Located at 4 Baxtergate, The Treasury is a meticulous restoration of a banking hall that has stood in the heart of Whitby since 1891. While Baytown Coffee will provide the house and decaf blends, the inclusion of H.R. Higgins brings a historic pedigree to the menu; the London firm was established in 1942 and is renowned globally for its single-origin offerings and fine teas.

Mark Appleton, General Manager of The Treasury Whitby, said:

“We are thrilled to partner with Baytown and H.R. Higgins as we prepare to welcome our first guests. Their dedication to quality, recognised at the highest levels with a Royal Warrant, perfectly complements our vision of creating a luxury, yet welcoming, destination in the heart of Whitby.”

The restoration project is being led by local architect Neil Duffield and a team of craftsmen who are preserving original features, including the historic banking desk and striking windows. When it opens in Summer 2026, the venue will offer a refined atmosphere where guests can enjoy premium craftsmanship in a setting that celebrates Whitby’s architectural heritage.

For more updates on the opening, visit thetreasurywhitby.co.uk or follow @thetreasurywhitby on social media.

Visiting Whitby this summer? Check out our guide to the best restaurants in Whitby for 2026

Whitby’s food scene is every bit as colourful as the town itself. It’s officially the UK’s Fish and Chip Capital for 2026, but honestly? There’s so much more happening here than just world-class batter. You’ve got everything from the iconic queues at The Magpie Café to hidden-gem French brasseries and old-school pie shops tucked away down cobbled side streets. It’s that unique kind of place where traditional seaside vibes meet genuinely exciting modern cooking.

Whether you’ve spent the morning tackling the 199 steps to the Abbey or just getting lost in the independent shops, you’re going to work up an appetite, and luckily, finding a great table is by no means difficult.

From the freshly revamped Tide to the much-hyped summer opening of The Treasury, here is our 2026 insider’s guide to the best spots in town. Use it to map out your must-eats before you arrive!

The Best Restaurants in Whitby for a Sit-Down Meal

Tide (by Trenchers)

8 Bridge Street, Whitby YO22 4BG

Main Courses: £16.00 – £32.00

If you want the legendary Trenchers quality but with a modern, “bistro” edge, head straight to Tide. Following a major refresh in March 2026, this Bridge Street spot has mastered the day-to-night transition. Lunch is a relaxed affair featuring brilliant seafood tapas, but the evening is where it really shines with a refined à la carte menu. It’s stylish, intimate, and perfectly fills the gap between a casual lunch and a proper night out.

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The Treasury

17 Baxtergate, Whitby YO21 1BW

This is the one to watch for Summer 2026. Taking over the grand Grade II listed HSBC bank on Baxtergate, The Treasury is set to be Whitby’s most glamorous opening in years. The vaults are being traded for a high-end champagne bar and a menu focusing on premium Yorkshire steaks and local lobster. It’s shaping up to be the ultimate “special occasion” spot – perfect for those who want a side of luxury with their sea air. Keep this at the top of your list for your summer visits.

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Moutreys

9 Grape Lane, Whitby YO22 4BA

Main Courses: £12.95 – £22.95

This independent Italian restaurant has been one of Whitby’s most popular dining spots since opening in 2003. The menu is rather extensive, featuring wood-fired pizzas, an array of classic pasta dishes, homemade burgers and freshly prepared salads. A reasonably priced town centre eatery offering a warm welcome and hearty grub prepared with love!

Its popularity is quite understandable. The team consistently delivers good service and equally good food at reasonable prices. Begin with a traditional antipasto washed down with a glass of red, then move on to a scrumptious plate of Moutreys’ signature spicy meatballs. Room for dessert? Check out their specials and finish with something naughty!

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Cosa Nostra

West Cliff, Whitby YO21 3HT

Main Courses: £14.25 – £25.95

Sticking with the Italian recommendations, Cosa Nostra on Church Street is a long-standing local favourite offering a traditional, cosy Italian atmosphere.

Located in a beautiful Grade II listed building, the restaurant is split over two floors and offers a more intimate and romantic ambience than the larger harbourside spots.

The menu is pretty much a straightforward celebration of Italian classics, with a primary focus on fresh pasta and hand-stretched pizzas. Their Linguine Frutti Di Mare, loaded with fresh seafood, is a natural choice in a fishing town, whilst the Gambo Tenero Broccoli e Gorgonzola pizza is an indulgent alternative to the classic margherita.

It’s particularly popular for a relaxed evening meal, especially if you’re looking for a spot on the “Old Town” side of the bridge. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel; it just focuses on doing the basics well in a setting that feels genuinely welcoming.

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Ditto

26 Skinner Street, Whitby YO21 3AJ

If you’re after something that feels a bit more like a hidden gem, Ditto on Skinner Street is the one to book. It’s a tiny, family-run bistro that feels like a quiet corner of London or Edinburgh has been dropped right into the middle of Whitby.

The interior is stripped back and modern, and because there are only a handful of tables, it has that intimate “dinner party” vibe where you can actually hear yourself think. Perfect for a date night or long overdue catch-up

The menu is short, which is always a good sign, and it changes with the seasons. Here, it’s less about the deep-fat fryer and more about things like baked coley fillet with a shellfish cream sauce or braised beef cheek with parmesan polenta. It’s refined without being pretentious, and you can tell the team behind it really cares about the details.

Just a heads-up, though – because it’s so small you usually need to get your name in the diary well in advance.

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Velveteen French Café, Bar & Brasserie

3a Grape Lane, Whitby YO22 4BA

Head over to Grape Lane, one of Whitby’s prettiest cobbled streets, and you’ll find Velveteen. It’s a French café and brasserie that offers something very different to the piles of fish and chips being served just a few doors away.

The vibe here is pure bistro – romantic and candlelit, so it’s another excellent choice for couples. They cover the full French spectrum, so you can drop in for a morning croissant or settle in for the full crème brûlée experience in the evening.

The menu hits all those classic high notes you’d hope for, from moules frites to a very decadent lobster thermidor. It’s definitely one of the town’s best spots for a date night or a “proper” meal when you want to feel a bit tucked away from the seaside bustle with a glass of wine.

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Humble Pie ‘n’ Mash

163 Church Street, Whitby YO22 4AS

If you’re looking for the polar opposite of a “fine dining” vibe, you’ll find it at Humble Pie ‘n’ Mash. Located in a timber-framed building on Church Street, this place is exactly what it says on the tin – a nostalgic, 1940s-themed pie shop that feels like stepping back in time.

There’s no pretension whatsoever here. It’s all about locally sourced pies, proper buttery mash, and lashings of liquor or gravy. The decor is packed with wartime memorabilia, and the atmosphere is so cosy it practically hugs you – especially if you’ve just made your way down the 199 steps and need to refuel. It’s a massive hit with families, partly because it’s so affordable and partly because it’s just a fun, quirky place to eat.

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Pizza West

West Cliff, Whitby YO21 3HT

Main Courses: £16 – £25

For a change of pace from the harbourside queues, Pizza West on the West Cliff is a breath of fresh air.

Housed in a striking Art Deco building that feels a world away from the traditional seaside aesthetic, the vibe here is modern and incredibly relaxed.

The menu is a step above your average pizzeria. The bases are excellent – thin, chewy, and charred in all the right places. The Pizza Bianca with truffle oil and parmesan is a great option for those seeking something lighter, while the Tuscan Sausage with crispy onions offers a bit more of a punch.

If you aren’t strictly after pizza, the kitchen puts as much effort into its small plates and pastas. The wood-fired lamb chops are consistently good, and for a bit of local luxury, the Whitby lobster pappardelle is well worth an order too.

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The Garden Room at Sneaton Castle

Sneaton Castle Estate, Castle Road, Whitby YO21 3QN

Main Courses: £17 – £37.00

The historic Sneaton Castle, with its spectacular chapel and priory, is one of the area’s most popular wedding venues and hotels, but it also boasts an excellent on-site restaurant. The Garden Room at Sneaton Castle offers an awe-inspiringly elegant yet unpretentious setting for a celebratory meal or holiday treat.

The short but carefully curated bistro menu at this restaurant in Whitby changes with the seasons but always features something to suit most tastes and palates. Currently on the menu, you’ll find a small selection of international mains, such as Chicken Jalfrezi, as well as some grilled meats, including 8oz Prime Fillet and Chargrilled Tomahawk Pork Chop.

If visiting on Sunday, be sure to check out their cracking roasts! All the meats are locally sourced, served with the expected accompaniments, and prepared exceptionally well.

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White House Inn

Upgang Lane, Whitby YO21 3JJ

Main Courses: £11 – £19.50

If you want to dodge the crowds but keep the coastal views, The White House Inn is a great shout. It’s tucked away just under a mile from the town centre, right on the edge of the golf course, and the views across the cliffs are easily some of the best in Whitby.

It’s a proper, dog-friendly pub that doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t. While the scenery is the main draw, the food is exactly the kind of reliable, comfort grub you want after a long walk along the coast. It’s arguably home to one of the best Sunday roasts in the area, and they do a cracking afternoon tea too.

The menu is a solid mix of the classics – think Beef & Ale Casserole, Slow Cooked Pork Belly, and a proper Teesside-style Chicken Parmo. If the weather permits, sitting outside with a drink while looking out over the North Sea is tricky to beat.

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Harry’s Lounge Bar & Brasserie

10-11 Pier Road, Whitby YO21 3PU

Main Courses: £12 – £33

Harry’s Lounge Bar & Brasserie is a vibrant all-day spot right on Pier Road with fantastic views across to the Abbey. It’s open from 10 am daily, making it a reliable spot whether you need a proper “Full English” before sightseeing or a late-night cocktail.

The menu is varied enough to please everyone, and like most Whitby restaurants, they really lean into the local seafood. During the day, you’ve got light bites like the Whitby Crab Brioche Sarnie – a glorious mix of brown and white meat in a toasted torpedo roll – or their signature Seafood Chowder. If you’re with a group, the “Taste of Whitby” sharer board is a great way to sample everything from mussels and battered cod bites to scampi and mini prawn cocktails.

Things get a bit more serious after 5 pm when the “Nighttime Dishes” kick in. This is when their Famous Hanging Kebabs take centre stage, with options ranging from spicy Peri Peri Chicken to fragrant Thai Green King Prawn. For those after something more substantial, the Seafood Linguine or a classic Rib Eye Steak won’t disappoint, while the “Chef’s Special” loaded smashed burger is a winner for a more casual dinner.

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The White Horse and Griffin

87 Church Street, Whitby YO22 4BH

Main Courses: £19.00 – £25.00

Tucked away on one of Whitby’s oldest cobbled streets, this 1681 coaching inn is one of the most characterful spots in town, having once hosted Charles Dickens and Captain James Cook.

The vibe here is exactly what you want from a historic seaside pub – low ceilings, original wood panelling, and a crackling log fire. Being just a three-minute stroll from the 199 steps, it’s an ideal retreat after a day of exploring the Abbey.

While the building is steeped in history, the food is the real reason people keep coming back. The kitchen focuses heavily on fresh, locally sourced seafood, with the Spring 2026 menu highlighting everything from King Scallops with Charred Corn Salsa to Tikka Spiced Trout with Sag Aloo. Their signature WH&G Fish Pie is packed with locally caught white fish and shellfish and remains a firm favourite.

If you’re not in the mood for fish, the meat and vegetarian options are equally well-considered. You’ll find hearty dishes like Pan Fried Barnsley Lamb Chops and Yorkshire Chicken Supreme, alongside creative plant-based choices such as the Spiced Butternut Squash Steak and Lentil Shepherd’s Pie.

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The Marine

13 Marine Parade, Whitby YO21 3PR

Main Courses: £15.00 – 46.00

If you are looking for a spot right on the harbour, The Marine is a contemporary boutique hotel and restaurant that focuses heavily on local seafood. The dining room has an airy, modern feel and is a popular choice for those who want to watch the boats while they eat.

The menu is designed around the daily catch, featuring everything from British rock oysters with various dressings to their signature Seafood Platter for Two, which includes lobster, Whitby crab, prawns, and home-cured gravadlax.

While fish takes the lead here, the kitchen also provides several options for those who prefer meat or veggie dishes. You’ll find Landers of Whitby beef on the menu, including a stunning 12-oz ribeye, alongside vegetarian choices like deep-fried halloumi and chips and a wild mushroom risotto.

It’s an all-day operation, so it works just as well for a morning coffee or a plate of Whitby Kippers at breakfast as it does for an evening dinner.

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The Best Fish and Chips in Whitby

The Magpie Cafe

14 Pier Road, Whitby YO21 3PU

Main Courses: £14.50 – £43.00

No trip to the seaside would be complete without tucking into a steaming portion of Fish & Chips, and people flock from all over to do so at The Magpie Cafe. This iconic Fish & Chips restaurant in Whitby is by far one of the most recognisable restaurants in the town. Over the years, it has welcomed countless notable guests and the queues outside are often lengthy.

Pop in for a plateful of freshly battered fish (lots of options for this!) and pretty perfect chips, or opt for one of their many other delicious fish dishes like Whitby Lobster and Chips, Haddock and Prawns in a Creamy Leek Sauce or the chef’s Seafood Curry of the Day. The menu is undoubtedly a pescatarian’s dream, but they also serve meat and vegetarian dishes, so nobody misses out.

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Trenchers

New Quay Road, Whitby YO21 1DH

Main Courses: £14.95 – £27.95

The Magpie Cafe faces stiff competition in the ongoing debate over Whitby’s finest fish and chips. Trenchers remains a top contender and a personal favourite for any visit to the town. The restaurant recently secured the Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chip Awards 2026, marking its second win in the category.

Located on the harbour side, the spacious, family-friendly venue features a varied menu that moves beyond the standard fryer. Alongside traditional cod, haddock, and plaice, the kitchen serves alternative dishes like Whitby Scampi, Butcher’s Steak Pie, Hot Poached Salmon, and Seafood Chowder. Five Bean Chilli provides a reliable vegetarian option.

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Whitby Distillery, founded in 2018, is well known for spirits inspired by the North Yorkshire coastline. Its signature London Dry Gin uses botanicals foraged from local shores, including sugar kelp. By choosing the distillery as its house pour, The Treasury aims to place local craftsmanship at the centre of its drinks programme.

The partnership also highlights a strong community link. Both Ali Hussain, founder of The Treasury, and Luke Pentith, co-founder of Whitby Distillery, serve as volunteer crew members for the RNLI Whitby Lifeboat Station.

Mark Appleton, General Manager at The Treasury Whitby, said: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Whitby Distillery as our house pour gin. Whitby Distillery have created something truly special – a spirit that captures the character of our coastline.”

He commented: “Their commitment to the community through the Whitby Lifeboat makes this collaboration even more meaningful. It’s a partnership rooted not only in quality, but in shared values.”

The Treasury is currently preparing for its opening in Summer 2026. The venue plans to use the distillery’s spirits in a variety of curated serves and signature cocktails designed to showcase their coastal character.

The move follows The Treasury’s wider goal of working with independent, family-founded producers to support the local economy and enhance the guest experience.

As family businesses, both brands place integrity and long-term vision at the heart of their operations. Laurent-Perrier’s international reputation for purity and elegance aligns seamlessly with The Treasury’s dedication to refined hospitality and its ambition to deliver exceptional guest experiences in a truly distinctive setting. The restoration, led by local architect Neil Duffield, is carefully preserving original 19th-century features, from the historic banking desk to the striking windows, while introducing contemporary elegance and modern comfort.

Andrew Wootton, Laurent-Perrier Business Development Executive, said:

“The Treasury Whitby embodies the values we hold dear – family leadership, respect for heritage, and an uncompromising pursuit of quality. We are delighted to support the creation of what promises to be one of the region’s most refined hospitality destinations.”

Through this partnership, guests will enjoy access to Laurent-Perrier’s world-class Champagne portfolio, curated to complement the venue’s premium dining and signature celebrations.

Ali Hussain, Founder of The Treasury Whitby, added: “Their dedication to craftsmanship, heritage, and innovation mirrors our own vision. Together, we aim to create something truly special for Whitby – an experience that feels both timeless and contemporary.”

The Old Town Hall, a Grade II*-listed building dating back to the 18th century, has had its clock tower and roof fully repaired, with scaffolding now coming down. The work marks the final stages of a scheme that will bring the long-vacant first floor back into community use by the end of the year.

Cllr Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, said: “The Old Town Hall is such an important part of Whitby’s history and heritage, and has been a focal point for the town for generations.

“This scheme is all about bringing it back into community use, restoring and repurposing the building for the benefit of communities who will be able to use the renovated space for a range of activities and events held all year round.

“I am looking forward to the project’s completion and am sure the building will be a real asset to the town, driving more footfall and providing a welcome boost to the local economy.”

To complete the final stage of works on the south elevation columns, the road from Church Street to Market Place will be closed to motorists for up to six weeks from Tuesday 9th September. Pedestrian access will remain open via the north side of the building and Sandgate, but vehicles other than emergency services will not be allowed through.

The renovation is co-funded by North Yorkshire Council and the Government’s Towns Fund. Plans include upgrades to the first floor, improvements to the steps, and a wider connection between the undercroft and Market Place while still supporting the market. Traders have been temporarily moved to Dock End until the works are complete.

Cllr Neil Swannick, who represents the Whitby Streonshalh division, commented: “This is an exciting moment in the eagerly anticipated renovation of this iconic building in the heart of Whitby.

“I am excited to see the Old Town Hall restored to its former glory for the benefit of our communities, and it is encouraging that the project has now reached its final stages.

“I’m sure everyone including local residents, market traders and visitors will all benefit from the refurbished building and new facilities, and I’m looking forward to seeing the end result when it is completed.”

Whitby town councillor Linda Wild, a member of the project’s steering group, said: “These are exciting times for the Old Town Hall and the clock tower and faces look absolutely fantastic.

“I can’t wait for the building to be completed so it can be used and enjoyed by the whole community.”

The design work has been led by Align Property Partners, North Yorkshire Council’s property consultancy, following engagement with local residents.

More information about the project is available on the council’s website at www.northyorks.gov.uk/whitbytownhall

North Yorkshire Council has confirmed that the bridge will be closed to vehicles between 10.30am and 4pm during weekends in school holidays, as well as on Bank Holidays and special events. Buses will be exempt from the restrictions. The first closures will take place over the Easter holidays on April 5 and 6.

Cllr Keane Duncan, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for highways and transport, said: “The continued popularity of Whitby is a real show of strength for North Yorkshire’s tourist economy, but it’s vital we manage this in a safe way for all. Closing Whitby Swing Bridge to traffic at the busiest times of the summer season has proven absolutely key and has generated positive feedback from local businesses. Continuing the closures this year will once again ensure Whitby residents and visitors can enjoy the town safely.”

In addition to school and bank holiday periods, the bridge will also be closed for Whitby’s popular Goth weekends on April 26-27 and November 1-2.

Cllr Neil Swannick, who represents the Whitby Streonshalh division, said: “We have another year of popular events taking place in Whitby, and we know how important school holidays are for the tourist economy in the town. We will have signage in place and will be monitoring traffic flow to ensure the scheme continues to be smoothly coordinated and allows pedestrians to use the bridge safely at all times.”

Cllr Phil Trumper, who represents the Whitby West division, added: “The pedestrianisation of the bridge is essential in improving safety and addressing concerns of overcrowding around the swing bridge area. We hope that both residents and visitors see that the benefits of the closures outweigh the inconvenience they can have on road users.”

Tourism plays a huge role in Whitby’s economy, generating £353.8 million each year and attracting two million visitors annually. The sector also supports more than 3,500 jobs in the area.

The historic swing bridge, built in 1908, spans 75 feet and connects the east and west sides of the town. The traffic-free scheme has helped create a safer and more enjoyable experience for the many visitors who flock to Whitby each year.

Next week, North Yorkshire Council’s executive will consider proposals to approve a £9.6 million contract with developers Willmott Dixon to begin construction on the Whitby Maritime Hub at Endeavour Wharf. The project is set to receive funding from the Government’s Town Deals programme, which allocated £17.1 million to Whitby in 2021.

Cllr Mark Crane, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for open to business, said, “The plans for the Whitby Maritime Hub present us with a significant chance to achieve just that, opening the door to new economic growth and helping to create the next generation of skilled apprentices and professions by providing first-class training and facilities for a range of maritime industries.”

The Maritime Hub will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including classrooms, engineering workshops, and marine biology laboratories. It will also feature office space for marine-based start-ups and established maritime businesses, aiming to reduce Whitby’s reliance on seasonal tourism by diversifying the local economy.

The hub’s goal is to connect Whitby’s maritime heritage with modern opportunities, providing training and employment in fields like marine biology and offshore wind energy. Barry Harland, chair of the Whitby Town Board, said, “Whitby has a proud maritime heritage, and we want to make sure that this continues throughout the 21st century.”

Public consultation last year revealed strong support for the project, with 69% of respondents backing the plans. Construction could begin early this year, with the hub set to open in spring 2026.

Local councillors have highlighted the development’s potential to create lasting benefits. Cllr Neil Swannick said, “The chance to provide a far greater range of job opportunities here in Whitby would benefit not just people living here in the town, but also across a far wider area.”

Designed to blend seamlessly with Whitby’s historic setting, the Maritime Hub aims to attract local, regional, and national talent to drive innovation in the maritime sector. As Cllr Phil Trumper noted, “The proposed development of the hub presents a significant opportunity for Whitby to place itself at the front and centre of the maritime and offshore renewable energy sectors.”

If approved, the Whitby Maritime Hub is set to become a landmark development, promising a stronger, more diverse economic future for the town and its communities.

The project, led by North Yorkshire Council, aims to rejuvenate the Grade II-listed structure, ensuring it remains a key feature of the town’s bustling marketplace. The restoration work, which is being overseen by Align Property Partners, involves a careful balance of preserving the building’s heritage while updating it for modern use.

Ron Walton, managing director of Align Property Partners, said: “Our building design team of architects and engineers have worked closely with the council to ensure this important building is restored in the best way possible. We are all looking forward to seeing the project come to life and work to be completed – to the benefit of everyone who lives, works in and visits Whitby.”

The restoration promises to enhance the marketplace experience by attracting more visitors to Whitby’s Old Town Hall and supporting the traders who operate there year-round.

Cllr Neil Swannick, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for sustainable transport, said: “The refurbishment will ensure the Old Town Hall remains a key part of Whitby’s historic marketplace. It will help boost interest in this historic landmark and give more visitors the chance to meet our great traders that stand all year round.

“The development of the Old Town Hall is an amazing project, and we are looking forward to the completion.”

The project has been developed with input from the local community, reflecting a shared commitment to preserving Whitby’s heritage while fostering a vibrant and welcoming town centre.

Completion of the restoration is eagerly anticipated, with the revamped Old Town Hall set to stand as a proud symbol of Whitby’s history and its bright future.

Scheduled for Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, the festival encapsulates the essence of Whitby, blending nostalgia with contemporary flair. From delectable live cookery demonstrations by top local chefs to captivating street theatre performances and showcases of traditional arts and crafts, there’s something to captivate every visitor’s interest.

Organised by North Yorkshire Council, the festival serves as a cornerstone event in their efforts to diversify visitor experiences along the coast during the bustling tourism season. Cllr Derek Bastiman, North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for the visitor economy, underscores the festival’s community-centric ethos, emphasising the collaborative effort of local businesses, organisations, and individuals.

“This year’s Fish and Ships Festival has a really strong emphasis on community,” remarks Cllr Bastiman. “It’s a festival for both the people of Whitby and the surrounding area, as well as the tourists who contribute to the growing visitor economy.”

A highlight of the festival is the fish craft marquee at Endeavour Wharf, where skilled filleters from renowned local fisheries showcase their expertise. Head chef Paul Gildroy from the iconic Magpie Café, along with Andrew Barker from Hodgson Fish, are set to engage and enlighten crowds with their culinary prowess.

Gildroy highlights the importance of showcasing the region’s abundant seafood and its significance to Whitby’s identity. “Fishing is still very important to the town,” he affirms. “We really want to showcase what we have got and then show just how easy it is to cook and prepare it.”

Beyond culinary delights, the festival pays homage to Whitby’s cultural heritage. Bidi Iredale, a local performer, will regale festival-goers with traditional fishing songs and tales of the town’s maritime past. “It’s a celebration of local people, local produce, and the things that they do,” Iredale remarks, encapsulating the festival’s community spirit.

Music enthusiasts will be treated to an eclectic lineup curated by Darren Archibald of Whitby Sea Salt, featuring local talents alongside renowned acts. Archibald, who spearheads the ‘Made in Whitby’ festivals, views the Fish and Ships Festival as an ideal platform to showcase Whitby’s creative spirit and cultural vibrancy.

With its fusion of tradition and modernity, the Whitby Fish and Ships Festival promises a weekend of revelry, reflection, and community spirit. As visitors flock to experience the festivities, the essence of Whitby – steeped in history yet pulsating with vitality – shines brighter than ever.

For more information and to join in the celebrations, visit here.

“The introduction of the blood pressure monitoring station at Whitby Library demonstrates our commitment to enhancing community well-being beyond traditional library services,” said Nic Harne, North Yorkshire Council’s corporate director of community development. “By working with local communities and promoting improved health and well-being, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our residents.”

The newly installed blood pressure monitoring station at Whitby Library offers two options for visitors. Firstly, a walk-in service allows individuals to check their blood pressure at their convenience, with easy-to-follow instructions provided for self-service. Additionally, visitors have the option to borrow a blood pressure monitor for up to 10 days, empowering them to monitor their health in the comfort of their own homes.

“Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for maintaining good health and preventing serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes,” emphasised Louise Wallace, North Yorkshire Council’s director of public health. “We are delighted to partner with Whitby Library to deliver such a worthwhile service, and we urge residents to take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize their health.”

The initiative comes at a crucial time, with Blood Pressure UK warning about the serious health implications of high blood pressure. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart and kidney failure, vision problems, and vascular dementia. Alarmingly, statistics from Age UK reveal that one in three adults in the UK have high blood pressure, a figure that rises to 50% among those aged over 65.

Given North Yorkshire’s higher-than-average proportion of elderly residents, the introduction of the blood pressure monitoring station holds particular significance. Louise Wallace stressed the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring in preventing life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.

“The partnership between North Yorkshire Council and Whitby Library aims to encourage individuals to take proactive steps towards their health by making this essential service easily accessible,” Wallace added.

The initiative aligns with North Yorkshire Council’s broader efforts to support community well-being through its network of libraries. In addition to the blood pressure monitoring station, libraries across the county offer a range of services, including computer and online support, health and well-being events, and advice for learners and job seekers.

As the first library in North Yorkshire to introduce a blood pressure monitoring station, Whitby Library sets a precedent for other libraries to follow suit. By combining traditional library services with innovative health initiatives, libraries continue to evolve as invaluable community hubs, supporting residents in their pursuit of both knowledge and well-being.