Around 18 months ago I saw a promotion by the RNLI called Launch a Memory, for a small donation (suggested amount £50) you could have a loved one’s name on the side of a new lifeboat being built for the lifeboat station in Whitby, North Yorkshire.
My late father loved the sea & enjoyed visits to Whitby so I thought this would be a great way to remember him, I sent off my donation and awaited the promised updates on the progress of the boat.
There are around 10,000 names on the number 13-49 decals on the boat, Dad’s is towards the bottom left-hand corner of the number 9 on the starboard side.
Fast forward to the summer of 2023 and the new Shannon Class All Weather Lifeboat, called Lois Ivan finally arrived at its new home.
On a whim a couple of weeks ago we decided it was time we visited the North Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby to see the lifeboat for ourselves! It was a grey and damp Sunday morning when we hit the road for the 3-hour drive but the closer we got to the coast the sunnier it became, and the skies were a glorious blue!
We had booked the Pier Inn for an overnight stay, a no-frills room in a pub directly overlooking the harbour. We received a very friendly Yorkshire welcome from all the staff, the room was comfortable with all the facilities you need, and it served one of the best breakfasts we’ve had in the UK! The room rate included breakfast and a 2-day parking permit – designated parking spaces were available just a 5-minute walk away.
It was a short walk alongside the charming historical harbour and across the swing bridge to the Lifeboat Station.
The Lois Ivan was bobbing about on the glistening water looking resplendent!
There is a Launch a Memory plaque on the side of the station clearly showing all the names of loved ones, but Rich was able to take a photo of the decals on the boat itself which clearly shows Dad’s name!
Stood in front of ‘Dad’s’ lifeboat with the sun beating down, fishing boats moored in the harbour, leisure craft taking day trippers out and the aroma of the fish & chips that Whitby is famous for it was a moment I would never forget!
Things to see & do in Whitby
The RNLI Museum
One of the earliest in the UK Whitby has had a lifeboat station since 1802, the museum gives a fascinating insight to the bravery of the crews through the years.
The 199 Steps (The Church Stairs)
If you have the stamina climbing the uneven and winding steps will lead you to the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey and the Norman St Mary’s Church.
The Abbey gave Bram Stoker the inspiration for his creation of Dracula.
Harbour
The busy, bustling pretty harbour still has fishing boats operating from it.
You can take leisure boat trips from the harbour where you may see seals, porpoise and dolphins.
Whales Watching
You can join a Whale Watching boat trip at the harbour which takes around a couple of hours. Remember Whitby is on the North Sea, it may be warm & sunny in the harbour, but it can be bitterly cold at sea – dress accordingly!
Swing Bridge
The bridge opened to pedestrians and vehicles in 1909, access to vehicles is controlled by traffic lights at each end as it is too narrow for two to pass.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Whitby is the port from which Captain Cook first set sail in the 18th century.
Open (2024): 30th March – 3rd November 9.45 am -5.00 pm
Admission: Adult £9 / Children Free
Whitby Marine Discovery Centre
This is a new attraction which opened in 2023. It has 5 tanks with 30 species of marine life.
Open: 10am – 5pm Tuesday – Sunday (closed Monday)
Admission: Adult £5 / Children & Concessions £4 / Family £15
Walks
There are lots of coastal and countryside walks in the area for those that enjoy hiking
Piers
There are two piers, the West Pier which is 359m long and the East Pier 330m long. We walked to the end of both to see the lighthouses – well worth it for the views and to look back towards Whitby for a different aspect.
Beach
There are several sandy beaches along the Whitby coast for you to feel the sand between your toes and test the water. There were people swimming in the sea during our visit.
Amusement Arcades
Whitby is a British seaside resort and has its share of amusement arcades along Pier Road, but they don’t dominate the natural beauty of Whitby
Transport
Both the railway and bus station are a short 10-minute walk from the centre.
Views
You won’t be disappointed if you are looking for stunning views!
Food & Drink
There are countless cafes, restaurants and bars to choose from many with outside seating so that you can enjoy the sunshine & views whilst you take a break.
Whitby is well known for its fish & chips made from cod and haddock locally caught, there are many cafes, restaurants and takeaways serving this seaside staple.
We had heard about The Magpie Café and its award winning fish and chips so we couldn’t resist seeing if it would live up to its reputation. If you are visiting around lunchtime be prepared for a long queue, such is its popularity! They don’t take bookings for lunchtime, it’s a first come basis.
We booked a table for 6.30pm and there were people queuing outside! Firstly, it is a fish restaurant rather than a café and is something of a tardis!
We both ordered Haddock & Chips, I can honestly say it was the best I have ever eaten, fish & chips as they used to be, second only to those I tasted in Dartmouth, Devon back in 2004!
They also have a takeaway shop adjacent to the restaurant.
Kippers – if this delicacy is your thing you must go to Fortune’s smokehouse and shop, where it has been producing their famous kippers since 1872! As we walked along the street ever closer to the smokery the aroma was amazing!
Whitby is located at the mouth of the River Esk, it is hilly with lots of winding cobbled streets, a pretty harbour, beautiful walks, sandy beach and to top it all stunning sea views!
Some areas would be a challenge to the less mobile.
A most enjoyable mini break!
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