West pier lighthouse

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

Through the keyhole …

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 …

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

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

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

Tribute to Whitby seafarers 2

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

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

Another inescapable classic view.

Unlikely neighbours

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.

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

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

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

… 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 …

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

From the third floor

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

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

Flat iron

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

Another classic view with the 199 steps in the centre. 

The not so far pavilions …

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 …

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

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.