Whitby

Gothic spires pierce the North Sea mist as fishing boats bob in a harbour that's barely changed since Captain Cook set sail from here 250 years ago. This is Whitby at its most atmospheric - part Victorian seaside resort, part working port, wholly captivating.

Dracula's shadow looms large over the town, thanks to Bram Stoker's famous novel. The Dracula Experience milks this connection for all it's worth, though frankly the ruins of Whitby Abbey perched dramatically on East Cliff are far more spine-tingling than any tourist attraction. Those 199 steps up to the abbey will leave you breathless, but the views across the harbour mouth are properly spectacular.

Down at harbour level, Tate Hill Beach offers a different perspective entirely. It's a proper working beach where cobles still land their catch, and the famous Whale Bone Arch frames photos perfectly. The Captain Cook Statue reminds you that this modest Yorkshire port launched one of history's greatest explorers.

Whitby's artistic heritage runs deep. The Frank Meadow Sutcliffe gallery showcases the Victorian photographer who captured the town's fishing community with remarkable sensitivity. Modern galleries like Polar Bear and Crow's Nest continue that tradition, though the real art here is simply watching the light change over the harbour.

Staying at Whitby Cliff Top Touring Park puts you right on the doorstep - it's a cracking spot with those 4.5-star ratings for good reason. The North York Moors stretch inland, while the coast path heads south to Robin Hood's Bay or north towards Staithes. Getting here couldn't be easier - the Esk Valley line from Middlesbrough terminates right in town, or it's a scenic drive off the A171.