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Autumn Breaks in Whitby and the Esk Valley

Autumn Breaks in Whitby and the Esk Valley

Whitby has become a popular year-round tourist destination - providing plenty of attractions throughout the year. Whether you visit Whitby for the history and culture, food and drink, a particular event or just to explore you'll always find plenty to do. Here are our top tips for autumn events and activities in Whitby and the surrounding area.

Woodland Walks

Dalby Forest

Dalby Forest is the largest woodland area in North Yorkshire and site just a few miles from Whitby. It makes for a wonderful day out thanks to the excellent Visitor Centre and Cafe, Dalby's mountain bike trails, numerous footpaths to explore and a wonderfully family-friendly atmosphere. It's particularly stunning at this time of year, as the leaves turn golden and they run special events throughout the year. Find out more here:

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/dalbyforest

May Beck and Falling Foss

For a woodland walk a little closer to town you can't go wrong with a trip to May Beck and Falling Foss. Park in either car park and follow the footpath through the wood. Wellies advisable! At the May Beck end you'll find a beautiful stream which is perfect for paddling in through the summer months. At the Falling Foss end of the trail you'll find Falling Foss Tea Garden. Winter opening times are subject to change, so best check their Facebook page for details:

https://www.facebook.com/Falling-Foss-Tea-Garden-2...

Guisborough Woods

Guisborough Forest and Walkway is also managed by the Forestry Commission and is a great location for families. With an orienteering course, trimtrail, sculpture trail and play areas, Guisborough is a great place for a family day out. If you climb the heights of Highcliff Nab or Hanging Stone on a fine day you will be rewarded by fantastic views over Teeside and the coast. Find out more here:

http://www.forestry.gov.uk/guisborough

 

Coastal Treasures

Robin Hood's Bay

Robin Hood's Bay is the jewel in the crown of the North Yorkshire Coast. With a rich history of smuggling and fishing, it's a real step back in time. There's a fantastic new play area for children at the top of Bay Bank, and a great choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants including 2 fish and chip take-aways to enjoy.

http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk

Staithes and Runswick Bay

North of Whitby you'll find Staithes and Runswick Bay - both perfectly formed fishing villages and great locations for a day out. Again you'll find a selection of cosy pubs and cafes, little shops, art galleries and more. If you visit the Yorkshire coast September you'll find the Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage - a wonderful weekend and definitely worth working into you visit if you can:

www.staithesfestival.com

Sandsend

Sandsend is situated 3 miles north of Whitby, and makes the perfect destination for a relaxing stroll along the beach, or a short drive or bus ride. It's only a small village, but is busy with beach-goers throughout the summer, and has a couple of cafes, a pub and an excellent restaurant so is an attraction year-round.

 

Other Yorkshire Towns

Pickering

Pickering is a small market town which lies across the moor from Whitby towards York. It is the destination for the steam railway which travels between Whitby and Pickering throughout the year. It has a lovely old-fashioned feel about it, with an excellent market and traditional market town shops, flea market, cafes and restaurants. It's definitely worth a visit.

Helmsley

Helmsley is another of Yorkshire's wonderfully quaint market towns. It has a castle which is managed by English Heritage, and is home to one of the best bird of prey sanctuaries in the country (http://www.ncbp.co.uk/). It has a nice choice of independent shops and cafes, and is only a few miles from Pickeing and Hutton le Hole - you could probably visit all 3 in one day at a push.

Hutton Le Hole

Hutton le Hole is a proper Yorkshire village - nestled on the edge of the moors. There's not a lot to see and do here, other than explore the beauty of a wonderfully old-fashioned English village.

 

Special Events

Musicport Festival

Musicport is one of the world's larges world music festivals, drawing performers and spectators from around the globe. It's held in Whitby's Spa Pavilion every October and is definitely worth a visit if you're interested in music. Tickets are available for both individual sessions and the full weekend, so you can enjoy as much or as little as you like at an affordable price.

http://www.ncbp.co.uk/

Goth Weekend

Whitby holds 2 Goth Weekends, one in April and one in November. Featuring wonderful gothic costume, as well as steam punk and Victorian dress, music, shopping and more throughout the weekend - it's one of Whitby's busiest weekends.

http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk/

Whitby Christmas Market and Festival

Whitby has recently held a number of Christmas market events and this year there are a couple to choose from depending on when you're planning on visiting:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1082567675121652/

https://www.wearewhitby.co.uk/projects/whitby-wint...

 

Historical Stories and Tales from Whitby's Past

Whitby Storyteller

If you'd like to find out more about Whitby's history then you can't go wrong with the Whitby Storyteller. Rose's stories have delighted visitors for years, her knowledge of local history and landmarks is second to none and her story-telling skills ensure her walks are a wonderful event for the whole family. Find out more at her website:

www.whitbystoryteller.co.uk

 

What Will You Discover?

Whitby always has something new to explore and discover. What will you find next time you visit Whitby for a short break or longer holiday? Whatever you age and interests we're certain you'll find plenty to see and do within Whitby itself and the wider area of the North York Moors.

Don't forget to let us know via our Facebook page if you find any well kept 'secrets' - we'd love to share them in our next post!

Built by Jack Barber in Whitby, North Yorkshire. Visit Herbal Apothecary for herbal practitioner supplies, Sweet Cecily's for natural skincare, BeeVital for propolis health supplements and Future Health Store for whole foods, health supplements, natural & ethical gifts.