The town of Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast lays claim to fame for a number of diverse reasons. It was in Whitby that Captain James Cook, the well known explorer, began his seafaring career; it was here that the writer Bram Stoker first had the idea for his legendary novel, Dracula; and Whitby was and is one of the UK’s principal fishing ports. Holidaying in Whitby affords a wide range of budget friendly holiday rental opportunities, from quaint cottages on the shore, to townhouses, to modern day luxury rental apartments. These rental opportunities allow visitors to have an unrestricted, central base from which to explore Whitby and the many attractions in the surrounding area.

Whichever type of holiday rental you choose in Whitby, from modern apartment to rustic cottage, you are likely to be within easy travelling distance of all the area‘s appealing locations. The historical features of Whitby include St Hilda’s Abbey, on the East Cliff, overlooking the town. The abbey was first founded in the seventh century and laid to waste several times by successive regimes, before finally being abandoned altogether and left to fall to ruin. It is also in this part of the town that there are one hundred and ninety-nine steps cut in to the cliff-face. These steps climb to an old churchyard and actually provided Bram Stoker with the main inspiration for the story of Dracula.

It was its status as an important sea port that gave Whitby much of its acclaim. One of the attractions which can be seen in Whitby today is a scaled replica of Captain Cook’s ship, Endeavour. It is often possible to enjoy a sail in the ship at different times of the year, when the weather is clement. Boat lovers may otherwise enjoy simply strolling around the extensive harbour area, admiring the many different types of craft at their berths, or even availing themselves of a pleasure cruise or chartered fishing trip. On variable days of the week, depending upon the arrival of the fishing fleet, a fish market is held at Whitby harbour, where the catch is auctioned to merchants.

Just outside of Whitby is the golf club, with a stunning cliff-top location, where lovers of the sport may wish to enjoy a round or two during their stay. Further afield, Whitby affords easy access to North Yorkshire Moors National Park and all its stunning, natural beauty and scenery. Alternatively, there is the option of taking a day trip to the historic city of York, to admire its beautiful architecture and cathedral, or perhaps enjoy a flutter at the famous racecourse should a meeting be scheduled. Families with young children may prefer, however, a short trip down the coast to the resort town of Scarborough and all its traditional seaside resort appeal and facilities.