Visiting Whitby on our third of the Gothic writing retreat

Tuesday 3 December 2024

Our second visit to Whitby was just as inspiring as the first, with a mix of history, creativity and excitement fuelling a day full of wonder. From the hauntingly beautiful St. Mary’s Church to the bustling streets of Whitby, the children embraced every moment with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Morning: St. Mary’s Church and its mysterious graves

After a scenic minibus ride back to the Whitby Abbey car park, we ambled towards St. Mary’s Church, perched high above the town. The atmosphere was perfectly mysterious, with its ancient gravestones leaning at odd angles and legends swirling around the site. The children were fascinated to learn about the vampire stories associated with some graves, as well as the practical yet poignant history of coffins being carried up the 199 steps, with pallbearers pausing to rest on the stone benches still visible today.

Inside the church, the mood shifted to one of reverence and creativity. The Christmas tree festival brought warmth and festivity to the space, with beautifully decorated trees lighting up the historic interior. Inspired by the stories of those who rest in the graveyard and the timeless atmosphere of the church, the children wrote poetry and prose. Their writing reflected a mix of awe, curiosity, and empathy, with one child remarking, “It feels like their stories are still alive, and we get to share them.” Another captured the essence of the visit in a poem about “steps leading to memories carved in stone.”

Lunch and Whitby town exploration

After a picnic lunch, we descended the 199 steps once more, this time to explore the bustling streets of Whitby town. Armed with pocket money, the children delighted in browsing quaint shops filled with treasures—from seashell trinkets to Whitby jet jewelry. They giggled as they handed over 50p for the loos, commenting that they would “never take free toilets for granted again!”

To add an element of fun and discovery, some children opted to participate in a Whitby Treasure Hunt, unearthing exciting facts about the town’s maritime history, literary connections, and quirky landmarks. Others simply wandered, soaking in the sights and sounds of the harbor town, which provided ample inspiration for their writing retreat.

Afternoon and evening: Preparing for the Gothic murder mystery

Returning to The Old School House, the children were buzzing with creative energy. After some time spent drafting their stories and poems, we turned our focus to preparations for the much-anticipated Gothic murder mystery dinner. Costumes were organized, scripts began to take shape, and the dining table was transformed with decorations befitting a dramatic and eerie evening.

The excitement built as the children took on their roles, eager to discover who the murderer would be! We indulged in Whitby’s famous fish and chips for supper, adding a local touch to the event. The laughter, suspense, and creativity of the evening left everyone on a high, their imaginations running wild with ideas for their scripts and stories.

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Day 1 writing retreat at Whitby Bay  |  Day 2 of our Robin Hood’s Bay adventure  |  The final day of our adventure