Whitby - West Cliff & Pannett Park

Please Note:

The route is okay for pushchairs but unfortunately, wheelchair users might struggle with one steep hill near the end that takes you down to the harbour area from West Cliff.

Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed in Pannett Park. There are two clues to solve in the park. If your group has a dog with you, you can still complete the Trail if you split up and half of your party detours around the park with the dogs. Details are including within the Trail booklet.

Whitby is a thriving fishing port and tourist destination with lots of history to discover. Dating back to 656AD, it became a centre for whaling and shipbuilding in the 18th century as well as being famed for trade in jet and alum. It is also where Captain Cook trained as a seaman before his voyage to Australia and has inspired literary works by Bram Stoker and Lewis Carroll.

The West Cliff area is the seaside resort side of town developed in the Victorian era as the fishing and shipbuilding industries declined. Below West Cliff, the 2.5km sandy beach stretches all the way to the picturesque village of Sandsend.

Route:

The Trail leads you from the marina through the old shopping street of Baxtergate before exploring the peace and tranquillity of Pannett Park. You will then make your way up to the West Cliff area enjoying superb views across the valley of the Abbey and St Mary's church on the east side of town. The Trail ends at the lighthouse.

Facilities:

There is a children's playground in Pannett Park and plenty of picnic opportunities both in the park and on the many benches overlooking the sea. Last minute picnics can be picked up from the supermarket near the start, or you could work up and appetite for fish 'n' chips which are readily available at the end of the Trail. Toilets are located in the car park near the start of the Trail and near the start of the lighthouse pier towards the end.

Extend your trip:

Allow extra time in Pannett Park if you wish to visit the wonderful Pannett Park Museum and Art Gallery and learn about Whitby's maritime history. There is also a fantastic playground area, a community garden and many other fascinating features within this recently restored park.

Take a bucket and spade to enjoy the sandy beach near the end of the Trail. If the tide is out you can walk all the way to Sandsend along the coast. This will add an extra 5 miles round trip to your journey.

Parking:

There are several Long Stay car parks at the marina along Langbourne Road which runs between the Visitor Centre and the train station.