4 Henrietta Street, Whitby

01/09/2026

Farewell to Whitby’s whale bones as landmark is removed from West Cliff. 🐋⚓🌊

One of Whitby’s most recognisable landmarks disappeared from the West Cliff today, Tuesday 1 September, marking the end of an era for a sight that has framed countless photographs of the town for over two decades.

The latest version of the famous whale bone arch was installed in 2002 after its twin town, Barrow in Alaska, gifted the bones to Whitby.

Since then, the towering arch has become part of the classic Whitby skyline, perfectly framing the view across the harbour towards Whitby Abbey and welcoming thousands of visitors to the West Cliff every year.

After years of exposure to the harsh North Sea weather, the bones have significantly deteriorated and reached the end of their life.

Today, they were removed ahead of a major £70,000 project that will see an ethical bronze replica installed in their place early next year.

The replacement will be created using moulds taken from the existing bones, allowing the distinctive shape and scale of the landmark to be recreated as closely as possible. A specially designed internal framework will also help the new structure withstand the exposed conditions on the West Cliff for decades to come.

Over time, the bronze will develop a natural patina while retaining the familiar appearance synonymous with Whitby.

Councillor Mark Crane described the removal as a “landmark day in the town’s recent history”, saying visitors have flocked to see and photograph the bones for more than 20 years.

Whitby Town Mayor Cllr Sandra Turner added that while it was sad to see the current bones reach the end of their life, the bronze replacement would ensure the landmark remained a focal point for future generations.

For many people, however, today will still feel a little strange.

After decades of overlooking Whitby from the West Cliff, the familiar whale bones are gone.

01/09/2026

The last morning for the iconic whale bones 😢

29/08/2026

Hidden Gem: The village butcher near Whitby winning national awards for its pork pies. 🥧

Tucked away on the High Street in the small village of Ruswarp, just outside Whitby, Jacksons of Ruswarp is a traditional local shop that’s easy to drive past but probably shouldn’t be.

This family-run butcher, bakery and deli has been part of the village community for more than three generations, building a loyal following for its locally sourced meats, homemade pies, sausage rolls and good breakfast butties.

And now its pork pies are attracting attention well beyond North Yorkshire. 🏆

Jacksons recently enjoyed success at the 2026 Dalziel Battle of the Butchers, winning a three-star gold award for its traditional flat pork pie and the prestigious Golden Cleaver Award. Its pork and apple pies also impressed the judges with a top score.

The praise doesn’t stop with the competition judges. One customer recently described a Jacksons pork pie as the “best pork pie” they’d eaten in 50 years, praising the crispy pastry, generous meat filling and just the right amount of jelly.

Alongside the pies, you’ll find quality cuts of meat, cheeses, local produce and hot breakfast sandwiches made to order — all served with the friendly, old-fashioned service you’d hope to find in a proper village butcher.

It might not be one of the obvious stops on a trip to Whitby, but that’s exactly why we love places like this.

📍 Jacksons of Ruswarp, 10 High Street, Ruswarp, Whitby, YO21 1NH

27/08/2026

Whitby’s famous 199 Steps, pictured around 1903.

Known historically as the Old Church Steps or Church Stairs, the 199 Steps have been one of Whitby’s most recognisable routes for generations, climbing steeply from the old town towards St Mary’s Church and Whitby Abbey.

But look closely and you’ll spot another historic route running alongside them.

The steep cobbled track has been known over the years as Donkey Road, Donkey Path or Donkey Track, and forms another fascinating part of Whitby’s old network of routes up the East Cliff.

More than 120 years later, the view may have changed, but the famous climb remains unmistakably Whitby.

25/08/2026

DCD at the most dramatic of abbey locations....

23/08/2026

23/08/2026

Beautiful sketches, by Love the perspectives on Henrietta street, Eve. And the doors - there’s number 4️⃣!!!

20/08/2026

Fortune’s Kippers: more than 150 years of tradition on Whitby’s Henrietta Street 🐟🔥

A historic photograph shows the scene outside Fortune’s Kippers on Henrietta Street, one of Whitby’s best-known traditional food businesses. The exact date of the image is unknown, but the smokehouse has been part of the town since 1872.

Founded by William Fortune, the business has stayed in the same family for five generations, with traditional methods of smoking and airing kippers still practised at the original premises beneath the East Cliff.

When the smokehouse fire is lit, its distinctive aroma drifts along Henrietta Street and across the surrounding old town. This smell has become part of the Whitby experience for generations.

Fortune’s has attracted plenty of famous visitors over the years, including Rick Stein, James Martin, Mary Berry and The Hairy Bikers. Mary Berry described the historic smokehouse as “a real gem” when visiting Whitby for her BBC series Simple Comforts.

The shop remains a traditional operation, selling its own smoked kippers and other products directly from Henrietta Street.

📍 Henrietta Street, Whitby