The host venue for the April 2027 Annual Gathering for the Society has been announced as the Royal Whitby Hotel.

The hotel, located at West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3HA. (https://www.royalwhitby.co.uk) is close to the famous Whale Bone arch and is approximately ½ mile from Whitby Railway Station.

Society members who choose to book accommodation in the Royal Whitby Hotel itself are now able to do so, as part of the group booking - please see the EVENTS page for details.  

We are looking forward to returning to Whitby, where previous Gatherings were based in 2000, 2006 and 2016. The close association with Mystery Mine (the 12th Lone Pine book) and The Buckinghams at Ravenswyke (the 2nd Buckinghams book) makes Whitby a very popular choice for members.

The seaside town is very attractive, with a great fishing tradition, and the Abbey ruins, at the top of the East Cliff, draw many tourists. The Yorkshire coast has a lot of appeal, with its dramatic cliffs, its wild life and its walking opportunities. Inland, the North Yorkshire moors provide further opportunities for walking, 

From the Middle Ages, Whitby had significant herring and whaling fleets, and was where Captain Cook learned seamanship. He first explored the southern ocean in HMS Endeavour, built in Whitby.  Alum was mined locally, and Whitby jet jewellery was fashionable during the 19th century.

Tourism started in Whitby during the Georgian period and developed with the arrival of the railway in 1839. In addition to Whitby Abbey, significant features include the swing bridge, which crosses the River Esk and the harbour, sheltered by grade II listed east and west piers. There are statues of Captain Cook and William Scoresby, and a whale bone arch on the West Cliff. Whitby has featured in literary works including Bram Stoker's novel Dracula.

The programme for the annual event will include opportunities for local tourism and walking. More details will be announced in due course, along with information on how to make a booking for the event itself, separately from the accommodation.