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Whitby
From its ancient origin, Whitby has in different periods prospered from monasticism, fishing, shipbuilding, whaling, jet jewellery and tourism. Reminders of this heritage abound: Whitby Abbey; the 199 steps which link it with the Old Town; Church Street; the harbour and pier; the Captain Cook Memorial Museum; and Pannett Park where you will find Whitby Art Gallery and Museum. Even the railway station deserves to be looked at.
Before George Hudson (“The Railway King”) had his vision, to bring visitors to Whitby by train, people could travel to and from this town only by sea or across the vast North Yorkshire Moors, either of which had its perils. Hudson superintended the building of a railway line from Pickering, which opened in 1836, and commissioned George T Andrews to design the station at Whitby, which opened in 1847 (it is now a listed building).
The Endeavour, the ship on which Captain James Cook discovered Australia, was a Whitby-built collier – solidly constructed, flat-bottomed and capacious, therefore suitable for an epic voyage on the high seas.
View Live Departures from WhitbyWhat to do in Whitby
North Eastern Railway Tile Map
On Whitby station, to the left of the exit facing the harbour (East), there is a tiled map of the entire North Eastern Railway passenger system as it was at the beginning of the twentieth century.
This is one of just a few of these which survive. You can find out more about their manufacture and history on the North Eastern Tile Company website, as well as details of newly made replica tile maps, which are available in a range of sizes.
'A Sentimental Journey' (Whitby - Scarborough) 1966
This film documents the closure of Scarborough-to-Whitby railway line in 1965 as a result of the Beeching Axe.
Visit the Yorkshire Film Archive page to watch the film (approximately 12 minutes).
The Old Whitby Engine Shed
Whitby’s Engine Stable, to give it its ‘official title’, was originally built in 1847 and was designed by the renowned G T Andrews who also designed Whitby Station. It is a Grade II listed building and situated right in the heart of Whitby Town and is an iconic building. It is now in private ownership.
Walks
Find out more on the North York Moors website.
Cycling
Find out more on the North York Moors website.