Things to Do in Whitby on Pier Road

By Suzanne Kirkhope

Whitby in the county of North Yorkshire is situated on the breathtaking North East coastline. This small ancient fishing port, famous for its historical past with regards to Whitby Abbey and Captain Cook, is a natural harbour and as such is adaptable for all kinds of seafaring activities.

There has been a steep rise in tourism over the past thirty years. As far back as the Victorian era, Whitby was a famous spa town where genteel folk came to partake of the waters and the clear sea air. Although this is still the case today, there is more of a need for activities to appeal to a wide age range to cater for all tastes.

Whilst the town of Whitby still retains the West Cliff area with its lovely gardens, Captain Cook's Statue and Whalebone Arch which is reminiscent of times past, there has been an increase in the more modern 'up to date' facilities required of the younger generation on Pier Road.

Whilst not too intrusive on the general ambience of the historical port of Whitby, the amusement parks situated at the far end of Pier Road play their role in the entertainment factor of slot machines, bingo, small fairground rides and crazy golf. The council has permitted those already operating but made a stipulation that they may not increase in number further along the road. This seems to strike a happy balance taking into account the need for traditional holiday areas together with the exciting bright lights, bingo calling and cuddly toys. At the far end of Pier Road near Battery Parade there are some small fairground rides during the summer months aimed at the younger children.

The bandstand at the commencement of the West Pier is a popular venue for bands and the Folk Festival dancers and musicians. Many charitable organisations hold 'fairs',tombolas and book stalls around this area in the summer months. Opposite to the bandstand there is the Old Whitby Lifeboat Museum and gift shop. Originally built in 1895 to house the town's lifeboat, it was decommissioned in 1957 and turned into the museum it is today. Admission is free although donations are gratefully accepted. It holds a multitude of memorabilia chronicling the historical rescues off the coast of Whitby together with a history of the crews involved. On display is the Robert and Ellen Robson old lifeboat built in 1919 which was the last rowing lifeboat in service from 1947 - 1957.

Immediately behind and above the Old Lifeboat Museum, is the Whitby Yacht Club licensed premises. A social club for residents and yachting visitors alike. This is not the only licenced premises along Pier Road. There are a number of newly opened contemporary drinking establishments as well as the traditional public house.

As expected, there are numerous 'fish and chip' cafes and restaurants to cater for the ever popular local fish dishes. Many folk travel miles to sample the traditional Whitby favourite of 'cod and chips', although nowadays the fayre has increased to include locally caught haddock, plaice and mackerel (when in season). Its not only the restaurants and cafes that cater to the choices for seafood. There are stalls along Pier Road which sell crabs, prawns, mussels, winkles, shrimps and roll-mops.

No seaside town would be complete without a fortune-teller and indeed, at the end of Pier Road there is a well established such lady, who has a white booth on the corner with St. Anne's Staith. She is a clairvoyant and spiritualist by the name of Lee Ester Alita Lee.

Alongside the now recently closed fish market there is a traditional tea stall serving welcome bacon sandwiches alongside other such favourites as hot dogs etc.

Lastly, but more importantly for the children, there is a stall selling the all important buckets and spades for the beach. Toys galore are strung from the canopy together with small nets for catching small crabs and fish from the rock pools.

Pier Road is a vibrant part of Whitby enjoying the constant flow of tourists walking to and fro along the harbour to the slipway of West Cliff beach. On Regatta Monday, Pier Road is closed to traffic to allow the 'fair to come to town'. Fairground rides are erected from the end of the West Pier up to the bandstand and the rest of the road is full of stalls selling anything from towels, clothing, handbags, cuddly toys, hot dogs and the latest novelty toys. The transformation is unbelievable for the just one day of the year. The following day the road is returned to normality and is 'business as usual'.

For more information about different attractions and activities in the town of Whitby, visit Things to do in Whitby
For more information about Whitby and the surrounding area, visit Whitby UK

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