Whitby and Staithes

[Sootchucker]

Hi guys, have Friday to myself and will be in the North east near Whitby. Having never been there before, I've been a having a quick look on Google and it seems a good place to start at Whitby is the Abbey car park, then walk down the steps to explore Whitby itself - is this correct ?

I'd also like (weather permitting) to get that classic photo looking down on Staithes harbour (you know the one). Any directions on where's the best vantage point that doesn't involve trespassing on private land please ?

 

[4wd]

For Staithes you need to go half a mile further up the main road and take a right for Cowbar.
Note you have to park at the top of the bank but it's free I think.
You can walk onto the nab or go up some steps by the short terrace at Cowbar Bank.
I have a feeling the classic view you mean is from the removed viaduct abutment but from Cowbar you can look down on it from all sides pretty much,

For Whitby that seems a decent plan, the old part of town is below the Abbey however there are good views across from the West Cliff and the West Pier.
It's not that far to walk right round, but you could consider trying to park on West Cliff, or at least drive along there first to get an overview.
It won't be terribly busy on Friday this time of year.

 

[Sootchucker]

Excellent, thanks very much.