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Whitby

One of the most characterful towns in North Yorkshire.

When describing Whitby, where do you start? From having a multitude of historic buildings to fantastic and unique shops, Whitby has it all. Captain James Cook learnt seamanship there, before embarking on his historic voyages that cemented his place in history as one of the worlds’ greatest seafaring explorers. There is of course the Dracula connection, where the author Bram Stoker was inspired by the town to create what became the most famous vampire the world; and then we have Whitby Jet, a unique precious stone only found around the area of Whitby.

The train journey to get to Whitby is widely recognised in being one of the most beautiful rail journeys… and then if you spend a day in the town, you can sit in one of the many restaurants and enjoy the worlds’ greatest fish and chips!

1. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/50sec @ f/4.8, ISO 100.

The view of the town from the bridge over the River Esk, on the route that takes you from Whitby to Scarborough. When I was a bike racer, Whitby was a regular destination for my training rides, and I always enjoyed going over the bridge to see this fantastic view.

2. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Apo-Macro-Elmarit-R 100mm f/2.8 + 2x Apo-Extender-R (effective focal length 200mm), 1/200sec @ f/5.6, ISO 200.

Taken from the same place where I was stood for the photo above, just with a longer focal length to get in closer, for a clear view of the abbey, which overlooks the main town and harbour area below.

3. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/60sec @ f/2.8, ISO 100.

In the town now, here we have a view of the harbour with the abbey behind. I like the colour of the boats, adding something to what was an otherwise very overcast and dull day.

16. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/60sec @ f/3.4, ISO 400.

The Whalebone Arch, with the abbey placed inside.

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4. 24 October 2010, Leica R6.2, Apo-Macro-Elmarit-R 100mm f/2.8, 1/125sec @ f/3.5, Kodachrome ISO 64.

5. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/160sec @ f/4.8, ISO 400.

6. 24 October 2010, Leica R6.2, Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/125sec @ f/5.6, Kodachrome ISO 64.

If I am taking photos on a rainy day, one compensation is that I might see a rainbow.

7. 24 October 2010, Leica R6.2, Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/125sec @ f/5.6, Kodachrome ISO 64.

On the famous 199 steps.

10. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/60sec @ f/2, ISO 100.

11. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/60sec @ f/2.8, ISO 100.

I don’t normally do people photography, preferring my photos to be free of anything to get in the way of the main subject. However, in this case, breaking this rule absolutely works. Here, we have two people sat down, to add that something to this photograph of the statues of the ‘herring girls’. These were girls who used to prepare the herring catch from the fishing fleets that came to Whitby in the 18th and 19th century.

12. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/40sec @ f/2, ISO 400.

13. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/40sec @ f/2, ISO 100.

14. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/40sec @ f/3.4, ISO 100.

15. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/60sec @ f/8, ISO 400.

Statue of Captain Cook, overlooking the town, which affords fantastic views, an attribute that also appears to be exploited by the local seagull population.

8. 24 October 2010, Leica R6.2, Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/125sec @ f/3.5, Kodachrome ISO 64.

Photograph taken around half way up the 199 steps, looking towards the town. In the distance we see the main town area and New Bridge behind.

9. 7 December 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/250sec @ f/2.8, ISO 400.

Near the bottom of the steps, looking out towards the harbour entrance.