Published On: Mon, Sep 23rd, 2024
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‘Stunning’ seaside town with ‘best fish and chips in the UK’ | UK | Travel


Whitby, UK

Whitby in North Yorkshire was previously named one of the prettiest towns in the UK (Image: Kat Gardiner/Getty Images)

Whitby, perched on the dramatic North Yorkshire cliffs, was celebrated as one of the UK’s loveliest locations back in 2021.

Gazing out across the river mouth from its clifftop vantage point, the historic seaport is renowned for Whitby Abbey, connection to Captain Cook, inspiration for Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’, and notably, an iconic fish and chips shop.

At the heart of Whitby’s charming harbour stands the Magpie Cafe, a beacon of culinary delight famed for its vast array of fresh fish and succulent seafood dishes.

The  cafe began life in 1750 as a merchant’s house built by a member of the illustrious Scoresby whaling family.

Entwined with Whitby’s rich fishing industry heritage, the building went on to become Harrowings’ shipping office before transforming into the esteemed cafe in 1939, reports MyLondon.

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The Magpie Cafe is a Whitby legend (Image: Peter Harbour – North Yorkshire Live)

Today, patrons can indulge in everything from generous portions of cod and haddock to hake, plaice, skate wing, halibut, and authentic Whitby wholetail scampi at the Magpie.

Additionally, tempting offerings on the menu include Magpie Fish Pie, Hot Seafood Pot, luscious Lobster Thermidor, and sumptuous Lindisfarne oysters.

Boasting in excess of 6,298 ‘Excellent’ ratings on Tripadvisor, the Magpie Cafe has solidified its status as an indisputable Whitby treasure.

It was also the recipient of the site’s Travellers’ Choice Awards in 2023.

A contented diner shared: “Must admit can’t come to Whitby and not eat here. My favourite seafood restaurant. Fantastic choice and great value for quality.”

Whitby Abbey Ruins at sunset

The ruins of Whitby Abbey are probably one of the town’s most famous landmarks (Image: Getty Images)

Another chimed in saying: “Having heard about this fish and chip restaurant on a James Martin Saturday show we had to try it. Well we were not disappointed, the fish was the best cod I have tasted.”

A diner raved: “Having been before and had the best fish and chips anywhere, I revisited with friends. The quality of the cod and chips was just as good – the best in the UK in my opinion.”

Whitby’s iconic ruins of the town’s abbey stand as a testament to its rich history.

Founded in 657 AD by Abbess Hild, the monastery was originally a joint house for men and women, marking Whitby’s first monastic settlement.

It was within these hallowed walls that the Synod of Whitby took place, leading to the unification of Easter dates between Celtic and Roman Christian traditions.

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The Whitby Goth Weekend is a celebration of all things gothic – and the town’s connection to Bram Stoker (Image: PA)

However, following Danish incursions in the ninth century, the original monastery fell into disuse, only to be re-established by the monk Reinfrid in 1078 as a Benedictine community.

Post-Dissolution, the hauntingly beautiful ruins of the abbey remain, inspiring Bram Stoker’s legendary Dracula during his 1890 visit to Whitby, where he stayed on the West Cliff.

Fans of Stoker can immerse themselves in the gothic atmosphere at the Whitby Goth Weekend, celebrated twice a year in April and October.

To reach the abbey, visitors embark on a climb up the famed 199 Steps from the old town, passing by St Mary’s Church and enjoying panoramic views of the town and harbour, where fishing trips beckon.

Rooftops of Whitby Abbey by sea and the 199 steps

f you’re looking to get up to the top of the town, you’ll have to tackle the famous 199 steps (Image: John Dowle/Getty Images)

Whitby also claims fame as the home of renowned explorer Captain James Cook.

The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, located in John Walker’s historic harbourside house, chronicles Cook’s epic voyages across the Pacific, South Atlantic, and Arctic oceans.

This is the historic spot where Cook honed his seafaring skills under Captain John Walker.

Just opposite, Whitby Beach unfurls along the coast, offering miles of sand and intriguing rockpools to explore.

Adrenaline-seekers can brave the North Sea waves at Whitby Surf School, or environmentalists might prefer participating in a beach cleansing effort.

Venturing inland to Sneaton Forest’s heart, you’ll find Falling Foss Tea Garden, a charming spot to indulge in homemade cakes, scones, and sandwiches, with a generous serving of tea and coffee – all set next to the picturesque Falling Foss waterfall.

For an authentic Yorkshire culinary experience, The Endeavour presents ‘Yorkshire tapas’ including treats like dressed Whitby crab, crayfish tails, and Bothams of Whitby’s local pork pie.

Whitby isn’t just one of the top ten prettiest towns in the UK; it’s also a portal into the local history, cultural heritage, and a gastronome’s haven.



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