The Esk Valley

Visitor Attractions and Facilities

There are a wealth of places to visit that provide modern entertainment while catering for traditional, cultural and historical interests.
Cafes, Restaurants, Public Houses, Touring and Static Caravans, B&B, Self Catering accommodation and Hotels provide welcome food and shelter for visitors.

Visitors are now a main source of income for the area and there is much to interest them information that may assist in planning a day out, or a holiday in the Esk Valley can be found on the pages for Attractions
Event Diary and Entertainment.

Historical Interests

The area has played an important role in the Nautical history of Britain, with the village of Staithes being the place where Captain James Cook first discovered and then cultivated his interest in the sea. The port of Whitby was where Captain James Cook developed his seafaring skills and in which it is believed his vessel HMS Endeavour was built.
Whitby was also famous as a major fishing port that supported extensive whaling and boat building industries.
Thanks to Queen Victoria, by the C19th, Whitby was fast becoming a popular tourist destination. Her love of Jet Jewellery made the fossil as desirable as precious gems. Jet is unique to the area and can only be found along the cliffs near Whitby. Architecture shows that many of the big town houses and hotels date from this period.

Information about local history, Geology & Archaeology is contained on the individual community pages.

	Whitby Harbour

 

Folklore and Legends

Smuggling, Hobbits, Ghosts and local heroes have left a mark in the book of Folklore and Legends.
Journeying forward in time Bram Stoker was so inspired by Whitby that he chose it as the backdrop for his classic novel 'Dracula'.
Information on local Folklore and Legends is contained on the respective community pages.

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