Captain Cook Memorial

The obelisk stands on the cliff edge above Whitby, a rather stark tribute to a man who changed the course of exploration. Captain Cook's monument isn't flashy - it's just a stone column pointing skyward, but that's rather the point. From up here you get proper views across the North Sea, the kind that make you understand why Cook became obsessed with finding new horizons.

What you're actually doing is standing on what was Cook's backyard. He lived in Whitby, worked as a sailor here, and set sail from these waters on his most famous voyages. The monument itself requires no ticket and no time commitment - five minutes to walk around it, ten if you're reading the plaques and taking photos. History buffs will linger longer, turning over the stories of exploration in their heads.

The real appeal here is the walk itself. The path up from Whitby town centre is steep enough to get your legs working, but nothing that will destroy you. Go on a clear day and you'll see why Cook kept coming back to this place. On a grey afternoon - which you'll get plenty of in Yorkshire - it's atmospheric in that brooding way British coastal landmarks do so well.

If you're staying at Whitby Cliff Top Touring Park, you're literally on the doorstep - less than half a mile walk. Makes it an easy morning outing before heading elsewhere. Worth the detour if you're already in Whitby, not worth planning a trip around on its own.