Located on the Yorkshire Coast, in the north east of England, Whitby is a delightful seaside town famous for its Blue Flag beaches, coastal cottages and of course, fish and chips!

But that’s not all – Whitby is steeped in culture and history too, making it one of the most interesting holiday destinations in the UK.

And to help give you some ideas for your next holiday cottage rental, we’ve got 5 reasons why you should take a short break in Whitby in 2020. Some of which might surprise you...

1.Discover the ruins of Whitby Abbey

Founded in 657, the ruins of Whitby Abbey are one of the most recognisable sights in North Yorkshire.

They are also what inspired Bram Stoker to create his most famous character, Dracula. In the novel, Dracula leapt up Whitby’s 199 steps disguised as a huge black dog, which you can climb too.

Take a walk back in time around the ruins, explore the exhibition and enjoy a relaxing picnic on the grounds.

Whitby Abbey is open all year round in 2020, so you and your family can visit at a time that suits you. 

2.See a show at the famous Whitby Pavilion

If you’re looking for some traditional Whitby entertainment then head to the majestic Whitby Pavilion.

Built in 1878, the theatre puts on a range of spectacular shows, from traditional dramas and musicals, to comedy performances and plays.

2020 promises acts such as Spandau Ballet’s Martin Kemp; The Whitby Northern Soul Weekender and the 2020 Whitby Mototown Weekender.

There’s also a music hall where concerts and tribute shows are a regular feature on the bill. Head to the Theatre Bar pre-show to enjoy magnificent sea views of the Whitby coast. 

3.Dance the weekend away at the 2020 Robin Hood’s Bay Folk Weekend

Hosted on the 5th, 6th and 7th June 2020, Robin Hood’s Bay Folk Weekend promises to be a spectacle of music, fun and frolic, with over 50 dancers, drummers, singers and musicians providing the entertainment throughout the weekend.

This folk-themed event is located in the nearby picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, which is on the Heritage Coast of the North York Moors. It’s a beautiful area, with sandy beaches and winding cobbled streets to explore. 

4.Discover the spirit of Whitby at the 2020 Whitby Regatta

Due to take place on the 15-17th August 2020, the Whitby Regatta offers a full weekend of entertainment, yacht racing, rowing competitions and a spectacular fireworks display.

It’s one of the oldest sea regattas on the north east coast, having now run for over 170 years, and each year the regatta draws a huge crowd of local residents and holidaymakers looking to soak up the famous Whitby spirit. 

5.Whitby Whale Bone Arch

The Whitby Whale Bone Arch is one of the most unique sights in the UK.

The arch is made from 20-foot whale jaw bones that hark back to a time when whaling was common practice, signalling that whalers had survived the hunt.

If you get the angle right, you can even see the Whitby Abbey through the whale bone arch, and the surrounding sea views are simply stunning.

Next door sits a statue of Captain Cook, so be sure to check that out too. Head to nearby Whitby Museum to discover more about this interesting period of history. 

Looking for the best holiday cottage accommodation in Whitby?

If reading this blog has encouraged you to come and explore Whitby in Yorkshire, along with its wonderful coastline for yourself, then why not consider booking a self-catering holiday cottage in the Whitby area?

Holiday Cottage Compare has a wide selection of holiday cottages to rent in Whitby and the surrounding area, including Scarborough and the idyllic coastal hamlet of Staithes. From quaint fishermen’s cottages right in the town itself with lovely sea views, to larger, three storey houses on the outskirts of Whitby, ideal for big group celebrations and reunions.

Whatever you are looking for, we will have something to meet your requirements.

You can either browse our easy to use website or simple get in touch via our free concierge service and let us find the perfect holiday cottage for you.

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