Yesterday we set off for Whitby, our big family adventure of half term. It was pouring with rain as we left home, so we packed the car with waterproofs and spare clothes. As we got to Pickering, it was truly drying up and by the time we got over the moors it was dry and actually a lovely day. We went straight to Whitby Abbey for Spooky Half Term Activities. The Abbey is a great place for families, plenty of space for kids to run around whilst parents can listen to the free audio guide and learn about the history.
It is the most impressive place and given its historical associations, a great place to go for Halloween. The creepy cut outs proved a big hit with our children, aged 5 and 2, who were incidentally absorbed by the Halloween theme, dressed as a bat and a witch. Mr. Hazel and his wife, the Victorian Undertakers told some great gruesome stories, keeping everyone entertained.
The site is beautifully laid out and great for kids, we had a family game of “bat tig”. Like all English Heritage sites, there is a fantastic gift shop and a tea room.
We walked down the cobbled “coffin road” into town to have some fun on the beach followed by fish and chips before heading back for the “Illuminated” Abbey at 6pm, this time taking the 199 steps. Again; the staff were so welcoming. There were a number of external stalls as well as refreshments around the communal area looking at the Abbey where the entertainment was due to be staged. The Abbey looked magnificent with bats and spiders webs shining brightly on the ruins which were illuminated pink, green, yellow and blue; all this playing out to a backdrop of horror movie soundtracks such as The Exorcist. The children loved it and it was exciting to be out in the dark. The Resurrection Man and again Hazel, the Undertaker, told some spine chilling and humorous stories, before Dracula took to the stage! The adaptation of Dracula was brilliant and pitched perfectly for the family audience. We have come home with a vampire obsessed son and some very happy memories of a family day at Whitby Abbey.
Remember….Stay in the light….
For more details visit the website here
