My therapist once advised me to think of my ‘happy place’ whilst meditating so I can metaphorically take myself there when I’m anxious. He then asked me where that would be, which I couldn’t answer right away. That was until I remembered Whitby; I’ve gone on many a trip there with my music group to perform at its folk festival, so I hold many pleasant memories of the little seaside town.
If you read my birthday post, you’ll know that we instead went to Sidmouth Folk Festival this year, but we performed at Billingham’s folk festival the following week and headed to Whitby in the evening for a chippy tea. This means I’d only spent a few hours in Whitby this year as opposed to the week I normally spend.
With my upcoming return to uni, my mum suggested we go there for a few days with Rosie, our dog. I was a bit apprehensive about bringing Rosie, but I was eager to return to my happy place, so I agreed. Neither Mum nor Rosie had ever been before, so I was excited to show them my favourite parts of Whitby and generally enjoy some family time before my departure.
Day 1
While not in Whitby itself, myself and the other Fosbrooks always look forward to stopping at Skelton Lakes services in Leeds; it’s big, with good amenities, complete with a bird viewing area! With this in mind, we stopped there on the way, where Rosie enjoyed the surrounding grass, and Mum said it was the best service station she’d visited. I was giving good recommendations from the get-go!
We couldn’t check into our accommodation until 4pm, so the first thing we did upon arrival in Whitby was wander through the town. I showed Mum my favourite shop, a boutique with whimsical clothing and accessories called Squid Rock. I ended up buying a pair of faux sheepskin gloves from a nearby shop, as it was windy and my hands were cold. They’re very warm and stylish, but I can’t use my phone with them — the problems of the modern age…
Mum took Rosie on the sand beside one of the piers whilst I acted as photographer. I’m glad I did because a big wave soon came and left them soaking wet! Rosie has always been afraid of water, and I think this experience traumatised her even more because after this, she refused to walk over the bridge and we had to carry her over. Poor Rosie…
When 4pm rolled around, we checked into our accommodation: a lovely Airbnb right in the heart of Whitby. The only drawback was that it was on an extremely narrow road, making Mum very stressed as she drove up. It made me thankful I didn’t drive! Once we’d unpacked our things and settled in, it was time for tea, so we made our way back to the promenade.
I’d suggested we try the Magpie Café, one of Whitby’s most renowned fish and chip restaurants that always has ‘a queue out the door’. Since we went relatively early, there luckily wasn’t a queue, so we thought we’d seize the opportunity. I chose halloumi fries and chips, which tasted divine, even more so because I was in my favourite place. We must have chosen the perfect time to go, as there was, in fact, a queue out the door when we left.
Once I’d got ready for bed, I went to sit on one of the benches near the wishbone to reflect on my day and write in my journal. I’d forgotten to put my gloves on, so my hands were shaky as I wrote, but I was just happy to be in my happy place. I didn’t stay there long — I soon walked back to the house and got a good night’s sleep.
Day 2
I was up and ready before Mum, so she advised me to get a coffee and she’d meet me later. I’d noticed there were quite a few coffee shops near the house, but none of them were open! I found myself at a pleasant café on the other side of the bridge called Mr. Cooper’s Coffee House, where I got a coffee and some PB&J overnight oats. They were delicious and I still think about them — maybe I should try making them myself.
Mum soon came to meet me with Rosie, and we had another brew in the same café. This time, though, I had a lemon and ginger herbal tea as I was in the midst of a cold.
The first thing I recommended we do with our day was climb the famous 199 steps up to the Abbey. I wasn’t looking forward to it, but it actually proved to be less work than I remembered. We then took a stroll through the graveyard, where some of the graves dated back to the 1700s! It had a spooky atmosphere, but I find it strangely serene to walk through graveyards or religious buildings; it puts things into perspective and helps me realise how much bigger the world is beyond little old me.
We then went for a drink in the nearby YHA Café. Mum had asked me why the Abbey is in the state that it is, which prompted me down a Google rabbit hole. I learnt that Henry VIII had ordered it to be destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and it was later bombed by the Germans in WWII. I had no idea about this; most common knowledge about the Abbey is in relation to Dracula!
When I’d come to Whitby a few weeks prior, I noticed that there were now Jellycat claw machines in one of the arcades, so I told Mum that I’d simply have to try my luck. My efforts proved to be fruitless, making me wonder whether claw machines are rigged or if I’m just not very good at them. Mum told me she’d get me one for Christmas instead, so I will get another one eventually.
Next was the time for another mooch through the shops. We bought souvenirs for friends and family back home, one of which I forgot to give to my Fairy Godmother before I left for uni — it can now be her Christmas present. We sat down opposite the Co-op, where I normally perform at the Folk Festival, and there was a man playing piano and singing in my place. He very fittingly sang Piano Man, so I gave him some change and asked whether he could do any other Billy Joel. He did She’s Always a Woman To Me, and I learnt he was from Salford, only down the road from me. Small world…
Mum had told me when we’d gone into Squid Rock the previous day that she’d buy me something in there, but as Rosie was too mardy to cross the river, she sent me there myself with her bankcard. I bought some funky mushroom print trousers, as well as some sunglasses and earrings with my own card. I also used the opportunity to buy her a Christmas present from another shop: a Highland cow Christmas ornament. Here’s to hoping she doesn’t read this post!
The most famous landmark of Whitby, besides the Abbey and the wishbone of course, is debatably Sandsend beach, which is where we were next headed. I opted out of walking through the sand — I didn’t fancy getting bits of it in my shoes — so I sat on a bench whilst Mum took Rosie on the beach. I was trying my best to really take in my surroundings; I can mentally ‘get there’ more easily if I remember exactly how it looks.
For tea we went to Pescado Lounge, where I had the ‘super grain salad’ which I enjoyed. My nighttime routine was then similar to the previous night: reflection, journaling, and sleep. We had to check out of the house by 10am, so I wanted to be up early to have my last little look at Whitby.
Day 3
I finished the book I’d brought, Mrs Dalloway, the morning we left. The only logical solution to this qualm was that I found another book to start on the journey home. After scouring a few charity shops, I found a book I was interested in, The Midnight Library by Matt Haig, which ended up costing me £2.25! All the paperbacks in my charity shop are 50p…
After a final walk through the town, we drove home, stopping at the same services on the way back. I was tired after travelling, so I made the rest of the day a day of relaxation.
Final thoughts
I recently made it a goal of mine to be more ‘present’ in my everyday life; I realised that my anxiety is a result of not living in the moment. This trip helped me to do just that, so I’d say that it was exactly what my soul needed before my move back to Lancaster. I’d been feeling anxious about it, mostly due to theorising every possible thing that could go wrong, but coming away with my mum and dog helped to pull me out of my head into the real world.
I don’t yet know what our plans are for next Summer in terms of performing, but I would really love to go to Whitby Folk Festival again if possible. If not, though, I’m sure that Mum would be open to coming back so I can get my annual fix of my happy place!
Leave a Reply