As a result, tourism and some forms of fishing remain the mainstay of its economy. While Whitby's cultural and historical heritage contribute to the local economy, the town does suffer from the economic constraints of its remote location, ongoing changes in the fishing industry, relatively underdeveloped transport infrastructure, and limitations on available land and property. The town also has a strong literary tradition and has featured in literary works, television and cinema, most famously in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. The town's maritime heritage is commemorated by statues of Captain Cook and William Scoresby, as well as the whalebone arch that sits at the top of the West Cliff. Other significant features include the swing bridge, which crosses the River Esk and the harbour, which is sheltered by the grade II listed East and West piers. The abbey ruin at the top of the East Cliff is the town's oldest and most prominent landmark. Its attraction as a tourist destination is enhanced by the proximity of the high ground of the North York Moors national park and the heritage coastline and by association with the horror novel Dracula. Tourism started in Whitby during the Georgian period and developed with the arrival of the railway in 1839. In the following centuries Whitby functioned as a fishing settlement until, in the 18th century, it developed as a port and centre for shipbuilding and whaling, the trade in locally mined alum, and the manufacture of Whitby jet jewellery. It was in this period that the town gained its current name, Whitby (from 'white settlement' in Old Norse). Another monastery was founded in 1078 AD.

The town's East Cliff is home to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, where Cædmon, the earliest recognised English poet, lived. In 867 AD, Viking raiders destroyed the monastery. The Synod of Whitby was held there in 664 AD. The earliest record of a permanent settlement is in 656 AD, when as Streanæshealh it was the place where Oswy, the Christian king of Northumbria, founded the first abbey, under the abbess Hilda. Jet and alum were mined locally, and Whitby jet, which was mined by the Romans and Victorians, became fashionable during the 19th century. The fishing port emerged during the Middle Ages, supporting important herring and whaling fleets, and was where Captain Cook learned seamanship and, coincidentally, where his vessel to explore the southern ocean, The Endeavour was built.

It has a maritime, mineral and tourist economy.

The town is on the Yorkshire Coast at the mouth of the River Esk. Whitby is a seaside town, port and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England.

The Whitby Witches by Robin Jarvis