backing on to the harbour, lies Walker’s House, which belonged to Captain John Walker, the Whitby ship owner whom Cook served for nine years.   It was to this house, now the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, that young James came in 1746 to serve his seaman’s apprenticeship.   Cook remained in touch with Walker all his life visiting the house again in 1772 after the First Voyage.

Cook explored the East Coast of Australia, charted New Zealand, was the first to cross the Antarctic Circle and the first to circumnavigate the globe in both directions – he was world famous in his lifetime and a legend after his death.

The Museum illuminates his life with a mass of material, original letters in Cook’s hand, letters about disputes in London, paintings and Pacific artifacts from the Voyages, ship models and maps, taking the visitor from the beginning of Cook’s sea-going career to his death in Hawaii.

Opening Times

The Museum is open half term weekends in February and then daily, March through October. For detailed information, please look at the Visitor Information page on the Museum’s website.

The Museum is independent and run by a charity, the Cook Museum Trust.   It is fully accredited with Museums, Libraries and Archives Council, and with VAQAS, the Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Service.

Contact Details

Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Grape Lane
Whitby
YO22 4BA

WebSite: http://www.cookmuseumwhitby.co.uk/

Please fill in the form below to contact us
[contact-form-7]

Telephone:  01642 712429

How to find us

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‘Crabbing’ in Whitby Harbour has been the pastime of youngsters in the town for a million generations. Next to Whitby Bridge is a designated harbour fishing area where 99% of those ‘fishing’ are trying to catch crabs on simple hand-held lines. Called ‘doggering’ (1) by locals, this simple activity comprises of a single fishing line, small weight to sink the bait, a juicy piece of bait (bacon rind, tinned mackerel in oil or, highly recommended – a fish head), no hook needed,  and for mums and dads a more than your average amount of patience ……….. but the babes will love it !  Insider tip 1 : the kids will want to check their crabbing line every 60 seconds ….. leave the line for 5 minutes, which should give time for the crabs to come out, sniff around and then decide on whether to dine on your offerings or scuttle back under the seaweed……. Insider tip 2 : despite what others say, don’t be in a hurry to bring up your fishing line …..slowly and gently is the key …. Harbour crabs are very quick to sense excessive or unusual  movement and will go into defensive mode and let go of the bait if alarmed

Care of the harbour crabs :

Harbour crabs are only small and are not edible. ‘Fishing’ for them provides endless enjoyment for youngsters who are keen to ‘catch..’ Treat these crabs carefully and gently. If you wish to keep any ‘captives’ in a bucket for an hour or more, please put some seaweed in as well because our little friends live at the darkened bottom of the harbour and are not comfortable with sunlight. When your ‘fishing’ is over, please return the harbour crabs to their home, gently and carefully.

 (1) ‘doggering’ :   pronounced   ‘ dog…errr …ing ‘  -   The Whitby term for red harbour crabs is ‘doggers’

Below is an extract from the Eden Camp website:

“A visit to our unique Museum at EDEN CAMP will transport you back in time to wartime Britain. You will experience the sights, sounds, even the smells of those dangerous years.

This is no ordinary Museum – Not another Military Museum – Not a glass showcase Museum – We have reconstructed scenes using movement, lighting, sound, smells, even smoke machines to transport you back in time, to make you feel that you are there taking part in history.

Our special award winning Museum is an original Prisoner of War Camp built in 1942. Our fascinating displays hold, and reveal to you, the vital spirit which eventually triumphed in 1945. These superb and lifelike exhibits make a visit to EDEN CAMP a wonderful and educational day out for all the family.”

Having been a visitor on many occassions and can highly recommend the musuem, the kids will love the experience and parents will certainly learn something new.

Eden Camp contact details:

Telephone: 01653 697777 (International: +44 1653 697777)

Fax: 01653 698243 (International: +44 1653 698243)

E-mail: admin@edencamp.co.uk

Website: http://www.edencamp.co.uk

Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum
Malton
North Yorkshire
YO17 6RT

Map

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Before you get to Whitby, it would be a good idea to find out where you can park. Whitby can get busy in the summer and at weekends, which can make parking difficult. In the map below you will find all the public car parks available in Whitby along with icons for public toliets.

Whitby is perfect for families. There is a range of activities and places to visit that are ideal for the whole family. Some of the activites and places to visit include Captain Cooks museum and monument, the famous Whitby whale bones, cruise trips around the habour on the replica Endeavour, a visit to Whitbys lesuire center, Whitby Abbey and much much more. Take a look at the map below and click on the icons to reveal the best places to take your family on your trip to Whitby.

Remember the ‘good old days’ when you used to buy fresh fish from your local fishmonger? Well those days are now back!  We might not be geographically local to where you are – but we’re just at the other end of a phone call. Allowing you to have fresh fish delivered and Seafood prepared by hand, packaged to your exact requirements and delivered to your door.

We buy fresh fish from the markets specifically for our orders so you can stipulate how you want it prepared and packaged.  We appreciate that everyone might want their fresh fish packaged differently, for example; if you want 8 fillets of haddock for 4 meals for a couple, then we will vacuum pack the fillets in packs of 2 so you can freeze and cook just what you want, when you want it!  Just let us know!

There are so many varieties of fresh fish available; it is difficult to list them all!  Here are just a few examples!  When you ring, we will discuss the fresh fish available given the season and conditions at the time.  Let us know what you want and when you want it, give us as much notice as you can and we will endeavour not to disappoint!

Examples of fresh fish we can deliver:

• Whitby Crabs
• Cod Fillets
• Halibut
• Haddock
• Lemon Sole & Plaice
• Ling
• Monkfish
• Lobsters

Whatever your requirements, no matter how much or how little fresh fish or seafood you require, Whitby Seafish Ltd: fresh fish suppliers, can provide you with the highest quality at the most affordable prices.

Please do not hesitate to contact us using the details below:

Whitby Seafish Ltd
Unit 1a, Whitegate Close,
Staithes,
Saltburn By The Sea
Cleveland
TS13 5BB
UK

Tel & Fax: 01947 841236
Mobile: 07980866654

Email: whitby-seafish@btconnect.com
Website: http://www.whitbyseafish.co.uk

Travel between Whitby and Battersby this Sunday for £15 return

This Sunday the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is giving passengers an opportunity to travel between Whitby and Battersby by steam, for £15 return.

The journey is a precursor to the NYMR Winter timetable, which will feature steam train journeys between Whitby and Battersby on some Sundays in January, February and March.

Passengers can take the 11.02hrs steam train departure from Whitby, which arrives into Grosmont at 11.22hrs.   Passengers need to alight at Grosmont and change to another steam train which departs Grosmont at 12.20hrs for Battersby, arriving at 1307.   The train leaves Battersby at 1335 hrs, arriving back in to Whitby at 1500hrs.

Seating is limited to 100 places.  Tickets for this return trip are available from Whitby Booking office, situated at Whitby Railway Station.  Hot and cold meals and a range of refreshments are available from the NYMR tearoom at Grosmont Station.  

For any further help or assistance contact NYMR customer services:

Tel:  01751 472508
Email:   info@nymr.co.uk
Web:  http://www.nymr.co.uk

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Welcome to the Ruswarp Miniature Steam Railway

Miniature Steam Railway Website. The home of Emily, Danny and Shan the deisel.

Line Length: 700 yards, Circular
First opened: 1990

Locomotives

No               Name          Type              Builder                 Built
Danny        2-4-2          D & G.Sims             1992
Emily         2-4-2T        D & G.Sims             1994
20072       Shan           4w-4hp      D.Oswald                1992

Opening Times: Every weekend from Easter to October, and all week during school holidays

Fares: £2.00

Click here to see a video of Danny

Contact Us
Ruswarp Miniature Steam Railway
Ruswarp

Telephone: 01947 600 109
Please mention The Whitby Guide when making contact

Website: http://www.ruswarp-miniature-railway.com/

How to find us

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Here at Whitby we are very lucky to have an abundance of good ground and many wrecks within a short steam.

This year cod up to 18 lb,  ling over 23 lb, Pollock up to 13 lb, in fact most of the bigger fish are taken within 15 mls of Whitby.

Of course there will be times we need to press further afield, and other times we need to get closer in, but where ever we are you can be sure I will  be doing my best to get you over the fish.

Single bookings welcome right through to Corparate days, Works team building days, Schools and youth club party’s as well as regular fishing clubs for up to 12 anglers.

Sea Urchin charters offer boat trips based at Whitby licenced for 12 passengers and a member of the WCSA giving a first class service to the many cod anglers who visit Whitby each year.

Booking a trip with us

If  you are visiting Whitby and fancy a trip with us, then please do not hesitate to contact us using the details below. We can take single bookings as well as group trips, and are always happy to offer advice and answer any questions.

Mick Leonard 
The Skipper

Tel: 07855439380

Any time during the day, and up to 10pm evenings

Email:  enquiries@whitby-sea-fishing.co.uk

Website:  www.whitby-sea-fishing.co.uk

I check my mail every morning when at all possible, but  please be patient during the summer months I work long days and so very ocasionaly  it’s every other day.

Our photo gallery

The Whitby Goth weekends are held in April and October and have grown into one of the most popular gothic events in the world, attracting all generations from across the UK and around the world.

The majority of events are held at the Whitby Pavilion including the Bizarre Bazaar Goth Market, however, there are also other venues such as The Metropole are used for overspill and unofficial events.

Although referred to as a weekend it includes events during the day on Friday and Saturday as well as events on the Thursday, Sunday and Monday. These events include additional club nights, markets, and a charity football match.

There are often unofficial day events taking place around the town too.

The Line up for the Spa at WGW October 2009 is as follows:

Friday 30th Ocotber

The Eden House – http://www.myspace.com/theedenhouseuk
(one tba)
Grooving in Green – http://www.myspace.com/groovingingreen08

Saturday 31st

Faith and the Muse – http://www.myspace.com/faithandthemuse
Adoration – http://www.myspace.com/adorationuk
Rhombus – http://www.myspace.com/rhombus

Click for more information on the Whitby Goth Weekend 2011 find out about the Whitby Regatta 2011 and Whitby Folk Festival 2011

Whitby Museum is an independent Museum staffed by volunteers and operated by Whitby Literary & Philosophical Society, which was founded in 1823. It contains the most varied set of collections of any Museum in NE Yorkshire and is a ‘Museum within a Museum’ with its distinctive Edwardian / Victorian ambience.

Collections include spectacular fossil marine reptiles, jet, Capt. James Cook and William Scoresby (whaling & scientific instruments) exhibits, many model ships, natural history, archaeology, bygones, costumes, toys and dolls, ethnography, samplers, ceramics, militaria, coins and medals, as well as the famed ‘Hand of Glory’ and much more.

Do you know what a ‘Tempest Prognosticator’ looks like and what it does?  Come and find out.

Museum Opening Times

Open throughout the year except for Christmas and New Year Holidays

Closed  24th December 2008 until 2nd January 2009
   
Mondays: Closed all day except Bank Holiday & Half-Term Holidays

Opening Times: Tuesday – Sunday: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm, Last admission at 4.00 pm

The address of the Whitby Literary & Philosophical Society or Museum is

Whitby Museum,
Pannett Park,
Whitby,
N. YORKS  YO21 1RE

Phone number: 01947 602908

Website address: http://www.whitbymuseum.org.uk

Climb the 199 steps to the abbey to enjoy views of the unspoilt beauty of Whitby Harbour, the Esk Valley and the glorious Yorkshire coastline. Once at the summit why not take a tour of the ruins of Whitby Abbey and discover the eerie charm that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula – just be sure to take a friend for the trip…

If that sounds little hairy scary, you could always have a stroll around one of the delightful gardens surrounding Whitby Abbey, there is also a newly refurbished Youth Hostel close by, certainly one of the finest in the country. With its modern and contemporary interior combined with original period features, this is a great place to stay in Whitby.

If your visiting Whitby and plan to go fishing, you can pick up all the latest tackle, bait and accessories from Whitby Angling Supplies. The shop is conveniently located on Haggersgate.

Whitby Angling Supplies stock everything you need to enjoy a fishing trip in Whitby, from rods, reels, lures, baits and rod and real combo sets.

They can also offer advice on fishing in the local area and the best baits, and places to fish.

You can contact Whitby Angling Supplies using the details below:

65 Haggersgate
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3PP

Website: http://www.whitbyanglingsupplies.com

Beach Trip Planning and Preparation:

• Most adults ensure that a bucket and spade is available! And rightly so for many beach games and activities need only these items
• A packet of balloons – very handy for messy water games!
• Tennis ball size foam ball – for Hot Rice
• A softball
• Packet of plastic forks – for sand writing and sand drawing
• Tennis rackets and tennis balls
• A boule set

At the beach:

When you go to the beach, take time in selecting where you will be playing your games and undertaking your activities. Giving careful consideration as to your site is well worth the additional time you take in choosing where you and your family will settle for the duration of your beach stay. A site free of stones, not too close to other holidaymakers and not likely to be too affected by an incoming tide are major considerations

Traditional Beach Activities:

• Sand castle building –which individual or pair or team can build the biggest or most unusual or best looking sand castle?
• Sand monster creations – which individual or pair or team can create the most horrible-looking monster ?
• Collecting seashells – these can be used to decorate sand castles if needed
• Ball throwing/ stone throwing – distance, distance and catching, target hitting,etc
• Kite flying – cheap and suitable kites are available in retail outlets in the Town. Who can fly their kite the highest, longest, etc
• Frisbee throwing – again, available from retail outlets in the Town. Can be played by individuals or pairs, etc. Many different ways of playing – longest distance, target hitting, goal-scoring, etc
• Burying them! Usually a timed activity ! eg : 20 mins (or whatever) to bury … whoever …
• Where’s Australia? All participants are in a straight line. A 10 ( or whatever) minute time limit is set up. On the ‘Go !’command, everyone attempts to dig through to Australia, using only bare hands. The winner, at the end of the time limit, is the person who digs the deepest hole.
• Long Jumping/ Triple Jumping : Singles or in pairs or teams – add jump lengths together to see which pair or team wins
• Running races – of varying types : Individual, team relays, etc
• Skipping stones. Participants find 5 or whatever number is agreed, stones to skip on the water. The participant whose stone skips the most times wins.

Games which children play at school lend themselves to the beach:

• Hopscotch
• Hot Rice – players form a circle, pass ball amongst themselves until one drops the ball. And becomes ‘on.’ Everyone scatters and ‘on’ throws ball at other players, who in turn help ‘on’ to ‘catch’ everyone. Game must be played with confined area. Game begins again when everyone is caught. A good game for including ‘forfeits’, such as all players caught, except the final one, must run into the sea, sing a nursery rhyme, etc
• Noughts and Crosses – ‘board’ marked out and markers can be seashells, different size stones, pieces of driftwood,etc

Water Games:

• Water race – items required 2 large buckets and 2 paper cups.  This is a two team relay game made up of as many players as you wish. Each team lines up behind a predetermined starting line. Each player races ton the sea, fills plastic cup, returns to ‘base, puts water in the large team bucket and hands plastic cup to next team member. Winning team is the first to fill the bucket.
• Water race – exactly the same as above, but no paper cup, only cupped hands can be used
• Water-filled balloon battle   Establish two teams. Draw two circles in the sand, 20 metres apart. Players are to remain in their appropriate circle throughout and give each team ten balloons. These will be filled with water and brought back to each team’s circle. 3 minute time limit before surviving balloons can be refilled. Another 3 minutes can be played if necessary.    No winners, just wet fun !  Even more fun with three teams !!

Team Games or Group Games

Careful player selection is required in all these to avoid landslide victories and defeats !!

• Tennis – ‘singles’, doubles or whatever, depending on kit provision
• Boules

NB :  Each of the following games can be played on the beach OR in the sea, at whatever depth you agree upon and what target goals you agree upon!!  The latter arrangements provide considerable laughter !!

• Football
• Volleyball
• Rugby
• Softball

If you are visiting the seaside this year, then Whitby is the perfect destination. Take a look at these Whitby Holiday Cottages and Whitby Bed & Breakfasts for inspiration.

We recommend a trip aboard the EskBelle 2. Whitby’s biggest trip boat, licensed for 100 passengers.

They have daily 25 minute boat rides out into the bay or along the coast towards the village of Sandsend (3 miles north) Want more? Look at the special cruises page for details of their sunset and/or twilight cruises or their website (link below)

Trips leave on set sailing times, starting at 10.15 am, throughout the day – early ’til late.

Whitby’s ONLY trip boat with undercover seating for 40 at tables in our saloon with fully licensed bar where hot and cold drinks can be purchased.

For more information on teh EskBelle 2 and Whitby Coastal Cruises then take a look at their website – http://www.whitbycoastalcruises.co.uk

Shore and rock fishing

You can fish from Whitby to Sandsend and Whitby to Saltwick.  Fish available, depending upon the time of year, include codling, billet, mackerel and whiting

There is no fee payable or licence requirement for shore and rock fishing.

Beach fishing

You can fish from the beach between Whitby and Sandsend and between Whitby and Saltwick. Fish available, depending upon the time of year, include codling, billet, flatfish, mackerel and whiting.

Bait : Commonly used is mussel and/or lugworm. These are usually available from the tackle suppliers in the town. ‘’Peeler’ crab  is locally regarded as THE bait during the summer months but it is not available through shops. You will need to ask the locals ‘what ?’ and ‘where’ ? to seek this bait out ……. but be assured, it is well worth the time and effort ……..

Boat Fishing :
 
Boat fishing is very popular in Whitby. These trips can be for 2, 4, 6 or 8 hrs. A boat angling trip can be arranged on a daily basis at the quayside. Talk to the ‘professionals’ on the quayside before you book. Fishing tackle and bait can be supplied but check when you make a booking. The charter boats normally take up to 8 or 12 anglers.

Whitby Harbour

Fishing : Whitby Piers : 

Whitby’s West Pier is a delight for any summer angler, with spinners and lures seemingly favourites amongst those ‘in the know.’  The ‘ground’ tends to be sandy and almost hazard-free, though some weed and small rocks. Mackerel, in particular, and flounder are the regulars. Important : check the tide situation – it is more likely that you will be ‘rewarded’, fish wise, near and at high water. However, don’t be put off fishing at any time – there is always the fish ‘maverick’ swimming around !  Autumn angler ?  Come September the smaller cod will move in as will whiting, favouring peeler crab and the occasional mussel. Winter angler ? Definitely peeler crab, rag worm and lugworm but wrap up warm – it can be cold, cold and freezing (!) on the Pier at that time of the year !! However, many examples of large cod (15lb upwards) have been noted over a number of years)   Please note : Anglers are prohibited from fishing into the harbour from the West Pier.

Whitby’s East Pier has been problematic in terms of access for the last year or two. This issue is still under discussion with Scarborough Borough Council. As with the West Pier, anglers are prohibited from fishing into the harbour. The ‘ground’ is rocky and can be ‘tackle-damaging.’ Summer and Autumn fishing can yield codling and mackerel but not in the numbers off the West Pier. However, the East Pier is, more often than not, people free and consequently is a very restful place to spend a few hours contemplating the world and reflecting on the frantic nature of it all

Safety :

Whitby’s West Pier comprises of two levels, the lower level being accessible by a ladder at the end of the Pier. It is strongly recommended that you do not attempt to access the lower level during times of inclement weather. The sea is a joyous product of Mother Nature but it is capable of taking no prisoners should it be in the mood. Please check the weather forecast and tide table before you embark on a fishing session on the West Pier. There is no access at the current time to the lower level of the East Pier.

If you need any advice or fishing tackle while on your trip to Whitby then take a visit to Whitby Angling Supplies, who will be more than happy to assist you.

Annually, the coastal town of Whitby comes alive as hundreds of locals, performers and tourists gather for the legendary Whitby Folk Week. The festival is an excellent excuse to stay away from package holidays and head to the north east of England each summer.

Billed as the biggest folk event of the year, Whitby Folk Week takes place during August and provides seven fun-filled days for meeting old friends and making new ones. The event has taken on the trappings of a tradition in its own right!
With a ruined Abbey dominating the cliff tops above the town, the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula (St Mary’s churchyard) and Captain Cook’s cottage creating a beautiful surrounding for the annual event, families gather in their masses and the streets awaken. Whitby is filled with rich and colourful heritage and this is reflected in the artistic sights and sounds of the festival.

Playing host to some of the most outstanding entertainment from some of the finest artists in the British Isles, throughout Folk Week, almost every venue in town is in use – from small pubs to the 1000-person capacity Whitby Pavilion. Each year sees over 500 scheduled events including street entertainment, workshops, concerts and dances.
This year, the festival is taking place 20 – 26 August. Confirmed acts for Whitby Folk Week 2011 include Young ‘Uns, Tim Edey & Brendan Power and Skylark plus a whole host of others. Entry is in the form of season or day tickets and can be booked well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Whitby Folk Week is a well established and loved festival – why not visit this year?

Need a place to stay? See Holiday Cottages in Whitby, Whitby Hotels or Whitby Guest Houses

With its many attractions, rich cultural heritage and compelling and interseting history, Whitby has something for everyone. From the 199 steps up to the ruins of the famous Whitby Abbey to the deep and dark Dracula experience, Captain Cook’s Cottage to the enchanting Whitby Walks there is always something to amuse and surprise. Boasting some of the country’s finest fish and chips, contemporary restaurants serving modern European cuisine, Whitby has a fantastic selection of  restaurants to choose from – just take your pick!

A family friendly event the Whitby Folk Week is a great time to visit one of the country’s most vibrant and exciting seaside towns. Playing host to some of the most outstanding entertainment from some of the finest artists in the British Isles, Whitby Folk Week will be an experience you will never forget.

A festival of real music, real ale, real food and real people, a traditional celebration of the important things in life – Whitby Folk Week, a tradition at the heart of Whitby.

Why not make Whitby Folk Week a tradition of your own?

Useful links for Whitby Folk Week:

Whitby accommodation
Whitby restaurants
Things to do in Whitby

Click here to visit the Whitby Folk Festival website

Some of the information below has been donated by our friends at Whitby Fossils

Even away from the hectic town centre there are several activities which you can enjoy. One of my favourites is searching for fossils. Whitby yields many ammonites, reptiles and shells, also famous for Jet which is similar to Amber. There are several places along the Whitby coast where you can find fossils. Place be careful with young children, as the rock face’s around the coast can become unstable and attention should be paid at all times. Make sure you always go onto the beach at low tide and allow for plently of time to get back to the beach should your venture around the cliff face.

Whitby yields excellent ammonite specimens and dinosaur/reptile remains. The best time to collect is during the winter storms, or scouring conditions.

Access is made via Whitby East Habour. You will need to wait until you can get round as the tide comes very high and must ensure you can return in good time.

Most of the fossils can be found on the foreshore at Whitby, especially after storms or scouring conditions within nodules or loose within the areas of shingle and shale, but fossils are also commonly found in the cliff on the scree slopes either in nodules or loose.

*Very important*

Common sense when collecting at all locations should be taken and knowledge of tide times should always be noted. It is very easy to get cut off at Whitby, the sea always hits the cliff. You should ensure you return before the tide turns. Also be aware of sticky areas at Whitby, on the slippages as it is easy to get stuck especially after rain.

You can also find fossils close by at Port Mulgrave, Kettleness, Runswick Bay, Saltwick Bay, Staithes and Sandsend.

Click here for more information on Whitby Fossils

Whitby Golf Course is a fantastic holiday golf course with fantastic views of N Yorks Coast, run by PGA Professional offering expert tuition. The course is rarely too busy to be able to book a tee time.

There are wonderful views along the coast, north-westward over the picturesque bay of Sandsend to Kettleness, south-eastward over the harbour with the Abbey Ruins set in relief and inland over the rolling panorama of the North Yorks Moors.

It is the ideal type of holiday course, not too long or difficult for the moderate player provided a reasonable degree of accuracy is achieved.

“Wild hitters” can be severely punished, as some of the hazards are quite unusual. The most striking is the wild cleft in the Cliffs known as “Upgang Ravine” which has to be driven when playing the 6th and 18th holes

The degree of driving difficulty on many an occasion is decided by the prevailing wind which may come from either the North Sea or the moors.

Below is a poem regarding our course:

Ode to Whitby Golf Club

On rugged cliff-tops facing north
Across the deep blue sea
Is Straggleton, a holy place
For golfers such as me

The rolling hills, Upgang Ravine
The White House Pub, Hotel
The ozone from the crashing waves
Cut grass, that heady smell

Through summer sun and winter snow
Through hailstones, rain and gales
Us golfers hit our dimpled balls
‘cross fairways hills and dales

And when our game is over
We’ll sit and have a beer
In the comfort of the nineteenth hole
With friendliness and cheer

We’ll talk of pars and birdies
And where we didn’t score
But one thing’s always certain
We’ll aye come back for more

Dave Kirk  July 2009

If you are coming to Whitby on holiday then why not bring your clubs and have a few rounds. Please contact Whitby Golf Club using the details below:

Club Manager
Mr Tony Mason
01947 600660/602768
 
Office
Mr Duncan Russell
01947 600660/602768

Email: office@whitbygolfclub.co.uk
Website: http://www.whitbygolfclub.co.uk

The Whitby Regatta 2009 August 22nd,23th 24th, presents to you, three full days of entertainment, embracing yacht racing, rowing races and various free forms of entertainment as published in the official programme, finishing with a prize presentation and spectacular firework display. One hundred and sixty nine years of aquatic competition and entertainment.

To view more images from past Whitby Regattas click here

The Whitby Regatta is probably the oldest sea Regatta in England and has drawn large crowds into Whitby over the years. It started in a very small way with the fishermen competing against each other in their fishing smacks and salmon cobbles. Then came the yachts. It was recorded in 1847 “The Whitby Challenge Cup”, promoted by the Royal Yorkshire Yacht Club, was won by the Schooner “Whiled”, and a prize of 50 guineas was presented to the captain or owner. Between that date and up to the nineteen thirties, yacht racing formed the greater part of the Regatta.

Unfortunately, due to the high cost of building these large yachts of approximately 20 tons, and a changing world, they slowly disappeared from the scene. The cost of maintaining such a yacht today must be astronomical. It was about 1872 that competitive rowing came into being. In that year, the Jet Works Amateur Rowing Club was formed, 1874 saw the birth of Scarborough Amateur Rowing Club and in 1879 the Friendship Amateur Rowing Club. Then came the Whitby Amateur Rowing Club in 1912, which later became the present day Whitby Fisherman’s Amateur Rowing Club. All three Clubs are still going strong today, forming one of the main attractions of today’s Regatta. 

Over the years, rowing clubs from the Tyne to Scarborough have participated in Regattas held on the North East Coast, sadly only two Regattas are still being held, Scarborough and Whitby.

In 1901 the late Alderman JET Wilson J.P – C.C. of West Hartlepool presented the “Wilson Cup”. valued at £25, for competition to Rowing Clubs based between the Tyne and Humber. This is the most coveted trophy rowed for today.  1929 saw the first fancy dress and decorated carts, this was the forerunner of the present day regatta and carnival. It is recorded that in 1900, 11,000 people travelled by special trains from the West Riding, York, Bridlington and Newcastle. Today that figure is estimated at 20,000, most travelling by coach and private car.

If you would like more information of this years Whitby Regatta, then please use the contact details below:

The Secretary
Whitby Regatta
PO Box 50
Whitby
North Yorkshire
YO21 3YN

Web: http://www.whitbyregatta.co.uk
Email: whitbyregatta@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 01947 825896

If you would like accommodation for your Whitby Regatta stay then please click on the link below
Whitby accommodation

The streets of Whitby were a wash with entertainment and colourful displays this August, as Folf Week and Regatta merged to create an action packed weekend in Whitby.

For a full review of this years Regatta along with videos and pictures of the event then please click here

Some of our own photos of this years event are below

The Whitby Regatta has been running for nearly 170 years making it one of the oldest sea regattas in England. The Whitby Regatta is a celebration of all things aquatic with a host of yachting and rowing competitions over three days of exciting, fun packed days.

Over the course of the three days alongside the nautical competitions, there will be carnival fun, an Air Sea Rescue, a World War 2 Air Display featuring Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Dakota, the Red Arrows Display Team will perform, a 4km Fun Run, displays from each of the Armed Forces, a Classic Car Rally, a motorcycle gymkhana on the beach, the centenary of the Swing Bridge will be celebrated and the weekend will culminate with a spectacular firework display on Monday evening.

Running parallel to Whitby Regatta is the Whitby Folk Week. A seven day festival of the best traditional folk the UK has to offer, performed by some of the most talented musicians from around the country.

For more than forty years the Whitby Folk Week has brought song, dance and music to the North Yorkshire town. Now in its 44th year the festival has grown significantly from its early roots as a traditional dance-based festival. Featuring around 600 events throughout the week there will be plenty to see and do.

Folk is inspired by everything from the everyday to the mythological, nursery rhymes to work songs, poetry to verse. This variety is part of the heritage and tradition of folk, and what makes folk so diverse and vibrant, which is why you’ll see a wealth of improvised shows spring up around the town throughout the week.

With so many fantastic cultural and exciting activities and opportunities it will be hard to fit it all in to what is sure to be an action packed seven days. For more information on Whitby follow these links:

Whitby Accommodation
Whitby Restaurants
Things To Do In Whitby

Whitby has become a well known destination for stag and hen weekends. The selection of both traditional and contemporary bars and restaurants make Whitby a good choice for a stag or hen weekend. Below is a map of all the best bars to visit on a Whitby stag weekend, click on the pint glass on the map to see the name of the pub or club.

Showcasing a range of Whitby talent at various locations around Whitby, from 12.30pm the line up so far includes the Cleveland Police band, Stakesby Steel band, Whitby Jets juvenile jazz band, and playlets by youngsters from the The Paul Nicholas School of Acting.

Marske Fishermans Choir will sing and the Saltburn Victorian Society plan to dress up for the day to bring a touch of period drama to the festivities.

There will be an exhibition of paintings, photograph competition, archival paintings and drawings of the bridge at Pannett Art Gallery, open from 12.30pm.

A Regatta through the bridge of sailing and fishing vessels will take place at 4pm when the bridge will open and Canon David Smith will perform a blessing of the bridge ceremony.

Scarborough Borough Council helping to make the event a success, has just completed the electrical refurbishment of the bridge and will be moving on to the hydraulic refurbishment work once dates are confirmed with contractors.

Cosmetic painting work to improve the look of the bridge has begun on the bridge hut, gates, rail tops and plaques.

Two special centenary plaques at either end of the bridge featuring three paintings by local artist Coun John Freeman, will be unveiled by The mayors of Whitby and Scarborough during the afternoon to mark the historic day.

If you’re planning a trip to Whitby to mark the centenary, why not take a look at these useful links:

Whitby Accommodation
Whitby Restaurants
Whitbys Latest News