Whitby

Leaving York for Scarborough once again the weather was not being kind and we were umming and ahhing about what was worse - seeing the North Yorkshire Moors in the rain and mist or visiting the coastal town of Whitby in the rain and mist.

In the end we did both.

But first we paid a fleeting visit to the grounds of Castle Howard, where Brideshead Revisited was filmed.  Daylight savings ended here last night, so we were a little on the early side, so rather than wait an hour for the castle to open we played around in the car park, as you do!

The entrance to the castle is grand and you drive through 2 large arches and past this enormous obelisk.

The grounds of Castle Howard

Then it was off to Whitby, via the moors.  Steve programmed the SatNav and it took us off the main road and along tiny steep winding roads within the National Park.  We were actually supposed to be heading straight to Whitby, but ended up in a tiny village called Egton.  I'm glad we took the detour or else we would have missed out on this beautiful scenery.

Beautiful North Yorkshire countryside

And then we arrived in Whitby just in time for lunch.  Laura, who I work with at St Joseph's School, suggested we go to the Magpie Cafe, so all being super hungry that's straight where we headed.  And we were not disappointed. Mmmm Mmmmm.  Fish Pie number 2 for me!

Cod and Haddock fish and chips, Fish Pie and the kiddies jelly baby and ice-cream dessert!

Then it was a quick stroll around Whitby with its masses of red-roofed houses and steep windy streets lining the port.

Whitby

And finally it was off to the formidable and very spooky Whitby Abbey.  Perched on a windswept hill overlooking the town, the ruins of the Abbey are eerie.  Everything around there was a bit old and decrepit, including the Youth Hostel and Abbey Tea Rooms next door.  Plus having a cemetery adjacent to the ruins just added to the atmosphere.  I don't think I'd want to visit at night!

Whitby Abbey