Spooky! The imposing 13th century Whitby Abbey at sunset
We’d heard that fine, bright, and warm days on the north east coast were few and far between, but we’ve just come back from a week in Whitby, and must have been lucky. Five days out of the seven were lovely, bathing the moors with their not-quite-purple heather in bright sunlight, and letting us leave our jeans packed away in the holiday cottage bedroom drawers.
Away with Nik’s folks once more, this year’s trip to the other side of Yorkshire followed 2008’s visit to the Dales, and 2007’s stay in Cornwall. Yes, we all didn’t tire of each other’s company, and yes, that’s why the man from Volkswagen delivered the Fox the day before we went, so that we could give it a thorough test.
The picturesque beauty and tranquility of Runswick Bay
And a thorough test it had. Over 1,000 miles in a week saw us visit picturesque places perched on the coast such as Runswick Bay and Staithes, and the terminus of Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk, Robin Hood’s Bay. Tiny villages dwarfed by the natural rocky outcrops onto which they’re sprinkled, tales of smuggling and fishing dominate, the small harbours very reminiscent of Devon and Cornwall.
Multicoloured posh beach huts in Scarborough’s north bay
Bridestones in the long and wild fields in the Dalby Forest
We whizzed around Whitby, too, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, taking sunset snapshots of the abbey, in all its Gothic splendour. Staying just outside the seaside town was perfect for exploring the area in the car. We buzzed around the moors from Scarborough to have a milkshake in the 1950s themed Harbour Bar, as featured in Richard Wilson’s recent TV series, Britain’s Best Drives, and spent a day in the Dalby Forest, also featured in the programme.
Richard Wilson, an old Morris Traveller, and a few Goths
The faded Victorian splendour of Scarborough gave way to the twisted lane majesty of York, where we took shelter from the persistent rain in the National Rail Museum, and ate posh afternoon tea in Betty’s, the infamous and stylish café tea rooms local to Yorkshire. Ferried around in the little yellow VW, the whole week added up to what may be called a ‘grand time’ up north.
All aboard! Streamlining at the National Rail Museum
If you’re in Yorkshire, you must have a cuppa at Betty’s
And although the moors aren’t as picture perfect as the Dales, they do have a stark beauty of their own. The flat heather-covered expanses with roads seemingly draped over them, narrow lanes and coastal hidey-holes with photo opportunities makes the area worth a visit, and completes the Yorkshire picture. They may have differing personalities, but both areas are a must-see. Quite moor-ish in fact…
Tags: Journal, Yorkshire Dales