Location and amenities.
Salt Pan Well steps is one of the original `Yards` of Whitby, and can be accessed on foot from Church Street or by car from the Ropery.
(There are car parking spaces specifically located on the Ropery for houses on Salt Pan Well Steps). Sandglass
is situated at the top of the steps (please note you'll need to be fit to clamber up and down them!) spanning 3 floors. The cottage dates
from the late 18th century, and is a typical example of the traditional fishermens cottages built to maximise the limited space
and steep slopes in Whitby. Over the years the cottage has been extended out and up, and now provides very comfortable and homely accommodation
for up to 6 people. The top floor (master bedroom) has good views over across the inner harbour toward the bridge, and back over the Esk toward the
Cleveland Hills. At the bottom of the steps and to the left is one of Whitby's award winning fish and chips shops (handy if you can't be bothered
to cook or go out), and to the right is a small shop (aptly named the bottom shop - I'm sure they must have heard all the jokes about selling bottoms).
The bottom shop is almost always open, and sells all the essentials, however for more substantial grocery shopping, there's a well stocked Co-op
supermarket in the town (with parking), and also a Somerfield on Flowergate.
Sandglass is ideally located to access all the attractions of Whitby, but just far enough away from the (often crowded) town centre streets to provide
a peaceful break. (Note that parking in Whitby is a nightmare in peak periods - being able to access the town on foot is a godsend). You can reach the
Abbey and St. Marys Church (with it's 199 steps) by walking straight along the ropery (approx 5 minutes). You can take a more direct route
to the shopping areas by walking down Salt Pan Well Steps, turn right, and stroll along the harbour front toward the bridge and the
cobbled streets of the old town. This is a lovely walk on a summers evening - especially if you're heading out for a meal or drinks.
Our recommendations.
There are lots of places to eat and drink in (and around) Whitby - these are just a selection of our favorites.
White Horse and Griffin. Atmospheric and ancient old coaching Inn. The back
room has an open fire which is wonderful on winters evenings. Good food, good atmosphere.
Greens Restaurant. Excellent seafood restaurant featured in Egon Ronay 2005. One of the
best of Whitbys growing number of gastronomic stars.
Magpie Cafe. World renowned fish and chip cafe, selling quite possibly the best
fish and chips in the world. There are always queues for the cafe, however there`s now a takeaway alongside the cafe.
Moon and Sixpence. Arndale Terrace, on the (west) harbour side. Fantastic pub/restaurant, selling coffee and pastries on a morning,
oysters and champagne in the afternnon, and dinner and cocktails on an evening. Seating outside to enjoy your drinks on a summer evening while watching the Whitby 'la passeggiata'.
Trenchers Restaurant. We haven't actually eaten here, but it's included because
we've heard nothing but praise.
Witsend esspresso bar and Cafe - Sandsend. One of our favourite drop-in places.
Situated right at the bottom of Lythe Bank in Sandsend, offers a great selection of coffees and good home-cooked food and pastries at very
reasonable prices. Great place to visit after a walk along the beach.
Directions.
You can find a Streetmap
here.