Whitby – home of Captain James Cook; setting for Bram Stoker’s ‘Count Dracula’; and inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’, needs little introduction to lovers of the Yorkshire heritage coastline. For those not familiar, you’re missing a true seaside gem. With a rich and varied sea-faring history, Whitby needs and deserves to be on your ‘must visit’ bucket list.
Not convinced?
Check out the Whitby Guide App – a geothingied walking tour of the town. It’s informative and entertaining. Better still, go to Whitby and join a walking tour with Devon, the Whitby Guide. Only £4 for over an hour of entertainment and education by this local lad. Suitable for everyone, though it should be noted some surfaces along the route can be a bit ‘hard going’ for those with mobility difficulties, wheelchair-users and occupants of pushchairs and prams (great for getting this tired tots off to sleep!)
Looking for somewhere to stay?
Try Periwinkle Cottage on Carr’s Yard off Bagdale Road. Not suitable for folk with significant mobility difficulties, Periwinkle Cottage is tucked away amidst a veritable rabbit warren of tiny former fishermen’s cottages close to the town centre and active fishing harbour. All attractions of the town are within a short walk from the cottage.
The cottage can be accessed from Bagdale Road by a paved, sloped walkway or via a series of steep steps from Carr’s Yard. Although there’s no dedicated parking at the cottage (fishermen of old didn’t have such luxuries!), unloading/loading can be done at the premises. There’s plenty of free parking on nearby streets surrounding the beautiful and perfectly proportioned Pannett Park – home to floral displays, wood sculptures, playground, Tarmac trails, museum and superb cafe. Well worth a visit – there’s something for everyone…including a ‘pick your own’ herb garden!
There are two steps up into Perwinkle Cottage, giving direct entry to the open-plan lounge, dining area and well-equipped kitchen – even pooch pots and pans for your furry family and friends. The cottage sleeps 4 in 2 bedrooms – a double on the first floor and a twin on the second floor – though we had a 5th person camping in a sleeping bag on one of the very comfortable leather lounge settees. He kept the dogs company!
Whilst furbabies stay free, humans have to pay…rates are extremely good. Note that during the pandemic, many accommodation providers inflated their weekly rates. Not Jane Austin ( the owner of Periwinkle cottage, not the author!). Janes standards of cleanliness and hygiene are high, as are her ethics. She maintained her usual rates throughout. Check out on fb ‘Friends of Periwinkle Cottage’ – plenty of information, pictures and rental rates.
Furnishings and decorations at Periwinkle Cottage are simple, attractive and have a common nautical theme throughout. Stairs are steep, typical of the style of these Fishermans cottages. The bathroom has no bath, but a very good shower more than makes up for the missing tub. The main bedroom is spacious, though the twin room has lowered headroom.
Outside the property, there’s a wrought iron bench and table set set in a pleasantly planted area by the front door. There is no ‘back door’…no back of the property to be honest. The cottage shares internal walls with very close neighbours, but the walls are so thick there’s no issues of noise disturbance.
Beach toys are for use by all and all rubbish goes in the council bin provided.
Would I recommend Periwinkle Cottage?
Hmm…need to think about that. I’ve only been 3 times, maybe a few more visits are needed before I (can) wholly endorse visits by others! 🙂
