The Esk runs from Castleton in the centre of the moors, three miles due east through the valley before discharging into the North Sea at Whitby. There are many historic and beautiful towns and villages which make up the Esk Valley including Castleton, Danby, Glaisdale, Goathland(where the TV series heartbeat is set), Lealholm, Egton Bridge, Grosmont, Sleights, Ruswarp, Aisalby, Whitby and many more.
Mining was once a major industry of the North East of England and there are many deserted mines throughout the Esk Valley. Tourism is now one of the main industries in the Esk Valley and there is much to offer visitors including museums, visitor attractions, activities, music, modern entertainment and an abundance of restaurants, hotels, cafes, B&B’s, caravan sites and self catering accommodation.
You can fish for both salmon, brown trout and sea trout at various places along the River Esk, and Whitby is also an excellent venue for the sea fisherman. Just along the coast, Robin Hoods Bay is a popular tourist destination, it makes an ideal place to go and get away from it all on holiday or just to visit on a family day out. This area has been recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is home to a variety of flora, fauna and wildlife. Many different species inhabit the rock pools, cliffs, moorland and hedgerows.
The picturesque village of Goathland which is set around a large open area of grass is famous for the...
television series ‘Heartbeat’. The station was also used in the Harry potter film. Other attractions include the 70ft waterfall of Malyan Spout, a mile of Roman road which dates back to the 1st century AD and an exhibition centre which covers all aspects of life in Goathland.Why not enjoy a walk past the waterfall or along the disused railway line which was built by George Stephenson, from Goathland to Grosmont.
Glaisdale is an old ironstone mining village dating back to the 19th century, located on the western side of the dale south of the River Esk. It is a very attractive village with slate-roofed terraces and cottages sitting between wide grass verges. The Esk Valley has a nautical history, the coastal village of Staithes was the first place that Captain James Cook ‘discovered’, which then created his greater interest in the sea leading on to the development of his seafaring skills at nearby Whitby. It was at Whitby that his famous HMS Endeavour sailing vessel was built. Whitby is famous for being one of the UK’s major fishing ports which also supported boat building and the whaling industry. After the 19th Century Queen Victoria assisted in the establishment of Whitby as a popular tourist destination. Queen Victoria had a passion for Jet Jewellery and this soon became desired by many as a precious gem. Jet is unique to Whitby, it can only be found in the local cliffs and this is the only place in the UK where it exists. The buildings in Whitby including hotels and town houses are decorated with architecture which date back to the Queen Victoria period.
Whitby has an air of mystery about it, there are many tales of heroes, hobbits and goblins which the locals will be happy tell you about and document well in the local shops and information centres.
The novel ‘Dracula’ was set in Whitby and its author Bram Stoker gained much of his inspiration from the historic town of Whitby. The Esk Valley Railway line is considered one of the hidden treasures of British Railways, it runs 36 miles from the historic railway station in Whitby all the way into Grosmont where it then connects with the North Yorkshire Railway (NYMR). Along the way there are stunning views and picturesque landscapes not to be missed. You can travel all the way along the line through Grosmont and the North York Moors National Park to Battersby right on the edge of the moors where the train stops and then carries onto Middlesbrough.
During the summer months the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) operate steam trains several days a week between Whitby, Grosmont, Goathland (Aidensfield) and Pickering. The Esk valley is truly one of North Yorkshire's real gems, and makes a superb place for a relaxing holiday or short break. There are things to do, places to go and fantastic Yorkshire food to eat any time of the year.
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