UK's best bus route named - and it ends at 'absolutely breathtaking' destination

27 August 2023 , 19:53

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Whitby is a popular seaside getaway from the bustle of a city (Image: Getty Images)

A bus route for many of us symbolises a dreary commute to work, or a dull journey to the supermarket.

But for some lucky residents they can get on a bus for fun, with one of the most scenic routes in the UK - the Coastliner 840. The journey takes travellers between the three historic ports, and in a public poll for bus enthusiasts it was crowned the Most Scenic Bus Route.

And the final stop of the beautiful journey is Whitby, situated on the Yorkshire coast and only an hour from York. Built around the River Esk, Whitby is complete with pretty independent shops, eateries, and a popular beach - not to mention the distinctive ruins of Whitby Abbey, established in 657 AD.

Caravan parks, log cabins and cosy bed and breakfasts are all on offer as accommodation - and can all be found near the seashore. Private beaches and beautiful, picturesque scenery are the defining features of the popular seaside getaway.

The scenic beach has many traditional beach huts (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Barry, 53, runs Stokers Café in the centre of Whitby, and said of his home town: “I wouldn’t know where to start. I mean it’s a beautiful place with a beautiful coastline, a very nice friendly town and a lot of history. It’s a beautiful place to live, the history of Whitby, the scenery, the North Yorkshire moors surrounding.”

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Marie, 57, who works in The Whitby Shop, said to Express.co.uk : “It’s old and charming and very safe.” Marie, who has lived in the town for nine years added that the town had “friendly people” and “decent beaches”. She added: “Everything’s nearby, it’s very pretty and a real calm influence, it gets under your skin.”

Amidst Whitby Folk Week, individuals can engage in art and culture, as the town comes alive with workshops. Visitors also have the opportunity to partake in the distinctive Whitby Regatta, a classic event showcasing rowing contests, live performances, and a breathtaking exhibition of fireworks.

Whitby is one of the most scenic towns in the UK (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Tammy Goldstone-Smith, landlady of the iconic The Whitby Way pub, has described the town as “absolutely breathtaking” - and got married at the 12th-century Church of St Mary last February. She said: “Obviously that is my favourite place in Whitby because even though it was a freezing cold wet February day - it was still my dream wedding because of where we were. The fact that it was Whitby just made the day extra special.”

Interestingly, Whitby has a strange connection to the famous tale of Dracula, due to Its author visiting the town in 1890. Author Bram Stroker, who wrote the world famous novel in 1897, took inspiration from Whitby when imagining the gothic architecture for the famous tale after a friend recommended he stay there after a theatrical tour of Scotland.

Dan Coles