Whitby magazine style information website

I am currently getting a great buzz out of constructing what I hope will become a very popular Whitby magazine style information website, which is linked to at the top of this article. I'm hoping to include not just tourists information but also interesting articles about Whitby's history and then coming right up to date with things like how the program Heartbeat affected the tourism. I'm currently chasing interviews with some of the actors from the program.

I'm hoping to move permanently to Whitby's soon and I visit quite regularly to my Whitby holiday cottage there. If anybody in Whitby would like to promote their business on the Internet, give me a shot. I don't think you'll find anybody is more passionate about Whitby and the Internet, I love both subjects. I studied the subject of search engine optimisation or SEO for short, which means getting websites ranked well and search engines where they will be found more readily. Google is dedicated to trying to make the Internet a better place to visit by rewarding original content of websites, and trying to remove duplicated and cheated content and tactics.
These are some of my most recent articles about search engine optimisation and how it's affecting some of the lucky businesses in Whitby
Whitby SEO to Be or not to Be That Is the Question ? Surely to Be !
How I Made My Holiday Cottage in Whitby North Yorkshire a Very Successful Holiday Let, and so Could You.
If you're interested in how the Internet is working and would like to promote your website take a look at my website. Search engine optimisation
This is my endeavour cottage Whitby Holiday Cottage
Thank you
Alan Davidson

Beautiful self catering holiday accommodation in Whitby Endeavour Whitby Holiday Cottage

Whitby Website for tourist information, calendar of events and news Whitby

Whitby’s Swing Bridge 100 Year Centenary Celebrations

I was lucky enough to be able to watch Whitby’s swing Bridge 100 centenary celebrations on Saturday, 8 August 2009 from a prime location the second floor of the Dolphin Hotel which is right next to the bridge itself. I don’t think it would have been possible to have a better view on this gorgeous sunny day.
It was a very popular event and literally thousands of people turned up to watch the various celebrations.
Below are pictures from the opening Day ceremony in 1909 and then 2009.
Whitby Bridge celebrations 1909 and 2009
Much of the credit for organising the event must go to John Freeman was a local well-known artist with a gallery in the square.
The History of Whitbys Swing Bridge and its predecessors
At the entrance to the bridge during the afternoon Susan Harty pictured left (who regularly writes articles about forthcoming events in Whitby to inform tourists) was selling an excellent booklet called The History of Whitby Swing Bridge And Its Predecessors. It had been written by John Freeman in a short space of time so it would be ready for the big day itself, with some great articles and pictures.
If you’re interested in the history of Whitby I would highly recommend trying to find a copy. There was also a 100 year certificate on sale.
The certificate to celebrate the 100th centenary of Whitby Swing Bridge
There was a PA system next to the bridge which produced an entertaining commentary throughout the afternoon’s events from local Whitby man unafraid I didn’t catch the details of but he certainly kept everybody informed and entertained with some corny jokes.
Various entertainment started at 12:30 PM giving your day I carnival style feel. The entertainment was provided by the Cleveland Police band, Stakesby Steel band, Whitby Jets juvenile jazz band, and playlets by youngsters from the The Paul Nicholas School of Acting, Marske Fishermans Choir sang and the Saltburn Victorian Society dressed up for the day to bring a touch of period drama to the festivities.
Whitby Victorian Society costumes giving the bridge's centenary of flavour from the past
Also a spectacular stunt as the famous Red Arrows flew under Whitby Bridge in formation….. OK I’m fibbing with the last one obviously just a teeny weenie bit impossible Actually the Red Arrows are scheduled to make an appearance Whitby Regatta this year, and if you’ve not seen them before they are certainly worth a viewing especially with the gorgeous backdrop of Whitby.
There were many people from the Saltburn Victorian Society dressed up to the nines making the event the extremely atmospheric and giving you some idea of what the original opening ceremony could have been like in 1909.
As the time approached 4 PM the main events of the day were to unfold. Rev Canon David Smith blessed the bridge as there was a sail through by various boats including the current Whitby lifeboat and the 1938 Whitby lifeboat Mary Ann Hepworth which is now used as a pleasure trip vessel by a gentleman called Barry who I believe is a former Whitby lifeboat member.
Whitby Lifeboat from 1938 called Mary Ann Hepworth
Next a group of dignitaries gathered on both sides of the bridge to officially unveil the specially-commissioned plaques marking the anniversary.
Then on the west side, Whitby town mayor Coun Terry Jennison cut the ribbon to reveal the plaque, while on the east side, Scarborough Borough Council mayor Coun Bill Chatt did the honours.
The Lord Mayor of both Whitby and Scarborough and various other dignitaries
They then led their groups, including many in historic costumes, to meet in the centre of the bridge, recreating a famous image from the opening 100 years ago.
In the meantime, huge crowds waited patiently on both sides for the bridge to re-open before the gates were finally unlocked and the massed throngs poured onto the bridge from both sides.
This is a film of eveyone crossing the bridge
Article, pictures and film by Alan Davidson copyright www.whitby.uk.net

Beautiful self catering holiday accommodation in Whitby Endeavour Whitby Holiday Cottage

Whitby Website for tourist information, calendar of events and news Whitby

www.whitby.uk.net just another basic Whitby guide? Not if I have my way.

There are a number of Whitby guides already online and when I was discussing starting a new one some of my friends said why bother? surely the service is covered etc

Well I don't think so the reason is that often Whitby guides do provide a service and I'm not trying to discredit them, some of them provide good information, but then again often they are just really advertising machines.

So our “mission statement”, to use the modern terminology behind this new Whitby guide is to try and make this the informative, but also fun into reactive place to be online if you like Whitby.
I want to try to involve as many people as possible to put forward their thoughts opinions and suggestions using our built-in forum.


Mark and myself will be updating it on a regular basis, going to incorporate some fun features, we've got some challenging fun ideas coming up. Example I am a big fan of Heartbeat the television programme which unfortunately has finished, although I'm sure they will continue to show the old episodes which are ageless with their period setting. I've been lucky enough to appear in a few episodes fleetingly as an extra, so I'm going to try and contact some of the actors to interview them regarding their thoughts on the programme and Whitby.


I've loved Whitby from being a child which unfortunate that is more years and I wish to admit I have always regretted that just over 20 years ago I almost bought a house on the Royal Crescent, and sadly these fine properties will be well out of my price but it now. I have had the pleasure of buying a holy cottage near the harbour recently which is eased the pain.

There is a live news feed, what to do in Whitby guide and much more coming up but if you have any suggestions regarding future subjects to tackle, projects, want to have your holiday accommodation or business listed free of charge just get in touch with Mark myself.

Beautiful self catering holiday accommodation in Whitby Endeavour Whitby Holiday Cottage

Whitby Website for tourist information, calendar of events and news Whitby