The Whitby Chronicles

It was decided with our friends Shirl and John that we'd have a holiday together and of course Rose (our dog) came too. We chose Whitby, North Yorkshire because none of us had been and Shirl found a brilliant house with loads of space.

We did our research and had a list of places we wanted to see. Rose only had one item on her list – she wanted to go to the beach and to discover what all the fuss was about with the sea.

Research also told us that Whitby was “dog friendly” so that was a good start.

There was so much to choose from it was difficult to know where to start. Whatever your interest might be, whether it's history, nautical, mystical or jewellery - there's something for everyone. From a culinary point of view it's most famous for fish and chips.

We took enough food to sink a battleship – we're on holiday and really don't want to spend any more time than is absolutely necessary shopping for food.

The house was in the old part of Whitby – there's a bridge across the River Esk into the main town so about a ten minute walk.

The weather was perfect on the day of our arrival – just right to make a recce and to stretch our legs after a long drive. We also wanted to sample our first fish and chips for supper. It did take about ten minutes - taking in the River and soon the bridge across came into view. We took this route into the town proper. The older part of the town we'd save for the next day.

It was busy and one thing was apparent – it's very popular with dog owners all of whom, the dogs that is, rubbed along nicely.

It was great to get our sea legs and a feel of a new place and we decided to collect a fish supper to eat and then relax at home. The boys and Rose went on ahead whilst we girls stepped into what could have been a scene from Dinner Ladies. I appreciate you had to be there but any person who loved that series and is familiar with the canteen scenario will know what I mean – you would not have argued with the person serving us - who was, shall we say, gruff! Needless to say not the best fish supper ever but you've got to start somewhere.

Tomorrow is another day!