Whitby Daily Photo

More harbour snow

2010-12-21T07:58:00.000Z

The last in a series of Whitby snow pictures from a friend and former colleague, this time looking upstream away from the swing bridge.

Snow and shadows

2010-12-17T03:00:00.001Z

This is another great wintry shot from a former colleague, nicely composed with strong close-ups against the snow-covered old town.

Whitby pots waiting …

2010-12-16T08:34:00.001Z

More wintry weather forecast for the east coast today. Thanks again to Mal, a friend a former colleague, for the snow pictures.

Blackburn's Yard 4

2010-12-13T03:42:00.004Z

Another view of Blackburn's Yard and the Wash House Pottery just off Church Street, which in this photo is straight ahead through the covered vennel.

Wintry Whitby landmarks

2010-12-12T01:05:00.001Z

Another contribution from Mal, a former colleague, showing two of Whitby's most famous landmarks viewed across snow-covered fields.

Snowy River Esk

2010-12-11T01:06:00.020Z

Just out of Whitby, the River Esk enhances this wintry view of the farmland. The railway line which hugs the bend is almost invisible.

Twice framed

2010-12-10T02:31:00.001Z

The inviting Sanders Yard (formerly the Shepherd's Purse) café and restaurant on Church Street. There are two seating choices: cosy sofas and armchairs in one room, tables and chairs in the other.

Whitby swing bridge

2010-12-09T01:02:00.002Z

Just along from yesterday's snow-covered boat is Whitby's swing bridge over the River Esk. The outer harbour and North Sea are to the left, the inner harbour and marina to the right. The tower of St Mary's church, reached by the famous 199 steps, is visible against the beautiful blue sky.

Snow boat to China?

2010-12-08T01:03:00.009Z

One of the smaller craft sheltering in Whitby harbour. Thanks to Mal, a friend and former colleague for this and the other snowy contributions.

Not again!

2010-12-07T02:06:00.001Z

Yes, the ever-popular Whitby abbey. The cliffs and sea are behind the photographer and the town is to the right.

Country life, Whitby

2010-12-06T02:02:00.003Z

Cottages on the North Yorkshire coast near Whitby.

I've never seen a barn dance 2

2010-12-05T01:58:00.001Z

Another view of this barn.

The inns and outs

2010-12-04T01:44:00.002Z

Two popular pubs, the Board and the Duke of York, in morning shadows at the bottom of the 199 steps leading to St Mary's church and Whitby abbey. Both have fine views over the harbour to west Whitby and the passing boat traffic can be enjoyed from outside in warmer months.

Endeavour replica

2010-12-03T11:56:00.000Z

This 40% replica of Captain Cook's Endeavour offers trips around the harbour and along the coast.

More marina

2010-12-02T18:01:00.000Z

Another view over Whitby Marina on the River Esk taken from The Ropery on the east side of the town. Whitby town centre is five minutes walk to the right.

Low water, dull day

2010-12-01T01:01:00.001Z

Looking up the Esk Valley from Whitby Youth Hostel garden.

Clock this!

2010-11-30T02:00:00.003Z

Another view from a terrace above Blackburn's Yard, off Church Street. The clock belongs to Whitby's old town hall. Non-native speakers might be interested in the title, which is, or used to be, slang for Look at this!

Galatea

2010-11-29T00:05:00.001Z

Just a few hundred yards from yesterday's picture, the lighthouse itself with what is now a holiday cottage alongside. The brochure reassures potential visitors by informing them that there is no functioning foghorn on site. For more photos of the site and of the interior, click on the title. Galatea, she who is milky white, is the classical name chosen by Trinity House for the cottage.

Red, white and blue

2010-11-28T03:38:00.002Z

Another view taken on a circular walk to and from Whitby taking in the cliff path. This is just before the turning point by the lighthouse itself. The conveniently passing tanker enhances this shot nicely.

Larger than life

2010-11-27T10:45:00.001Z

She's looking at what you see reflected in this Church Street shop window on the east side of Whitby.

Low tide

2010-11-25T16:27:00.001Z

Taken from the swing bridge this shows Whitby west harbourside on a cold autumn Saturday morning. An enlargement only just reveals the whalebone arch and the Cook statue top centre. The high grassy area is known locally as Spion Kop after a Boer War battle in which the British came off quite badly. It overlooks the equally inappropriately-named Khyber Pass.

Whitby Gothic beauty

2010-11-24T20:55:00.001Z

The cliff walkers we saw a few posts ago were eventually rewarded with this view of Whitby Abbey silhouetted against lovely evening pastels. The fortuitous band of cloud adds to the effect, setting off the gradually fading blue of the sky to produce another version of a classic North Yorkshire picture. Click on the title for the history and more photos.

Seen from the Donkey Path

2010-11-22T17:34:00.000Z

The outer harbour viewed from the east-side Donkey Path. The huge wall on the right retains the 199 steps leading to St Mary's church and Whitby abbey. An enlargement will show that the mid-autumn chill does not deter tourists from visiting this popular resort.

To buy a fat pig?

2010-11-21T01:17:00.001Z

Not in Whitby market! The title line is from a children's rhyme:

To market, to market to buy a fat pig!

Home again, home again, jiggety jig!

There are stalls under the old town hall too, and sometimes buskers (street musicians).

Shepherd's Purse cottages

2010-11-20T12:11:00.000Z

Delightful Whitby holiday accommodation in Sanders Yard, off Church Street on the east side of the River Esk.

What goes up …

2010-11-18T05:15:00.005Z

must come down, and here we are at the bottom of the 199 steps which lead to and from St Mary's Church and Whitby abbey. Church Street is straight ahead and immediately left; Henrietta Street, famous for Fortune's kipper-smoking shed, is to the right. There are not too many tourists this early in the morning, but in a couple of hours it will be weaving rather than walking through the town.

Pincer movement

2010-11-17T07:00:00.000Z

Returning walkers along the cliff path are rewarded with this view of Whitby pier extensions jutting out into the North Sea, with Sandsend Nab in the distance.

I've never seen a barn dance …

2010-11-16T07:00:00.001Z

but I have seen a housefly. An autumn mid-afternoon shot of an agricultural storage building with typical external steps leading to what would have probably been the hayloft. This is a couple of miles out of Whitby, heading for the lighthouse and cliff path for the return journey.

Overlooked

2010-11-15T01:55:00.001Z

A Ropery chimney stack on Whitby's east side overlooks the inner marina and the Coop superstore below Fishburn Park.

Tea or toast?

2010-11-14T09:47:00.000Z

Shop signs on Whitby's Church Street give you a choice of liquid refreshment.

Last leg …

2010-11-13T10:09:00.000Z

for a party of walkers returning to Whitby along the popular cliff path. They will soon be rewarded with views of the abbey silhouetted against the autumn sky, and of the piers jutting out into the darkening sea.

Whitby bags …

2010-11-12T09:53:00.001Z

at Venus Trading on Sandgate. There used to be a shop unfortunately, or perhaps deliberately, named Whitby Bags. A bag is slang for an unattractive teenage girl, referring more to character than to appearance. For a lovely view of the harbour side of Sandgate, go here.

What we did on our holidays …

2010-11-11T14:20:00.000Z

well, on our church weekend away. The title reference is to Fairport Convention's second album, and while holidays does not really convey the idea of a mini-conference, there was time for a 5-mile country walk, returning along the cliff-tops, and some exploration of the old town. Our speaker was Tim Davies of Christ Church Central, Sheffield which describes itself as a church for people who don't go to church.

The youth hostel, pictured above, was a brilliant venue, right next to the iconic Whitby Abbey at the top of the famous 199 steps. The accommodation was comfortable and the service very good.

A little Whitby night view

2010-11-10T11:00:00.001Z

A first excursion into night-time photography which demonstrates how difficult it is to keep the camera steady without a tripod . This is Whitby from the east side, near the bottom of the 199 steps and looking over the harbour. It's no wonder it's such a popular destination; the town itself has many attractions and then there is so much to see and do nearby: Scarborough, Robin Hoods Bay, Goathland for Heartbeat and Harry Potter fans, the North Yorkshire Moors centre at Danby, great walking, the Roman road, Pickering - endless!

But every silver lining has a dark cloud: the popularity of the town has led to a rise in house prices in recent years as the demand for holiday lets has intensified, making it difficult for local first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder.

Whitby, 199: The First Step

The Hundred and Ninety-Nine Steps

Blackburn's Yard 3

2010-11-09T19:52:00.001Z

We've been to Blackburn's Yard before. This is the Church Street entrance; take it as an alternative route via the Donkey Path to St Mary's church and Whitby abbey. Just inside the yard is Wash House Pottery views of which are to be had here. These yards are a feature of old Whitby both on the east and west side of the River Esk harbour and there are cottages to rent in many of them.

Esk Valley Walk: Ten Linking Walks from Westerdale to Whitby

Trillos of Whitby

2010-11-08T08:31:00.000Z

Trillo? Not a Yorkshire name, you might say, and you would be right - and wrong. Neil Trillo is one of the third generation of an Italian family who arrived in Britain in 1912, so he is Yorkshire born and bred, but justly proud of his roots. Service is friendly and personal, and Neil engages easily with customers young and old. We caught him on the last day of the season, at least for this location by Whitby Abbey and Youth Hostel. Down in the town, his Full of Beans kiosk at the bottom of Khyber Pass serves quality coffee at reasonable prices. For more information and photographs, go to Off the Beaten Track. Go here for a 360º view of Whitby from Spion Kop.

Bucolic beauty, Whitby

2010-11-04T16:20:00.000Z

A beautiful autumn scene just out of Whitby, with dramatic sky and lengthening shadows. This is yet another Martin Ashburner composition; the juxtaposition of the shed, hedge and shadow pull it together, and the contrast of dark sky and sunlit meadow is very atmospheric.

Walks on the North York Moors: Bk. 2: An Illustrated Guide to Thirty Walks of Outstanding Beauty and Interest (Jack Keighley's Northern England)

Walking to Crosses to the North York Moors (Lonely Planet Walking Guide)

Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, Hon. F.R.P.S: Whitby and its people as seen by one of the founders of the naturalistic movement in photography : a second selection of his work

Autumnal River Esk

2010-11-03T07:42:00.007Z

Another Martin Ashburner contribution, this time of the River Esk just out of Whitby. To make further acquaintance with this delightful river and its descent from the heights of the North York Moors, visit Doc and Molly Brown's wonderful site. Phil Brown taught chemistry at Whitby Community College, whilst Molly taught in the primary sector.

Steamed up in Whitby

2010-11-02T19:41:00.002Z

This engine hardly needs any commentary, except to say that steam trains were reinstated on the Whitby to Middlesbrough line a few years ago, to the delight of local enthusiasts as well as tourists. I don't know if this train has done the whole journey or only the Grosmont to Whitby run.

If you have never visited the North York Moors Railway site, don't miss this opportunity, but don't reach for your pens when you come to the Levisham entry; I've already informed them about the who's / whose typo.

This is one of several Martin Ashburner photographs he sent this evening; it was difficult to choose which one to post, so the criteria were to be able to see something of the town and to have some steam.

Rocket launch?

2010-07-31T22:18:00.000+01:00

There's been a launch at Whitby! This shot from Martin Ashburner suggests that Virtuous might be suffering from an identity crisis of the ship or rocket variety.

River and rail

2010-07-30T21:03:00.000+01:00

River and rail curve out of Whitby to journey up the Esk Valley. Steam locomotives linking with the North Yorks Moors Railway were reintroduced to this line a few years ago. Thanks again to Martin Ashburner for this one.

Sunup or sundown?

2010-07-24T15:12:00.000+01:00

Answers on a postcard, please. Thanks again to Martin Ashburner for another shot of one of his favourite views, Sandsend Nab from Whitby.

When two walk together 2

2010-07-19T18:24:00.000+01:00

Another of Martin Ashburner's photos of Whitby taken from the west cliff. There are so many features to this one, but I'll leave you to notice them.

When two walk together …

2010-07-15T19:17:00.000+01:00

Another of Martin Ashburner's photos of Sandsend Nab taken from Whitby cliffs.

Whitby beach huts

2010-07-13T14:34:00.000+01:00

Looks like they've been repainted. Apparently the council is going to subcontract the management and lettings; this will almost certainly mean higher costs for the locals who rent the huts every year. They are so popular that very few are left for holidaymakers. Thanks to Martin Ashburner for this and other recent shots.

I am sailing …

2010-05-22T21:48:00.000+01:00

Yes, you can have fun on the North Sea!

Sandsend Nab from Whitby

2010-05-20T22:37:00.000+01:00

Thanks to Martin Ashburner who sent this and a few other recent pictures of Whitby, a surprise for CDPers who have not already deleted this blog from their lists.

Goodbye Resolution

2010-04-24T10:40:00.000+01:00

One of Cook's ships represented on the plinth of his statue overlooking Whitby harbour. My resolution has failed, and this may be the last entry on this photo blog. It looks very much as though we will be settling in York (see JorvikDailyPhoto) and won't get to Whitby often enough to be able to maintain this blog. Thanks for your visits and comments. If any Whitby reader would like to take this over, please let me know!

Functional English

2010-04-13T21:36:00.000+01:00

Bygone days! An important feature of Whitby for many years was Functional English, a language school founded by John and Jill Karlik, occupying for most of its life the now-demolished former convent on Chubb Hill.

Students came from all over the world to learn English, sometimes for professional purposes, and in many cases, to enable them to serve as Christian missionaries abroad. Many of them went on to learn another language through the medium of English before taking up this latter career. Marcus, Stefan and Andy, all Swiss German, are pictured in Pannet Park, just opposite the school, posing with symbols of their career or interests (folk-rock music, IT and brass band).

The school closed only last year bringing to an end a period which had enriched the life of the town and particularly of the churches of Whitby which many students attended and served in regularly during their stay.

Upgang Lane wedding carriage

2010-03-30T09:29:00.000+01:00

A lovely horse-drawn carriage prepared for a wedding. Scanned and grainy, the photograph nevertheless captures a precious moment: the carriage stops outside of Peregrine House, a retirement home in Upgang Lane, probably to greet an elderly relative unable to attend the ceremony.

This is on the Whitby to Sandsend Road, a few hundred yards from Pannett Park (to the left) and from the west cliff (straight ahead).

Whitby lobster pots

2010-03-29T10:15:00.000+01:00

An old scanned photo from the 1990s giving a classic view from the west side of the inner harbour.

Rooftops and abbey

2010-03-27T23:47:00.000Z

The abbey again, but Whitby is a small town dominated by the east cliff monuments, so they will feature quite often.

Cosy corner, Whitby

2010-03-26T20:52:00.001Z

I've always liked this quiet corner of Whitby; it's on the west side, a steep flight of steps above Cliff Street and just round the corner from a gym. If one of these comes up for sale at the right price …

Eagle Turnery, Whitby

2010-03-25T23:18:00.000Z

Go to Brigantia or here for pictures and information on his tiny shop in Hunter Street, where Nik Harty creations are for sale. There is something for every pocket and commissions are undertaken for special events.

Ici on parle French!

2010-03-23T21:23:00.000Z

Joli, n'est-ce pas? The English have a terrible reputation for learning languages, mais voilà, ici on parle la belle langue de Molière. Well, I've never been into the shop to test that claim, but they know at least this word. This is Flowergate again and this magasin is a close voisin of le café de Monsieur Sherlock Holmes. The Little Angel is a little further up the hill.

The Little Angel

2010-03-22T19:08:00.000Z

This is almost at the top of Flowergate; the main feature is, of course, the pub sign, but the attention-seeking abbey is over there on the east side, and Spantons (Men's and Ladies' wear) deserves a mention. The bridal models on their site rival the angel, cute as she may be.

Is Sherlock home?

2010-03-17T19:16:00.001Z

Hilda of Manila loves to hate puns; will she notice that there is no lemon entry, but rather a green one? Apologies to finer minds. This is Flowergate, a steepish shopping street we've visited before - follow the link.

Whitby swing bridge …

2010-03-16T21:48:00.000Z

from a distance, over the pantile rooftops of some west side cottages. This is taken from the top of the steps below Spion Kop.

The Captain Cook Experience …

2010-03-13T23:28:00.000Z

but not including Australia or the South Seas. A small replica of the Bark Endeavour will, however, take you out of the harbour towards Sandsend. Follow the link to find out about its construction by Whitby craftsmen and other related matters, including notes on Cook himself.

Let's peer in …

2010-03-12T09:26:00.000Z

Just along from the Magpie this pub-hotel-restaurant is just "so British" in appearance, though not everyone appreciates the refurbishment. It does, however, offer superb views over to the east side for those lucky enough to book a room at the front. It is on Pier Road, quelle surprise, just opposite this.

B for Whitby

2010-03-11T09:07:00.000Z

The gate to the fish quay, almost opposite the Magpie, looking once again to the picturesque east side.

The Magpie Cafe, Whitby

2010-03-10T21:24:00.000Z

One of Whitby's most famous places to eat, this harbourside building has been a cafe since about 1939. People queue to eat in here, even in the rain. Is any restaurant that good? To order the downloadable Magpie Cookbook, visit the kitchen shop or view a short video, go to their site.

The RNLI Museum

2010-03-09T21:50:00.000Z

The Royal National Lifeboat Association museum exists largely to raise money, as the lifeboats are funded by charitable donations. The Whitby station has quite a record for bravery with 49 gallantry awards and the loss of five crews.

Tate Hill Beach from Whitby West Pier

2010-03-06T12:47:00.000Z

The same lamp-post as yesterday rescued from its not very splendid isolation. The masts of the Grand Turk are clearly visible in the inner harbour. Follow the link for more on this replica ship.

Scroll on!

2010-03-05T16:16:00.000Z

One of the pretty lamp-posts on the west pier with a visitor who looks as fed up as the rest of us with the greyness of the sky.

Whitby east side

2010-03-04T22:16:00.000Z

Huddled houses and hostelries below the abbey visitor centre and youth hostel. The abbey is out of sight to the left. The tide is out as evidenced by the exposed bit of beach in the outer harbour.

Whitby passageway

2010-03-01T20:39:00.000Z

This vennel runs down to the harbour from Flowergate. I haven't registered for the passageway theme, but here it is. For the benefit of newcomers, the church is St Mary's, Whitby.

West pier lighthouse

2010-02-27T08:01:00.000Z

Functional, but the octagonal cabin, domed roof and weathervane give it charm.

Through the keyhole …

2010-02-26T21:23:00.000Z

Another classic view, this time from the tunnel under Spion Kop. We are looking eastwards to St Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey, with the 199 steps clearly visible.

Whitby pier extensions …

2010-02-25T20:49:00.001Z

with a container ship in the distance. There are people fishing from the stone part of the pier below the boardwalk. When the seas are too high, the gates are closed to prevent public access to the extensions.

Captain James Cook not quite himself

2010-02-22T20:49:00.000Z

The great man all alone and from the front. For the story of this extraordinary navigator and cartographer, follow the labels and links.

Captain James Cook and the whalebone arch

2010-02-20T09:05:00.000Z

Two of Whitby's West Cliff monuments seen from Spion Kop above Khyber Pass. Earlier posts contain more information.

Tribute to Whitby seafarers 2

2010-02-19T11:39:00.001Z

The other half of the very wide gate shown yesterday. For a good picture of the complete gate, showing the West Cliff promenades, the Pavilion Theatre and the Metropole building, go here. If you are interested in the funding and manufacture, this is the place. Go here to discover more about Godbold Blacksmiths Ltd of Egton.

Tribute to Whitby seafarers

2010-02-18T23:16:00.001Z

One half of the wide gate which closes off the pier extensions to the public during high seas. Next instalment tomorrow.

From the west pier

2010-02-17T13:03:00.001Z

Another inescapable classic view.

Unlikely neighbours

2010-02-15T15:05:00.000Z

The names of these holiday homes are probably not authentic, but thinking of these two professions as neighbours is amusing. It reminds me of something that happened to my brother in another part of the world: "Steve, you want come smuggling?" "But what about the police?" "Oh, he too busy today; he coming with us again next week."

The not so far pavilions 2.

2010-02-13T09:17:00.000Z

We caught a glimpse of this new part of the Whitby Spa Pavilion a few days ago. This is the place for concerts, theatre, exhibitions and festivals in an impressive setting which we too often take for granted.

Whitby beach shop

2010-02-12T13:28:00.000Z

This will look much prettier once the season arrives and there are buckets, spades, beachballs and other plastic delights hanging on the net. Many families prefer this section of sand because it is only a few minutes from the town centre.

No band stand

2010-02-11T20:22:00.001Z

No band, but it's good for a picnic, even on a cold, grey day. That black bin really sets the photo off - and who left the back of that roadsign in the frame?

Should a town full of gulls have a cull, or should they let them "nest in peace", as the anti-cull slogan goes.

Piers from Spion Kop

2010-02-10T22:31:00.000Z

… and the horizon is almost level. Khyber Pass below, excavated by Railway King George Hudson to transport building material from the station to Whitby's Royal Crescent. For the significance of Spion Kop, check the label for earlier posts.

Whatever the weather …

2010-02-09T18:17:00.000Z

Whatever the weather, unless the sea is dangerously high, there are promenaders on the pier.

From the third floor

2010-02-08T21:47:00.000Z

Another classic view except that this one was taken from the third floor of what used to be a bakery, tea-rooms and dance hall. It's in Skinner Street and has been the home of Whitby Evangelical Church for about 25 years. Another rare grey day, he said …

Pillarbox red

2010-02-06T11:10:00.000Z

Two minutes from yesterday's wrought iron brings you here.

Flat iron

2010-02-05T12:24:00.000Z

I rarely resist a pun, even a bad one. This street of flats (apartments) and BnBs leads directly to the west cliff and the ice-cream kiosk of a few days ago. I like these angled bays. The wrought iron is lovely, but maintenance is a nightmare.

Pretty classic

2010-02-04T17:14:00.000Z

Another classic view with the 199 steps in the centre.

The not so far pavilions …

2010-02-03T08:54:00.000Z

The old Spa Pavilion building with a bit of the new peeping out at the side. A bit of sun peeping through the clouds would have helped. We are looking towards Sandsend where the sands …

The Far Pavilions was a TV series about the British in India.

Through the arched window …

2010-02-02T21:27:00.000Z

A reminder of Whitby's whaling past, these jaw-bones provide an unusual frame for St Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey, with Henrietta Street and Tate Hill beach down below.

For non-British readers (and for anyone in the UK under 25) the title reference is to the popular children's TV programme, Playschool. Does it still exist? Whatever happened to Brian Cant and Floella Benjamin?

New Year's Resolution

2010-02-01T18:00:00.000Z

A long overdue picture of Captain James Cook, this first one from behind to take in the 199 steps, church and abbey. The Resolution is Cook's ship, sculpted into the pedestal. There was no obliging seagull perched on his head today, but plenty of evidence of their presence.

Where 2x5=5

2010-01-29T19:36:00.001Z

Just in case you miss the sign at the bottom of the steps …

A very important part of Whitby's economy, bed and breakfast establishments thrive on the West Cliff. Book early for Folk Week, Regatta, Goth weekends and other special events.

Not a gossip column

2010-01-29T09:39:00.000Z

It's not open, of course, but you can dream of Spring. This is a minute from yesterday's picture of Royal Crescent on Whitby's West Cliff.

Eclipse of the moon?

2010-01-28T23:21:00.000Z

Part of Whitby's Royal Crescent on the west cliff. The flats have views over the sea but face away from the harbour and town.

The crescent only forms a 90º arc: because the developer, Railway King and Member of Parliament George Hudson, had overstretched himself and was unable to complete the semi-circle.

The oddly-named Khyber Pass was excavated into the west cliff to facilitate the transport of building materials for this project.

Hudson's financial dealings landed him in York prison for 15 months or so from July 1865, but he nevertheless managed to remain MP for Sunderland.

Blue in Versailles, blue in Whitby

2010-01-27T14:53:00.001Z

Youngs always looks pretty. The shop is at the sea end of Skinner Street.

Bridge over untroubled waters

2010-01-26T19:30:00.003Z

A familiar sight in Whitby is to see two crowds of people, one at either end of the swing bridge, waiting for it to reopen after the passage of a trawler or masted vessel.

The small building on the right is the gatemen's cabin, and the larger white one on the left the Whitby Gazette office. Turn right into Grape Lane just before that to see where Captain Cook lived during his apprenticeship.

Enlarging the photo will reveal that the red brick building occupying a prime position at the east end of the bridge is the Dolphin.

Harbourside reds

2010-01-25T20:37:00.000Z

This is the blog's first photograph from the harbourside to the east cliff. St Mary's church needs no introduction: here she is again looking more than a little like a castle.

I like the cheering effect of the three bright red spots in this scene; it was a damp, grey day of the kind we don't often get in Whitby. Strange! My nose suddenly feels a little longer!

Cædmon's cross is clearly visible to the right of the church, at the top of the 199 steps. The town looks deserted here, but I had to wait a while for the human traffic to move on before I had a clear shot.

St Hilda's church, West Cliff

2010-01-23T11:23:00.000Z

One more view over to West Cliff, showing St Hilda's church with its solid tower. The River Esk is just out of sight below the harbourside buildings in the foreground.

This scene is just to the left of yesterday's.

The sands of time …

2010-01-22T10:59:00.001Z

Another of Catherine de Compiègne's holiday snaps, showing the long beach from Whitby to Sandsend, and the closer Tate Hill sands down below in the outer harbour.

The Captain Cook monument and whalebone arch to the right of the white Royal Hotel are unfortunately not clearly visible even in the enlarged version.

The road below the hotel and monuments is amusingly named Khyber Pass, and the elevated area which forms the other side of the mini-valley, Spion Kop, after a Boer War battle. The Boers had the best of it on that occasion.

Whitby beach huts

2010-01-21T10:24:00.001Z

The first picture on Whitby Daily Photo was taken from behind the beach huts, looking out to the piers.

The town centre is only a 15 to 20 minute walk from here, either along the beach at low tide, or by the Whitby Pavilion pathway.

The beachfront café was refurbished quite recently, and is no longer the eyesore it was for many years. This is a pre-season photograph; come Spring there will be locals and trippers braving the onshore breeze and deciding where to have their fish and chips.

Speaking of that national delicacy, we recently celebrated its 150th anniversary! Readers who don't know what we are talking about should go here for a picture and 150 fascinating fish and chip facts.

Black Horse Yard

2010-01-20T16:35:00.001Z

Turn into this secluded, prettily decorated cobbled yard by the famous Black Horse Inn on Church Street for a choice of holiday cottages.

The Black Horse Inn was formerly The White Horse Inn, but a change of name was imposed by local magistrates in 1828 to avoid confusion with the The White Horse and Griffin, just along the street.

This last-mentioned pub took its name from the coat of arms of the Cholmley family, the local gentry responsible for several architectural features of the town, including the Old Town Hall where you might have seen the flute and guitar duo a few days ago.

The abbey close up

2010-01-19T19:10:00.000Z

The abbey and refurbished information centre are well worth the visit. If I haven't sent you here before, I should have done.

Catherine's Arguments

2010-01-18T17:14:00.000Z

Our friend from Compiègne, France, loved this yard, so here is the view she took looking back towards the entry from Church Street. Compare it with Saturday's picture.

The blonde lady coming down the steps was a willing participant. I think the cottage on the right was one we rented in 2006 while on holiday back from Franche-Comté.

The blues cheer up the place a bit!