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A starry sky behind the Captain Cook monument on the West Cliff at Whitby. Eighteenth century scientific instruments used by Captain Cook’s research team during their exploration of the South Seas feature in an new exhibition Whitby and the Cosmos: the Search for Dark Matter Photo: Tony Bartholomew.

A major new exhibition which examines the groundbreaking role of one of North Yorkshire’s coastal towns in the understanding of the universe opens this month. Whitby and the Cosmos: the Search for Dark Matter at Whitby Museum features exhibits ranging from 18th century scientific instruments used by Captain Cook’s research team during their exploration of the South Seas to cutting-edge equipment from Boulby Underground Laboratory, just north of Whitby, where 21st century scientists are leading the search for dark matter (hypothetical form of matter that is thought to account for approximately 85 per cent of the matter in the universe).

 
The exhibition also explores the work with the ZEPLIN-III, until recently employed at Boulby and now installed as the museum’s newest acquisition. ZEPLIN III contains a xenon chamber to detect WIMPS (Weakly Interactive Massive Particles), which are thought to constitute dark matter. Curator Roger Osborne says: ‘We are thrilled to have ZEPLIN III as part of our museum. We aim to use it and the exhibition to tell visitors about the remarkable and internationally important work taking place at Boulby Underground Laboratory.

‘The exhibition is also a great opportunity to highlight Captain Cook’s role as an innovator in scientific exploration whose work contributed to our current understanding of the universe.’

Visitors to the exhibition have the chance too, to learn how to get involved in astronomy through the annual Dark Skies Festival organised by the North York Moors National Park, and through local organisations like the Whitby & District Astronomical Society

 
There will be a talk on The Search for Dark Matter by Professor Henrique Araujo of Imperial College at the museum on February 15th. The talk starts at 7pm (doors open 6.30pm) and will include a sneak preview of the exhibition. The professor is one of the world’s leading experts on dark matter. He leads the UK team developing the next generation of LUX-Zeplin experiments in the search for dark matter, as well as developing radiation detection instruments for spacecraft. Professor Araujo arranged for the donation of the ZEPLIN III to Whitby Museum by Imperial College.

Entry to the talk is free, but booking is essential through the museum website whitbymuseum.org. The exhibition runs from February 16th-July 20th. The museum is open from 9.30am to 4.30pm every day except Monday.

The opening weeks of Whitby and the Cosmos: the Search for Dark Matter are part of the North York Moors National Park’s Dark Skies Festival. The exhibition is part of the Royal Society’s Places of Science scheme.

From its dramatic coastline to its upland mountains, from its stirring moorland to its bucolic inland shires, Britain’s wildly diverse landscapes make for some of the world’s best walking.

 
Combine this with another uniquely British establishment, the pub, and you have the makings of a rather good day out. Well……. do you know that one of our local coastal walks has been voted at THE best pub walk in Britain……. by the Rough Guides. Yorkshire’s coast: Whitby to Staithes.

Distance: 18.5km; strenuous
Duration: 6-7 hours
Best boozer along the way: The Cod & Lobster, Staithes

 
Whitby and the cove-hidden villages along the North York Moors National Park’s coastline are some of the country’s most picturesque places. The wild North Sea batters the cliff edges, while the diverse array of birdlife battle the elements. This full-day walk follows the Cleveland Way north from Whitby to Staithes – and there’s no shortage of pubs along the coastline.

On arrival in Staithes, The Cod & Lobster hangs precariously onto the harbour (and has, on occasion, been a bit too close to the edge – just look at the pictures on the wall from after the 1953 storm). Out of the wind, this is a cosy, welcoming pub with a seafood-heavy menu.

Follow the Cleveland Way from the best pub walks Whitby to Staithes on this walk along the North Yorkshire Coast. The walk is just over 11 miles with spectacular coastal scenery, cliff top views, pretty beaches and lovely fishing villages to see on the way.

Starting at the striking ruins of Whitby Abbey the walk heads north west to Sandsend. You’ll pass along the lovely beaches at Whitby Sands, Upgang Beach and Sandsend Beach. Here you can take a slight detour away from the coast by heading into Mulgrave Woods. There’s nice peaceful trails to follow around the site with becks, waterfalls and the interesting ruins of Mulgrave Castle.
You continue past Kettleness to the noteworthy Runswick Bay. The picture postcard fishing village is a highlight of the Yorkshire coast with its sandy beach, sheltered bay and pretty little cottages.

The final section takes you past Hinderwell and Port Mulgrave where you will pass Rosedale Cliffs. Shortly after you come into Staithes, passing along the attractive harbour before finishing at Staithes Beck.

The area is well known for its geology with Jurassic (Lias), strata cliffs and fossils of ammonites to be found at nearby Port Mulgrave. There’s also a number of fine pubs where you can refresh yourself after the walk.

To extend the walk you can continue along the Cleveland Way to Skinningrove where the ruined remnants of the old mines can be seen from the cliff top.

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Enjoy your stay at the cottages by following the best pub walks Whitby!

Whitby Abbey And The Hundred And Ninety-Nine Steps

Climbing the hundred and ninety-nine steps and walking around Whitby Abbey may sound like a mundane activity for an evening out.

However, unlike through the day when it appears simply as a fascinating and beautiful piece of history, at night, it takes on a completely different hue. Destroyed in 1540 when Henry VIII ordered the dissolution of the monasteries, Whitby Abbey would have been in ruin by the time Bram Stoker visited and saw it in 1890.

He would later go on to be inspired enough by his view of the Abbey at night swirling in haunting sea mists whilst perching high on its cliff to include Whitby as the landing place of his 1897 character Dracula. It is this very story that makes Whitby Abbey the perfect place to visit late at night and give yourself the chills. You could even take the book with you and read from its pages by torch or candlelight:

‘… the very instant the shore was touched, an immense dog sprang up on deck from below, as if shot up by the concussion, and running forward, jumped from the bow on to the sand. Making straight for the steep cliff, where the churchyard hangs over the laneway to the East pier ….. it disappeared into the darkness, which seemed intensified just beyond the focus of the searchlight.’

Whitby Ghost Walk

If Whitby Abbey hasn’t given you enough of the chills, you could always explore other ghostly, strange and supernatural tales of Whitby with a walking tour led by Rose Rylands.

Alternatively, Dr Crank, your guide for the 75 minute tour, will take you on an amazing journey of murder, mystery and suspense including the screaming tunnel, Dracula’s bench, the Dutchman’s house, the burning girl, the headless horseman, the hand of glory, the Whitby witches, the barguest hound, the haunted lighthouse and the grey lady.

To give you a taste of the spooky tales to come Mary Clarke was a young girl when she made a visit to the local bakers on Grape Lane. Why she was there is unknown but when the baker on duty turned to see her he found her engulfed in flames. Attempts were made to try to save her but all to no avail; her flesh had burnt down to the bone and the poor girl died.

Since then many people who have visited Grape Lane report the smell of burning followed by a vision of flames and finally Mary!

The Dracula Experience

The last of our supernatural things to do in Whitby at night is a paranormal experience at the Dracula Experience.

This activity really has nothing to do with Dracula other than it is hosted in the same building. Running from 11 pm to 3 am on the first Saturday of every month the paranormal night is linked with TV’s very own Most Haunted.

Whilst there you can expect to take part in investigations with high tech equipment, ouija boards and seances with mediums. Reported phenomena whilst on these paranormal nights includes sightings of orbs and a young girl with ringlets playing.

A Visit To The Beach With Maybe A Little Skinny Dipping

In complete contrast to all things paranormal, there is nothing like a romantic stroll along the beach and maybe a little cheeky skinny dipping. Strolling hand in hand with the sand between your toes whilst waves are lapping at the shore can be blissful.

There are three different beaches you can choose for your walk which are Whitby beach, Tate Hill beach, and East Cliff flats. Be aware, however, that tides come in fast in Whitby and that there will be no lifeguards on duty at night. Take care if skinny dipping and do not do so after consuming alcohol.

Check the Whitby Tidal Information before attempting any skinny dipping!

A Leisurely Boat Trip

If walking or swimming is not really your thing but you love the sea, you could opt for an evening boat trip instead.

Whitby is a fine place to do this as it is only one of two towns where you can see both the sunrise and the sunset in the sea. Evening boat trips in Whitby offer a magical experience in which you will sail out at dusk and return after dark. They are a unique opportunity to view this historic town from another perspective. You will also be able to view some of Whitby’s wildlife such as seabirds and if in the right season visiting whales.

Book your trip with Whitby Coastal Cruises

A Show At The Whitby Pavilion

Nestled into the West cliffs and maybe even visible from a boat trip is the Whitby Pavilion, home to both a theatre and digital cinema.

It is the perfect place to spend an evening for those who enjoy live shows and films. Built in 1878 Whitby Pavilion has Victorian origins and charm with its traditional proscenium arch. It has seating available for up to 380 people and benefits from a theatre bar for intermission drinks. Shows you can see here include plays, traditional dramas, pantomimes, musicals, comedy, blockbuster films and also long loved classics.

For information on what they are currently showing see the Whitby Pavilion website.

A Delicious Meal In One Of Whitby’s Fine Restaurants

Whether it’s before, after or not coinciding with a visit to Whitby Pavilion at all, the town has a fantastic array of restaurants for everyone to sample.

The Marine, for example, is a fine dining experience that concentrates on serving excellent fish dishes.Situated on the harbourside the Marines menu includes whole lobster, oysters, fresh langoustine, scampi, roast hake, sea bass, lemon sole and spaghetti voncole which is made with clams, white wine, garlic, chilli, and spaghetti. If you fancy something other than fish or traditional English fayre, you could also try Ditto, a family run intimate restaurant that has just 18 covers.

Quality local ingredients are served here that are used to combine bold and creative flavours with influences from all over Europe. Dittos menu includes rolled lamb shoulder, cured sea trout, crispy fried eggs, pork belly, duck breast, broccoli and blue cheese potato gnocchi, baked lemon cream, frozen chocolate mousse and bread and butter pudding.

Drinks And A Boogie At Whitby’s Pubs And Clubs

Just as there are many restaurants in Whitby there are also many pubs. In fact, at last count, there were more than 31, ranging from traditional venues to cocktail bars and chains.

Choice of nightclubs, on the other hand, is far more limited as there is only one! Out of the many pubs you could visit, the Abbey Wharf seems to be far and away the most popular with its restaurant and selection of live music. This would be closely followed by the Buck Inn where you can enjoy dry ice cocktails, karaoke and a turn on their dance floor.

For a more traditional, quiet drink try the Jolly Sailors, Ship or Pier Inn. Following on from the pub you might want to try Raw nightclub which is situated in two buildings over three floors. Part Victorian, part Art Déco this venue holds regular events such as Hedkandi. School disco and the ministry of sound.

It’s a great place to drink, dance and socialise with friends long after the pubs have closed.

A Cozy Night In

If you’re not into, don’t fancy or are just too tired to go out into Whitby at night you could always opt for a cozy night in. There are many fantastic fishmongers where you can purchase fish such as mackerel, pollock, flounder, coalfish, bass, cod and more for a lovely home cooked meal.

Local ales can also be bought to accompany your meal made by Whitby Brewery and sold all over the town. After eating you could then watch a DVD, read your book or even just cuddle up with your loved one in a chair.

Whatever you do you will be sure to enjoy it !!

Joe and Geoff xx

Celebrate Non-Conformity at Whitby Goth Weekend

 
The first meeting of a group of pen-pals has now turned into a twice annual event for the town of Whitby, know as the Whitby Goth Weekend, WGW. In 1994, a group of about 40 pen-pals decided to gather together after meeting through the pages of New Musical Express, a music magazine more popularly known as NME. The meet-up was organised by Jo Hampshire, who is the head of Top Mum Productions, quickly became known as a musical event.

Whitby was first chosen because of its ties to Dracula. Bram Stoker included the small coastal English town in his novel about the vampire. There are several references to the town within chapters 6 through 8 of his book, including the description of the ruins of Whitby Abbey. It is said that Stoker discovered the name Dracula when he checked a book out of the library in Whitby while on vacation there.

Though the ties to the book may have prompted the festival to be formed there, Whitby was also chosen for its understanding and warm reception to event goers. Those who wear their wristbands from the event now get a discount when they visit the Whitby Museum.

The origins of the festival was to provide musical entertainment for Goths or Gothics, it has evolved into a festival celebrating the Goth and other alternative lifestyles. Goths are a subculture, or alternative lifestyle, featuring music and fashion. Goth music varies from death metal to post punk rock to industrial. Fashions and aesthetics for most Goths include dark, usually black, clothing, dark hair and make-up featuring dark eyeliners, lips, nail polish and sometimes, a white face.

WGW is now held twice a year in Whitby. It began being held twice a year since 1997 and it is one of the largest Goth events in the world. It attracts visitors from all over the UK and the world.

Most of the events are held at Whitby’s Spa Pavilion, known as “The Spa”. There are other venues used throughout the town, such as The Coliseum and Victoria Place, but “The Spa” is the main location. The festival consists of dances, markets and a charity soccer match between Goths and the local newspaper, the Whitby Gazette. Other activities include sightseeing, boat trips and picnics.

The festival is open to any one of any age who was to celebrate non-conformity and their lifestyle. Besides Goths, attendees may be bikers, punk rockers, emos and steampunkers. The event has been good for the economy of Whitby, no doubt leading to the warm welcome to the WGW each year. For restaurants, bars, hotels and other businesses in the area, the festival generates about 1.1 million pounds. Tickets for WGW are not all that expensive either and are priced for single days and full festival passes to have access for the full weekend of music and activities.

From its humble beginnings to the world’s largest Goth event, Whitby Goth Weekend only seems to be getting larger and more popular. To find out more information on the festival, you can visit their website at http://www.whitbygothweekend.co.uk or look them up on Facebook.