February by the Sea

I've been really looking forward to writing this post and sharing the very short little seaside jolly we took two weeks ago at the start of the February half term break. Blogging my holiday trips (however short they might be) is such a pleasure, it's like I get to relive it all over again so it's a win-win for us all.

After the success of our trip to Saltburn at New Year (which you can read about here) I decided that I would really like to start prioritising short breaks away. After almost two years of restricted living through the pandemic I now want to make good use of our free time, and travelling a little further afield on a regular basis is high on my list of things to do. Over the years we've often taken short breaks away with the Little People and have found that even just a weekend with one night spent away from home is so good for family life. We don't need to go far, and staying fairly local means less time spent in the car and also that J is more likely to agree to it. I've worked out that two hours is a hard limit on his patience when it comes to driving for a short break, so we have a few places we like to visit which take about an hour and a half and I'm more than happy to return to familiar spots if that's what keeps everyone happy.

We were originally booked to have two nights away at the start of half term, staying in the same lovely house in Saltburn which I'd found for our New Year trip. But you will probably remember that we had quite a severe storm pass through the north of England (storm Frankie? Franklin?) and due to local flooding we ended up needing to delay our departure which meant just one night away in the end.

It was quite miraculous really because the weather was pretty dire here when we left (we'd packed all the wet weather gear), but the further east we travelled the brighter it became. Arriving into Whitby to clear blue skies and glorious sunshine was so unexpected, and completely brilliant I have to say. I felt so, so lucky!

Also, can we just take a moment to appreciate how fun it is to park the car in a car park which also has parking spaces for fishing boats? My kind of place.

We know Whitby pretty well as we've been visiting, walking and holidaying here for over two decades, since the days when it was just J and I. It's a popular holiday place, but there is still a thriving fishing industry in Whitby and the busy harbour is always jam packed with boats.

Of course I couldn't help myself thinking of my recent Harbour blanket, and taking in the colours with my crochet head still on - I do think I did a  pretty good job with the colour palette.

We arrived in Whitby ready to walk some miles, so after a short stroll around the harbour we followed a very familiar route  up through the steep streets on the east side of the river. It's a heart-hammering short, sharp climb up at the start, but it feels wonderful once you make it to the top and know that the rest of the walk is going to be on the level.

We walked through fields and along quiet narrow lanes until the path eventually took us to the cliffs.

I adore coastal walking so, so much, it really is my happy place when I'm striding along with a continuous view of the sea. The ever changing light and colours provide such a lot of visual pleasure and I never, ever tire of it.

The walk wasn't all that long (about 5 miles) and before too long we could see the piers and knew that we didn't have much further to go. The footpath takes you past the famous abbey at the top of the cliff, and on to the top of the steep flight of steps that winds back down to sea level.

There are 199 steps in total, and I can tell you from experience that it's very much easier to walk down than up.

It's beautifully picturesque and charming - Whitby is a very old town (the abbey is 700 years old) and you can feel the layers  of history and folklore around every single corner.

It's a really lovely place to have a pootle, and there are plenty of interesting independent shops and small art galleries to draw you in. These days I much prefer to stay outside of the shops and take in the atmosphere of the streets....

...with all their quirky little details to make me stop and smile.

I really love to explore places that have a lot of character, and Whitby has it in spades.

I absolutely fell in love with this galvanised wire sculpture beside the harbour, simply titled "Fishwife". And now that I've spent a weeny bit of time looking up information about her, I've discovered that she is part of a sculpture trail.....awwww, I really, really wish I had known that at the time! Apparently there are eight more sculptures around the town, well, I absolutely need to find each and every one of them next time I'm in Whitby. Remind me, won't you, I especially need to find the Gansey Knitter I think.

After all the fresh sea air, coastal walking and street pootling, it was time to settle in for a little bit of refreshment and take the weight off our feet for a bit. We called into one of our favourite pubs which is conveniently nestled just at the bottom of the 199 steps, and luck was definitely on our side because we managed to find a table right by the window. We enjoyed a bite to eat and I might have had a cheeky little glass of sauv blanc to take the edge off my weariness. I can tell you that I really enjoyed my drink-with-a-sea-view.

The pub we were in is called The Duke of York, just in case you ever find yourself in Whitby in need of a cosy spot to rest a while. It's very atmospheric inside, and like much of Whitby it is steeped in history - a thousand years of it! Imagine that! 

By the time we came out of the pub it was early evening, just before 5pm. We decided to go for one final stroll, along the very picturesque, cobbled Henrietta Street which leads round to the east pier. In normal non-stormy weather you can stroll all the way to the end of the stone piers, but on this extremely windy day it was very wisely closed to the public.

We had such a lovely day in Whitby, so much so that for a little moment I totally forgot that we still had a journey to make to our holiday home in Saltburn! It's about a 20 minute drive up the coast between the two places, so nothing too strenuous, but I was really glad to finally arrive at the house and find it waiting for us all warm and welcoming. We have a history of finding places to stay and returning to them over and over - it's kind of like having a holiday home I guess, but without the hassle of looking after it.

It seemed a shame to only be spending one night in Saltburn, but there wasn't a lot we could have done about the storm. We all collectively decided that we could go to bed early (music to my ears) and get up early the next morning so that we could pack up and head out for a beachy stroll before breakfast. The Little People were on board with the plan, and miraculously we did actually manage it without any real strain at all - 8am and we were all showered, dressed, packed up and ready to head out for some sea air to blow away the cobwebs, oh happy, happy, happy me.

Little Lady and I walked on the beach for a short while....

....chatting and breathing in the fresh, salty sea air. What a way to start the day.

Ahh...............so.....much......breathing.....space.....! Love love love.

We eventually caught up with J and Little B (the beach avoiders) and decided to take a walk out along the pier as we still had half an hour to wait before breakfast.

It was very windy and the sea was pretty wild.....

....huge rolling waves coming in at speed right underneath the boardwalk of the pier, and therefore right underneath our feet. There was so much sea spray being caught up in the wind that it was catching the sun and making mini rainbows - can you see in the above photo? It was magical.

The waves really were astonishing, so powerful and huuuuuuuge. I loved it, it was the best kind of winter sea, really  atmospheric and invigorating to watch. 

It was soon time to stroll back as we'd picked out a café to visit for breakfast and it was due to open at 9am. So back along the pier we went, then up the gazillion steps to the top of the cliff. Collapse on a bench for a spell of recovery, then off to find me a coffeeeeee.

I thought you might like to see a little bit of the grand Victorian architecture that makes Saltburn rather special. Part of this beautiful building was a hotel at one time (it opened in 1867) before eventually being converted into apartments. 

Isn't it fabulous? You can just imagine what the sea views would be like from those upper windows, how dreamy.

Such a short but sweet little holiday this one - we needed to be back home by midday because Little Lady had made plans with friends, so it really was just over 24 hours away from home in the end. It was still wonderful to be away and I can honestly say I enjoyed every single minute of it. 

J did mention that he would like to stay somewhere else for a change next time though, so I've agreed that he can decide where we go. Me, I'm happy to go anywhere for a weekend jolly - I wonder where he'll choose?

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Comments

[Mrs M]

We are headed to the Yorkshire coastine, later this year. I’m looking forward to visiting Scarborough, the place of my childhood holidays in the ‘70s.
We are also visiting Whitby, Staithes and Robin Hoods Bay. Looks like we need to add Saltburn and Sandsend to our list. 🥰

One positive (IMO) to come from the pandemic travel restrictions is that it has helped us appreciate some of the fantastic places we have right here on our doorstep in the U.K.

[Chookyblue]

Thanks.... I loved my little holiday with you....... Looks like a lovely spot to visit.....

[Susan]

Whitby and Saltburn, 2 places I know and love too. Have you ever counted the steps and actually got 199, because I always get some number close, but not "the number" (giggle). Thanks so much for this beautiful post. Take care & hugs.

[Carole]

Thank you Lucy for sharing your photo's love seeing them reminding me once again of a trip home to UK over 10 years now, I love this area...especially Robin Hoods Bay. Plus your photo's locally when you go on your walks....I hope you don't mind but I keep some of them to print in my Calendar I make each year...apart from me for my family too. Ofcourse it always makes me home sick...I may be from the south of England but love many parts of the countryside that you show. Thank you! Greetings from Tasmania. Carole.

[Jill]

I've never been to Whitby, it looks lovely, one to add to the list I think!
Thanks for visiting my blog, I do hope you'll come back another time,
Jillxo

[Sara Jane Apple]

Love, love, love your posts. It starts my day so happily to read them. You are so sweet. I have given away 7 of your YULETIDE MANDALAS all in different colours so far, with many more made ready to gift. It's the perfect pattern to listen to podcasts and crochet to. Thank you for your generous, uplifting spirit. It's Spring here on Coastal British Columbia Canada with crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils out. I think of you and bring bouquets into the house.xox

[Charlotte]

Lovely post. It is great that you can go such a short distance and have a great break.

[Tineke]

A weekend away is just enough to recharge that battery, eh? Especially the seaside can blow the cobwebs out of your thoughts. Love it. Missed the sea enormously after all the restrictions in Northern Europe. Oh, J's choice! Awaiting it ;>P

[Sue Draper]

This brings back lovely memories for me! My late husband proposed to me in the Italian Gardens in Saltburn in 1977! We spent quite a bit of time going to Whitby too, as Nigel was working in Redcar for a few months that year. We always said we’d go back for a holiday when we retired, but sadly that wasn’t to be.
I remember how steep the steps were going up to the abbey, even when I was 21, so I don’t know how much longer it would take me now! I think I might try to organise a little break in that part of the world now that I don’t have any commitments. If the last two years has taught us anything, it’s important to seize the day.

[Christine Summerhill]

Love, love love Whitby, haven't been for so long.....I could feel the salty breeze and warm spring sunshine...thank you. I feel as if I can carry on with Monday morning with a spring in my step. X

[Sally Spragg]

Wow! You packed so much into such a short time! The pictures are fantastic! You manage to find colour wherever you go! Wonder where your next mini break will be! Looking forward to it!

[CJ]

What a lovely break, Whitby looks brilliant. There really is so much to explore within two hours from home isn't there, I know I could find dozens of places I'd love to see more of. Walking with a view of the sea is wonderful, I think I remember reading that it has a soothing effect on the brain being able to see a sea horizon. All to do with ancient instincts and looking for danger I think. The brain can see there isn't any and it's all relaxing and lovely. CJ xx

[Geeha]

Lovely posts bringing back a holiday in Whitby 20 years ago when I was fit enough to walk up all those steps. I bought Gansey yarn and my sister still wears the sweater I knitted.

[Hilary]

Sandsend just up the coast from Whitby (I'm sure you know it) is great for a short stay, we've been there a few times. The Mulgrave estate has holiday cottages to rent and there's a lovely cafe on the seafront, a good pub and a new (2021) fish 'n chip shop. At low tide you can find fossils on the northern end of the beach. Staithes is also lovely but has a very steep hill down to the village and cars have to be left at the top so negotiating the hill every day can be tedious if you stay for more than a couple of days.

[Liz]

It is a place I've always wanted to visit. Your post has inspired me to make that happen soon!

[Debbi Robertson]

Oh, my goodness Lucy, how have you managed so many posts in such a short period of time?! I am so grateful that you have, your sea-stories are an absolute balm to my soul. I wish you could know what a perfect angel you are. With fond Aloha from Debbi

[Linda]

That photo of the wet sand studded with big pebbles is magical!
And I too want to see the gansey knitter statue. I’ve got it in my sights when we come up to Yarndale in September. We’ve got a cottage near Harrogate for a week and Whitby is on my list.
I'm a gansey knitter and will get some Frangipani gansey yarn at Deb's shop…..Whitby Wholefoods/Propagansey.

[Ruthie]

What a lovely sunny post. I totally agree with you, short breaks away are a wonderful luxury, and so refreshing.

[Sarah]

I recognised those beach huts immediately. Just along the coast from us. I'm going to have to try the Whitby sculpture trail. Yesterday though we drove north and walked from Bamburgh to Seahouses and back. I love the North East Coast ❤

[Carol]

What an enjoyable lovely read. Looks fabulous! Carol

[K brownlee]

Are those little colored huts for changing or ??? So cute.

[kathleenalice]

You are spoiling is with all these lovely posts Lucy. Thank you so much 😃

[Jacqueline]

Love the beach huts - one of my favourite things to do is to walk along a beach with them in the background. Thank you for the photos that allowed me to do it from a distance!