Whitbys Historic East Side: an Audio Tour Uncovering the East Sides Tales

Whitby’s historic east side beckons visitors to uncover its captivating tales. Through an immersive audio tour, explorers can explore the town’s rich heritage, tracing the influences of literary icon Charles Dickens and encountering the mystique of vampire lore. The self-guided adventure also reveals the unique Penny Hedge tradition, culminating at the picturesque Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse with stunning coastal views. Whether you’re a literature lover or a history enthusiast, this enchanting experience promises to transport you back in time and leave you eager to discover more about Whitby’s fascinating past.

This experience made our list of the 2 Best Historical Tours In Middlesbrough.

Good To Know

• Explore Whitby’s captivating history through a self-guided audio tour of the East Side, featuring tales of Dickens’ literary influences and local vampire lore.
• Uncover the real-life inspirations behind Dickens’ gothic narratives, as the tour highlights his fascination with Whitby’s rugged coastline and historic landmarks.
• Explore Whitby’s rich vampire mythology, including the legendary arrival of Dracula by ship and the eerie atmosphere of the East Cliff.
• Witness the annual Penny Hedge ceremony, a centuries-old tradition rooted in the history and folklore of Whitby’s East Side.
• Conclude the tour at the Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse, offering stunning views and the perfect opportunity to capture the essence of Whitby’s captivating East Side.

Discovering Whitby’s Rich History

Whitby’s East Side is steeped in rich history, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into the town’s past.

The self-guided audio tour guides travelers through the historic streets, regaling them with stories of Charles Dickens’ famous characters and the local lore of vampires.

Along the way, they’ll discover the Penny Hedge, a centuries-old tradition dating back to the 13th century.

The tour culminates at the Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse, a scenic spot offering stunning views and historical significance.

Whether you’re a literature buff, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking to explore Whitby’s charming East Side, this audio tour provides a unique and flexible way to learn about the town’s captivating heritage.

Exploring Charles Dickens’ Influences

Though Whitby isn’t the birthplace of Charles Dickens, the town’s rich history and gothic atmosphere deeply influenced the renowned author’s most famous works.

Dickens was a frequent visitor to Whitby and its haunting East Side, which inspired scenes and characters in novels like "Dracula" and "Nicholas Nickleby."

The audio tour highlights Dickens’ fascination with Whitby, exploring how the town’s vampire lore, rugged coastline, and historic landmarks shaped his iconic writing.

Listeners will uncover the real-life inspirations behind Dickens’ gothic narratives as they enjoy Whitby’s enchanting East Side.

The Mystique of Vampire Lore

Beyond Dickens’ literary allusions, Whitby’s East Side is steeped in a captivating vampire lore that has enchanted visitors for centuries.

The coastal town’s association with Bram Stoker’s iconic "Dracula" novel is a key highlight of the audio tour. Participants will learn about the legendary vampire’s arrival by ship, as well as the town’s historical ties to the undead mythos.

The tour delves into the eerie atmosphere of the East Cliff, where the famous St. Mary’s Church and Whitby Abbey loom above the harbor.

Listeners will be captivated by the ghosts and gothic legends that permeate this enchanting seaside locale.

The Penny Hedge: A Unique Tradition

One of Whitby’s most unique and enduring traditions is the annual Penny Hedge ceremony, which takes place each Ascension Day along the banks of the River Esk.

The tradition dates back to the 14th century, when a local man named Reginald was tasked with atoning for the killing of a wild boar. To fulfill his penance, Reginald was required to construct a "hedge" made of wooden stakes, bound with willow branches and planted in the riverbed.

This Penny Hedge is rebuilt each year, preserving a centuries-old custom that’s deeply rooted in the history and folklore of Whitby’s East Side.

Navigating the Audio Tour Experience

Accessing the audio tour of Whitby’s historic East Side is a seamless process for visitors.

Simply download the VoiceMap mobile app and the tour will be available for immediate access. Travelers can start, pause, and restart the tour at their convenience, allowing for a flexible and personalized experience.

The tour features captivating stories about Charles Dickens’ characters, the legendary Penny Hedge, and chilling vampire lore, all brought to life through the immersive audio format.

Detailed starting instructions are provided post-download, ensuring a smooth beginning to the journey.

The tour concludes at the Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse, a scenic and historically significant location ideal for a final photo opportunity.

Reaching the Whitby East Lighthouse

Upon reaching the conclusion of the audio tour, visitors are rewarded with the picturesque Whitby Harbour East Lighthouse. This historic landmark serves as the perfect end point, offering stunning views of the harbor and coastline. The lighthouse is easily accessible via Google Maps and provides an ideal photo opportunity to capture the tour’s conclusion.

Feature	Description
Location	Whitby YO21 3PY, UK
Accessibility	Accessible via Google Maps
Significance	Scenic views and historical significance
Photography	Ideal photo opportunity at tour’s end
Ambiance	Picturesque and visually striking

The Whitby East Lighthouse stands as a testament to the rich history and natural beauty that define the East Side of this charming coastal town.

Preparing for Your Self-Guided Adventure

Preparing for the self-guided audio tour of Whitby’s East Side requires a few simple steps. First, download the VoiceMap mobile app, which provides access to the tour.

Next, review the detailed starting instructions to ensure a smooth experience. Remember, the tour is flexible – you can start, pause, and restart at your convenience within the tour’s operating hours of 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are permitted. The tour is close to public transportation, and a moderate fitness level is recommended.

Keep in mind the tour is non-refundable, so plan accordingly before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Audio Tour Available in Multiple Languages?

The audio tour is currently available only in English. The provider does not offer multi-language options at this time. Travelers who don’t speak English may need to explore alternative self-guided tour options in Whitby.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the self-guided audio tour. Participants of all ages can enjoy the flexible experience, as long as they have the required VoiceMap mobile app installed on their device.

What Happens if I Need to Contact Someone During the Tour?

If you need to contact someone during the tour, you can easily reach out to the local provider. They have staff available to assist you with any questions or concerns that may arise during your self-guided experience.

Can I Bring My Own Audio Device or Do I Need to Use the Voicemap App?

The self-guided audio tour requires the VoiceMap mobile app for access. Participants can’t use their own audio devices, as the tour is designed specifically for the app. This ensures a seamless and immersive experience.

Is There a Way to Purchase the Tour if I Don’t Have a Smartphone?

Unfortunately, the Whitby’s Historic East Side audio tour is only available through the VoiceMap mobile app, which requires a smartphone. There’s no alternative purchase option for those without a compatible device. The tour can’t be accessed without using the app.

Sum Up

Whitby’s Historic East Side audio tour offers a captivating journey through the town’s rich past. From Dickens’ influences to vampire lore and the Penny Hedge tradition, the tour immerses visitors in Whitby’s fascinating heritage. Culminating at the picturesque East Lighthouse, this self-guided adventure provides stunning coastal views, making it an ideal experience for literature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.