Christmas Greetings from Aislaby Lodge Cottages
Well, it's that time of year again. Whitby's Christmas lights have gone up, the shops are looking particularly festive and the pubs and restaurants are filling with Christmas parties and festive cheer.
November is often a quiet month in town (and even quieter here in the peace of the Valley!), with the previous month's Goth Weekend a distant memory, and our Christmas visitors yet to arrive. There are still a couple of weeks until the schools break up, and the businesses slow down for the festive season.
Whitby and the Esk Valley is a great place to visit whatever the time of year. But at Christmas it feels especially cosy - with roaring open fires in many of the older pubs (especially out in the surrounding countryside) and a bit of an old-fashioned, nostalgic feel.
Here are a few of our top tips for places to go and things to do in Whitby during the colder months:
The Whitby Deli (Other Cafes are Available!)
Having just celebrated it's third birthday, we're beginning to wonder what we did before the Whitby Deli opened! It's quickly become a firm-favourite of both locals and visitors alike. They're open throughout the Christmas period and it's definitely worth a look if you're in need of something special to add to your Christmas menu.
Of course, you can just call in for a coffee, or a hot chocolate and a slice of cake, or a sausage roll... Bascially, everything's delicious and you should definitely go!
Walking - Particularly the Cleveland Way & the Beach
Not a lot can beat a bracing walk in the winter, especially with the stunning scenery we benefit from here on the Yorkshire coast. If you're happy to walk a few miles we'd recommend hitting the Cleveland Way (join it near the Abbey) and head south towards Robin Hood's Bay. There are lots of opportunities to cut through onto the Cinder Track if you want to walk a big loop. Or, weather permitting, head all the way down to Robin Hood's Bay and then get the bus back - after a drink or a meal in one of the wonderful pubs, of course!
Alternatively, just head down onto the beach and make your way towards Sandsend. Look out for sea glass, there's usually quite a lot to be found. And always check the tide tables!
https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/cleveland-way
Go to the Pub
Whitby is well-provisioned with public houses. Take your pick. We'd recommend The Station, but just about any of them are good, and each one unique.
Don't forget to sample some of the local beers produced by the wonderful Whitby Brewery. They're available in a number of pubs, as well as their own micro-pub at the Brewery itself. To get there just head up the 199 Steps to the Abbey and then follow the road round to the left a little way - you'll find it behind the row of cottages on the cliff top.
https://www.whitby-brewery.com
The Pavilion Cinema
If you fancy a film the Pavilion Cinema has a few good films on over the next few weeks. Most are aimed at a younger audience - though all will be enjoyed by adults too. Take a look at the timetable and book tickets online via the website:
http://www.whitbypavilion.co.uk/search/events/?gen...
Last Minute Christmas Shopping
Whitby's fantastic for Christmas shopping. With such a wide array of boutique stores and individual businesses, you're bound to find something for everyone - including the person who has everything! Head over the swing bridge onto Grape Lane, or Sandgate and Church Street.
Happy Christmas!
However and wherever you spend your Christmas, we wish you a happy time. We're already looking forward to 2018, with the return of the Tour de Yorkshire (though not to Whitby this time, unfortunately) and the promised arrival of HM Bark Endeavour.
All best wishes,
Sarah and Steve