Although the seafront and harbour area themselves offer a host of attractions, much of Whitby's traditional charm lurks behind the scenes, in the narrow streets and alleyways of the old town, little changed for hundred of years.

Cobbled streets, darkened alleyways and private courtyards all speak of a very private, independent town, where people lived in extremely close proximity and in strong family units.

Captain Cook Memorial Museum Today, much of Whitby's past is celebrated in the town's several museums:

· Captain Cook Memorial Museum
· Whitby Museum
· Whitby Archive & Heritage Centre
· The Whitby Jet Heritage Centre
· The Museum of Victorian Whitby

Each of these museums is full of photographs, artifacts, documents and other material bringing Whitby's past to life, and preserving the history of this unique town for future generations.

The Whitby Museum, located in beautiful Pannett Park, is an ideal choice for families - its hands-on displays include fossils, working models, toys, costumes and foreign artifacts from past centuries, brought back by ships' crews.

The Captain Cook Memorial Museum is filled with original artwork, maps and letters from Cook's trips, as well as models of the ships he served on and information about the scientific discoveries that resulted from his travels. It is a fascinating and unique collection, and in 2005, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum won the Yorkshire Tourist Board's prestigious White Rose Award for the best small visitor attraction.

Shopping, Whitby Style...

Venture down some of Whitby's old cobbled streets and you will find a few surprises. Traditional pubs, cosy cafes and some unusual shops await.

Whether it's Sandgate's traditional sweetshop - its walls lined with jars full of sweets - or Whitby's last remaining smokehouse, offering fresh kippers, you will find some unexpected treats in the old town. The Fortune family's smokehouse can be found at the end of a row of fishermen's' cottages on Henrietta street, within sight and sound of the harbour.

Other retail attractions in Whitby include Justin's Dracula-themed fudge shop, where you can treat yourself to Dracula's Dream, Captain Cook's Rum & Raisin or perhaps a man-sized Cannonball. All Justin's chocolates and fudges are made on the premises with top-quality ingredients and his Church Street shop is definitely worth a visit, should you be nearby.