Whitby is a short car journey away from Old Bears Barn and is well worth exploring.
Split by the river Esk, Whitby is a lovely seaside town with many attractions including Whitby Abbey ruins (the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”), the Church of St. Mary which can be reached by 199 steps, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and Whitby Jet (a local black gemstone). Seasonal boat trips are also available from the harbour for either fishing or sightseeing.

The cobbled backstreets to the East of the river contain a number of interesting shops which you can access via the swing bridge and to the West of the river there are many eateries and bars. Fish and Chips is definitely a must if you are visiting Whitby and there are many places you can sample it.

The village was the setting of the fictional village of Aidensfield in the Heartbeat television series set in the 1960s. Many landmarks from the series are recognisable, including the stores, garage/funeral directors, the public house and the railway station. The pub is called the Goathland Hotel, but in the series is the Aidensfield Arms.

The tumbling waterfall of Mallyan Spout is close by accessible by foot and can be part of a 3 mile circular walk via Beck Hole should you wish.