Whitby Cottages on both the East Side and West Side of Whitby

Added: (Wed Feb 08 2012)

Pressbox (Press Release) - On the East side in the shadow of Whitby Abbey, there are some Whitby cottages situated in and around Henrietta Street. Many of these are still inhabited by the local population but many more are for rental. Named after Henrietta Cholmley, daughter of a Whitby benefactor, this very old cobbled street has an interesting history. Once home to over a thousand residents, the landslip of 1787 saw the street reduced to the present size. The seaward side of the street does have access to the golden sands of Tate Hill Beach from whence looking up towards St. Mary's Churchyard, the cottages are seen to be nestling into the Cliffside, the seagulls are more often than not swooping and screeching and on a fine day there are plenty of children playing in the sand. Perhaps the only dissimilarity between the minds eye picture and reality is the plumes of smoke from the chimneys!

Although there are beautiful and quaint cottages on Henrietta Street, they are not by any means the only holiday cottages for rental in Whitby. The cobbled streets and flagstones of Church Street are also home to a large number of holiday cottages in the same quaint design. Moving southwards from the bottom of the 199 steps along Church Street there are many narrow alleyways and yards many of which are home to some rather quaint and unusual holiday homes. It was along these streets and alleyways that the local male population would evade the press gangs and custom men of the 1790's. Today, however, a more peaceful atmosphere prevails.

As Church Street winds its way along to the bottom of Green Lane there can be found numerous holiday cottages. In fact, the streets behind here leading uphill contain many cottages, the majority are homes to the local population but, of course, there are some for rental too. When viewing from the other side of the river, it would appear that the buildings are perched one on top of another affording fabulous views of the harbour and fishing boats.

The other side of the river in Whitby UK, commonly known as the West Side has its fair share of holiday cottage accommodation, the familiar ‘fishermens' cottages are to be found around the Swing Bridge area including Baxtergate and Flowergate and the alleyways and yards leading from there. By observation of their situation it is possible to obtain an insight into the close community spirit that existed in the previous centuries. These cosy cottages are close to all amenities including the bus and railway station, the local shops and the beaches.

Not all Whitby cottages are, in fact, cottages. The name covers a huge selection of varying types of buildings when viewed in the context of a holiday rental. They may, in fact, be bungalows, houses, flats or apartments. Sizes can range from accommodating couples up to 15 or 16 guests. Many rental ‘cottages' are situated all around the town on both the East and the West side.

Although some of the 'cottages' are privately let, the majority are run via letting agencies who have strict codes of conduct and standards. Each letting agency inspects the properties on its register to see that they comply with the English Tourist Board standards and facilities.