Day 2 of Our Robin Hood’s Bay Adventure

Monday 2 December 2024

Today was a day of inspiration, exploration, and just a little bit of spooky excitement! From the heights of Whitby Abbey to the cozy glow of a fire back at The Old School House, we packed in plenty of unforgettable experiences.

Morning: A visit to Whitby

We set off after breakfast on the trusty minibus, heading for Whitby Abbey. As we approached the car park, the children caught their first glimpse of the towering ruins of the Abbey against the dramatic Yorkshire sky. Gasps of awe filled the bus, ipads appeared in unison to capture the sight.

From there, we descended the famous 199 steps—a challenge the children tackled enthusiastically, counting each one as they went. The view of the harbour and town unfolding below was stunning, and the festive sparkle of Christmas lights added a magical touch.

The main focus of our day was learning about the bravery and dedication of those who risk their lives at sea. We were divided into two groups, one visiting the Whitby RNLI station, the other exploring the RNLI Museum. Both groups had the chance to hear inspiring tales of heroic rescues, past and present. The children were captivated by the stories of the lifeboat crews who braved stormy seas to save lives and marvelled at the old lifeboats, photographs, and equipment on display. One child remarked, “It’s amazing how much courage it must take to do what they do.”

After lunch overlooking the harbour, the groups swapped places, ensuring everyone had the full experience. By mid-afternoon, we were ready to return to The Old School House, heads brimming with ideas for the writing workshop ahead.

Afternoon: Story telling inspired by the sea

Back at our cozy retreat, the children channelled their imaginations into creating stories inspired by the RNLI. Guided by their morning experiences and a bit of creative brainstorming, they began weaving tales of daring rescues, dramatic storms, and adventures on the high seas.

Evening: Ghost walk and festive lights

After another hearty and delicious supper, Dave arrived to lead us on a spooky ghost walk through the enchanting streets of Robin Hood’s Bay. With torches lighting our way, we wandered cobbled lanes and narrow alleys, all aglow with twinkling Christmas lights. Dave’s tales of ghostly ships, daring smugglers, and eerie happenings had the children wide-eyed and whispering to one another. The cold night air and the haunting stories made the walk both thrilling and magical.

Back at The Old School House, we warmed up with steaming mugs of hot chocolate before gathering around the fire for a session of ghost story writing and sharing. With the crackling flames and flickering shadows, the atmosphere was perfect for creativity and a few chills!

As the evening wound down, the children tucked into their beds, still buzzing with the day’s adventures and eagerly anticipating what tomorrow might hold.

Read more

Day 1 writing retreat at Whitby Bay  | Day 3 visiting Whitby |  The final day of our adventure