Whitby is no ordinary seaside destination. Since Victorian times, it’s been as famous for its long, sandy beach as for its Gothic charms (its ruined Abbey is said to be the inspiration for the novel Dracula). Throw in a local golf course, plenty of museums and boutique shops for wet days, and fish and chips that are regularly voted the best in the country and you’ve got all the ingredients for a fun-packed coastal trip. Try Trenchers, Hadley’s, or The Magpie Cafe for the fish and chips - all award-winning restaurants. The beach and sea are a ten-minute walk away, and within a ten-minute drive, you can be surrounded by the North York Moors countryside for an idyllic day trip. Enjoy all this from a period cottage with beautifully-quaint character. For a real touch of luxury and gothic glamour, the master bedroom has an elegant four-poster bed and the roof-top terrace is perfect for alfresco dining on sunny days. On colder ones, enjoy the warm wooden interior, complete with a wood-burner for toasty evenings inside.