Christmas at home didn’t seem so appealing – with four adults stuck in the house where we live and work for the rest of the year. Last year we spent a few days in York; this time we decided to have a week away by the sea in Whitby.
We travelled over the Wednesday before, the shortest day of the year. The weather was fine and, being a few days before the big day, the traffic wasn’t bad so we made it across the Pennines, the Vale of York and the North Yorkshire Moors in good time.
We’d hired a large Victorian house across from Pannett Park and only 5 minutes walk down to the harbour.
Being the shortest day of the year, by the time we’d picked up the keys, unloaded the car and picked up some supplies, it had gone dark, so we picked up some fish and chips for tea (compulsory the first evening by the seaside!) lit the wood burner and settled in for an evening in front of the festive tv.
During our stay, the weather was a mix of grey and very sunny days, and we managed to pack a lot in (as usual), mainly mooching around the old town and walking around the harbour and on the beach. I also managed a good walk on Boxing Day.
Here’s a few shots of popular sites around the town
The first day we did a bit of shopping
We climbed the “99 steps” up to the Parish Church
and went inside to look at the many Christmas trees decorated by local organisations and individuals
Looking across the churchyard to the Abbey
Christmas Eve was a crisp and sunny day and I went out for a wander on the beach
Later we had out traditional Christmas Eve buffet
We cheated a little for Christmas dinner. We’re not fond of turkey anyway and had bought in a salmon Wellington we were able to cook in the oven along with a selection of pre-prepared vegetables
After dinner we went out for a walk on the beach.
and on the west pier
Boxing day was another sunny days and I left the rest of the family having a lie in and went for a good walk taking in the Cinder Track and the coastal path – a report to follow
The Tuesday Bank Holiday, our last day in Whitby, was a grey day which we spent mooching around the town and in the evening had a fish meal in the Fisherman’s Wife on the sea front.
I had scallops (perfectly cooked)
followed by fish and chips, with mushy peas, of course
finishing with a coffee and a fruit tart
Afterwards we climbed the steps to the top of the West cliff to take in the view over the harbour for the last time during our holiday
After a wander through the quiet streets, we settled down for or last might in our accommodation, before turning in for our last night of our Christmas break.
Down by the Dougie 
Looks and sounds excellent! I like Whitby though I’ve only visited twice, both times supporting one of our local non-League clubs on away matches. As we were on the coach first time (a Boxing Day game of all things) I didn’t get to see the town itself until our second visit, in the car. Within three minutes of parking we’d seen the Whalebone Arch, the Captain Cook monument and the Bram Stoker plaque. By sheer coincidence, we were there for Goth weekend, which was great fun. I’d love to go again but distance (without a car) and train fares push it to the prohibitive, like so many other places.
Yes, it’s not easy to get to Whitby by public transport from this side of the Pennines. But it’s a good place to spend a holiday. We’ve been there 3 times now. Lot’s of character and good walks to be had too. And there’s a connection for us too, as my wife is descended from James Cook’s parents
Nice one!
It looks like you had a great Christmas break – I like the house, it looks really cosy, and you certainly got some good outdoor photos. It’s about 10 years since I last went to Whitby while camping near Filey, I climbed up the tower on the harbour while the guy at the bottom looked after the dogs for me.
It was a great break, thanks Eunice.
Looks like a lovely Christmas. Having done it the last two years I’m now a big fan of renting somewhere away from home and avoiding all the hype.
Can’t think of a better way to spend the festive season. Very fond of Whitby. That looked like a great house to stay. 👍🙂
This post is definitely making me want to spend Christmas away and I do love Whitby and the coastline there. Your holiday house looks really nice too.
Great seaside grub. Those steps come in handy for those who indulge in Whitby’s staple food.
More exercise needed to wear off the weight put on over Christmas ☹️
What a great spot for a Xmas break. Plenty to do in Whitby, I’m guessing maybe a little quieter than in the peak of summer.
We also ate in the Fisherman’s Wife when we visited, fab meal we had and were lucky to snag a sea view table and watched the dolphins
Yes, a good placefor a break. Something for all of us