Friday 11/5/19

Day out to Robin Hoods Bay.

Weather wise it started as a beautiful sunny day and the drive across to the East Coast from Newsham, about 1 hour 45mins was lovely.

Whitby Abby was grand, ethereal and amazing. Just thinking about how they carried out such detailed work in those days is mind boggling and makes me want to read more history, particularly about Henry VIII.

Whitby itself looks to be a thriving seaport, split by the River Esk with Gothic Whitby Abbey on the East Cliff. The Abbey was apparently Bram Stoker a inspiration for Dracula” and the is an original sign first print copy of the book in the museum at the Abbey. The museum newly opened in March this year so we were fortunate to see it.

I wish we had longer to walk around and explore the town to find it’s hidden gems which I’m sure are there including Captain Cook’s memorial and Museum as he lived in Whiby for a time but we wanted to go to Robin Hood’s Bay today also so off we go.

Robin Hoods bay is a picturesque old fishing village with a long history of smuggling and delightful with a steep descent from the cliffs to the village centre.

We discovered a cluster of houses in the centre of town, that wound up the cliff face and that you could wander from top to bottom through a maze of twisted cobbled streets and narrow alleyways passing rows of cottages with quiant names and colourful tubs of flowers. Many were self catering so it would be a magical place to stay for children I think. It certainly captured my imagination.

We did part of the last days walk from Whitby to Robin Hoods bay, walking a loop on the Cleveland/Cinder Way. A lovely walk along the cliff tips on a probably our best day weather wise so far. On the way back we stopped on a seat to have a late lunch and enjoy the view of the North Sea.

On our return to Robin Hoods Bay we had a quick stop for a pint at the smugglers bar. Rob had the Black Death and I had a cider.

Suitably refreshed we walked up the cliff again via the cottages maze as I’ve come to think of it and then back in the car and off to Scarborough.

The days are long here with a twilight that extends to nearly 10pm so we decided to stay out later today. Unfortunately though most Heritage sites close at 6pm with last entry half hour before so we arrived at Scarborough Castle too late. We did enjoy a walk around the castle perimeter though and the views across Scarborough Esplanade and the coastline were well worth the drive.