Whitby, the Yorkshire Coast and North York Moors National Park

Whitby has so much to offer, not only Heartbeat film locations, as there it is a popular seaside resort whilst retaining uts maritme and fishing heritage. Its old harbours and Old Town are full of character.

Amongst the major attractions is the ancient ruins of Whitby Abbey perched on the headland overlooking the town and harbour mouth. In addition there is the Whitby Museum and Whitby Archives Heritage Centre where takes of Whitby's fishing, whaling and jet working industries are discovered. River and coastal cruises are extremely popular as well.

The town has unique associations with Captain James Cook, perhaps the world's greatest navigator and explorer, for it was here that he was first apprenticed and learnt his maritime trade. Also, his famous vessel, the HM Bark Endeavour, was originally constructed in Whitby shipyards! There is a fantastic museum dedicated to this great seaman and explorer, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby, in the building in which he once lived.

The coastline known as the North Yorkshire Heritage Coast is a real jewel in the region's crown. Here there is great beauty and breath-taking variety, with some of the highest cliffs in England, inlets, bays, golden expanses of beaches, a smuggling heritage and a collection of quaint fishing villages and towns. It beckons your personal exploration.

Inland the unspoilt moorlands and peaceful, rural green dales are protected in the North York Moors National Park. this magnificent empty region so accessible by quiet country lanes, is truly splendid. There is beauty, landforms, history and heritage and beautiful country villages in this lovely part of North Yorkshire that is welcoming in all seasons of the year.

To help you plan your explorations, the following are a number of guidebooks that will prove invaluable to you. More details can be found at the Discovery Guides Online Bookstore - simply select this link..... and visit the Discovery Britain Travel and Tourism website.