Postcards from…
The fresh sea air, the charm of the harbour, and that mix of nostalgia and discovery that makes every visit to the Yorkshire coast feel memorable. For our next instalment of Postcards from The Inns, we’re sharing a story from Janice and Brian, who stayed at The Stables, Whitby for a seaside escape. With Brian revisiting a place he’s long loved and Janice discovering Whitby for the very first time, it became a trip full of fond memories, new experiences, and plenty of reasons to return.
A throw back in time
Whitby had been on my list for a long time, but I had never actually been before. Brian, on the other hand, had visited years ago and couldn’t wait to show me around and relive some of his favourite memories. So when we booked a stay at The Stables, Whitby, it felt like the perfect opportunity for a proper seaside escape.
From the moment we arrived, we knew we’d made the right choice. The setting is beautiful, peaceful, and full of character. We were especially charmed by the famous peacocks wandering the grounds. It’s not something you see every day and it really adds to the unique feel of the place.
The welcome from the team was just as lovely. Everyone was friendly and chatty, and nothing ever felt like too much trouble. Our room was warm, comfortable, and thoughtfully set up with everything we needed for our stay. After the drive, it was exactly what we were hoping for. Somewhere we could properly relax and settle in.
Day One: Discovering Whitby
We started with a walk down into Whitby, and it really is a beautiful route. As we got closer to the harbour, Brian began pointing out places he remembered from his previous visits, which made it feel even more special.
Once we reached the waterfront, we did what you simply have to do in Whitby. Fish and chips by the harbour. It was every bit as good as you’d expect, sitting watching the boats and soaking up the atmosphere.
Of course, we couldn’t resist an ice cream after that. It just wouldn’t be a proper seaside day without one.
We spent the afternoon wandering through the town, crossing the bridge and exploring some of the independent shops. One in particular caught our attention straight away. The smell of incense drifting out onto the street took me right back to my twenties. We had to go in, and of course came out with a couple of little trinkets to remember the trip.
Later on, we stopped by Maggie Brown’s Cocktail Bar and managed to catch happy hour. Two cocktails for £15 felt like a great find, and it was such a lovely spot to sit and watch the town go by.
Evening at The Stables
Heading back to The Stables in the evening felt like coming home. The restaurant had a great atmosphere, and the menu offered plenty of choice at really good value and was cooked very well! It was the perfect way to round off a day of exploring.
Day Two: Slow Morning and One Last Wander
The next morning started just how you’d want it to. A comfortable night’s sleep followed by a relaxed breakfast, which was included in our stay. It set us up perfectly for the day ahead.
We took our time getting ready, enjoying the calm surroundings before heading back into Whitby for one last wander. This time, Brian was keen to show me one of Whitby’s most iconic spots, so we made our way towards the famous Whitby Abbey.
Climbing the 199 steps up to the Abbey was an experience in itself, but once we reached the top, the views were absolutely worth it. Looking out over the town, the harbour, and the coastline really gives you a sense of just how special Whitby is. Standing there, it was easy to see why this place is steeped in history and stories.
After taking it all in, we made our way back down into the town, strolling along the harbour once more, revisiting a few favourite spots and soaking up the atmosphere before heading home.
It felt like we had only just arrived, but at the same time like we had managed to see and do so much.
For me, a first visit to Whitby couldn’t have been better. For Brian, it was a chance to revisit somewhere he has always loved and see it through fresh eyes again.
Our stay at The Stables gave us everything we needed. A warm welcome, a comfortable place to unwind, and the perfect base to explore from. Add in the peacocks, great food, and that easy access to Whitby itself, and it really is somewhere special.
We’ll definitely be back.
