Geology of Whitby

Whitby is famous for?

Whitby (St Hilda's) Abbey, Dracula, Bram Stoker, Captain Cook, Whitby Goths, Whitby Regatta, Whitby Whaling, Fishing, St Mary's Church, Whitby Jet, Whitby Witches, Whitby Town, The Whitby Seagull, 199 Steps, Harbour, Whitby Piers, Shipping Trades, Alum Production, B&Bs, The East Cliff, Captain William Scoresby, Fisherman's Cottages, Whitby's Yards, Steps and cobbled streets, Fish and Chips, The Endeavour, Ghost Walks, Sea Food, Seaside, The West Cliff, Whitby Folk Festival, Caedmon, Frank Sutcliffe, Whitby Kippers, Lobster, Crabs and Scampi, Synod of A.D. 664, Australian 'First Fleet' supply vessels,

Do you know any other things Whitby is famous for? Let us know and we'll add it to the list, see here!

Discover Whitby's street names and their history here

Break the ice, Jury, Binge drinking, Incredible Hulk, Down the hatch, ...discover these and many more well known phrases from our maritime past here

Find out about the building styles and architecture found in the buildings of Whitby here.

Whitby in times gone by, ads from the past here

Old Whitby Ad

GEOLOGY

Geological History of Whitby Part 1 - Introduction and Lower Jurassic

Geological History of Whitby Part 2 - Middle Jurassic

See the geological charts for Whitby.

1881 Geological Survey of Whitby extract

1881 Geological Survey of Whitby close up

See pictures of the geology of the cliffs at Whitby.

FOSSILS

Whitby forshore and cliffs provide many fossils, including ammonites, shells, jet, reptile and dinosaurs remains.

See pictures of fossils found at Whitby.

NOTE: SAFTEY WARNING

This part of the Yorkshire can be a very dangerous place. High unstable cliffs and the fact that the sea reaches the base of the cliffs long before high tide mean that each year several people lose their lives here. Don't become one of them.

The walk along the scar below the cliffs between Whitby and Saltwick Bay is not difficult to complete but YOU MUST ONLY DEPART ON A FALLING TIDE. Remain aware of the state of the tide at all times whilst on the scar and take no longer than 2 HOURS to complete the walk returning via the cliff-top path. Tide times are posted daily at the town's swing-bridge and tide tables are available at the Information Centre on the harbour-side. These sources should be consulted prior to any foreshore activities.

This area is also part of the world renowned Yorkshire Dinosaur Coast and as such the rocks are protected. By all means collect fossils, jet, etc. washed-up on beaches but the rocks should not be hammered. Please leave any interesting geological specimens and features for the enjoyment and edification of others.

The scar can be slippery and care should be taken. If the cliff foot is to be approached then the danger of falling debris makes it essential that one wears suitable protective headgear.

Whitby is famous for?

GEOLOGY OF WHITBY