Sailing By

3.8★

3 Guests
2 Bedrooms
1 Bathroom
Pets Yes
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Features

Garden / Patio
Cot available
Pub/shop < 1 mile
Broadband / WiFi

Reviews & Ratings

Accuracy of the listing

Cleanliness

Comfort

Facilities and Maintenance

* Based on a combined average customer score

18 Customer Review(s)

Keith
October 2024

“This property on a yard off Church St gave us a real sense of the history of the fishing port.”

Narrow and basically one room per floor, with what looks to be an old (original?) spiral staircase made with solid baulks of wood. Very quiet at night despite being a few tens of yards from the bustle of the market and the crowds in Church Street. We will definitely stay here again in the future. I'm sure the owner realises that some basic maintenance is required with the bathroom sink wall fitting and the mains socket in the sitting room.

Narrow and basically one room per floor, with what looks to be an old (original?) spiral staircase made with solid baulks of wood. Very quiet at night despite being a few tens of yards from the bustle of the market and the crowds in Church Street. We will definitely stay here again in the future. I'm sure the owner realises that some basic maintenance is required with the bathroom sink wall fitting and the mains socket in the sitting room.

- Keith, October 2024
Keith September 2024

“On arrival at property we had to go and buy toilet paper as there was not any.”

Although there was a shower above the taps as stated in the description there was no shower curtain which made it almost impossible to have a shower without water spraying everywhere. Electric socket in lounge was loose and not fixed to wall. Curtain at lounge window would have been nice.

- Keith, September 2024
Denise September 2023

“The cottage was quirky but the stairs are not suitable for the elderly, overall it was clean and the bed was comfortable.”

On a negative note it needs a lot of updating, new kitchen and the bathroom needs sorting as there is a big gap around the sides so you can’t use a shower. The stairs definitely need attention the front doorknob needs seeing to it is loose and nearly falling off if things could be brought up to date then it would be a lovely place to stay and of course Whitby is lovely. You need to sort it Sykes it’s letting the side down!

- Denise, September 2023
Helen August 2023

“The property shouldn’t be on Sykes cottages we’ve stayed several places before this isn’t ok for air bnb either.”

I take it’s an elderly man that owns this property. It’s poorly maintained door handle nearly comes off in your hand the key cover was hard to navigate the shower facility is a joke not sure how you’re supposed to shower holding the head and no curtain. The cleanliness was by far a joke dummies not tidied up and under the bed the fan was full of dirt the pillows smelt like somebody lay there that morning. Windows filthy. The boiler kept cutting out. I don’t no why your charging such high prices when your clearly not doing your jobs. We’ve stayed in period properties before never ever been ripped off like this. Positive note great location.

- Helen, August 2023
Daniel September 2022

“Desperately in need of work .”

Bed totally had it . Not fit for purpose.

- Daniel, September 2022
Jane August 2022

“The location was great and the cottage very quirky but not suitable for dogs at all.”

There is no garden and no grassed area so wherever the dog needs to relieve its self outside the cottage can only be next to someone else's property or down the steps to the cobbled shopping areas. The lounge is on the second floor and the steps are too steep and difficult for dogs. Most owners have the dogs with them in the lounge, they dont leave them on their own on another floor. The furnishings were very old, tired and uncomfortable. The easily accessible drawers to put clothes in the bedroom were full of towels and bedding for the cottage and the other small drawers difficult to get to.The shower was pretty much useless, over the bath with no shower rail. The parking permit is pretty useless as its for a parking area much further away from the central car park in town, which in itself is quite some distance across town to carry luggage, with a dog and our grandchild. No complementary condiments to give the lovely welcome most cottage do. No black bag for the bin, no spare toilet roll. The cottage feels like the owners cant be bothered putting in that special effort to make a nice welcome for guests but still are charging a high price.We will never stay there again and wont recommend to our friends.

- Jane, August 2022
Kath April 2021

“Fantastic to be finally out of lockdown & allowed to go to the seaside!”

!! However parking was a nightmare - unloading the car on a tiny street with loads of pedestrians & other vehicles trying to get past. Having to park miles away, so on a trip out to the beach having to carry all our stuff miles. It made it stressful & exhausting. I think it needs to be really clearly spelt out that parking in Whitby is difficult to find & the house location means I you’ll have to park a long way away, if your v lucky you might get a spot in the limited pay & display £9 a day. Remember everything you bring has to be carried ... we brought way too much stuff! The house was quirky & v characterful which was lovely, but top stair landing was precarious & also The banister rail was loose, so had to be really on the ball! It’s not really a family holiday house, but the location is fantastic and the house a real experience, loved the old bath! You’ll need healthy knees as there are a LOT of very steep uneven steps,! I’d say it’s great for a short break just to explore Whitby as you’re right in the old town. But come on the train & with a small overnight bag!

- Kath, April 2021
Kate August 2020

“We have a lovely time and the booking was straightforward and staff were really helpful.”

The house itself met our expectations. It was cosy and clean. Many thanks for a great holiday! We were just wondering about the deposit. It said in the information that there was a £100 deposit, which would be reimbursed if the property was left as it was found. I made the booking and have not heard anything as yet. Please can you help? Warm wishes, Kate

- Kate, August 2020
Patricia July 2020

“Just to let people know about the layout of the property too many stairs”

- Patricia, July 2020
Ruth July 2020

“The cottage is an old fisheans cottage is small but provides everything you need and a great location centrally to access to the beach and just below the Abbey.”

- Ruth, July 2020
Nick February 2020

“Beautiful, quirky cottage in a great location.”

There is advice in the book in the cottage about where to park to drop off luggage, but it is too late then you are already there! Would have been good to get this info in advance to save walking all the way from the pay and display with luggage in a storm!

- Nick, February 2020
Emma December 2019

“A lovely stay in this cottage.”

The property is situated just off the old cobbled street (Church Street) so perfect to escape from the crowds if needed with everything including the beach on your doorstep. We didn't need to use the car once. The kitchen is a good size with the living room above with a beautiful original fire and what looks to be original floorboards. The beds were very comfy with a good size double room and a cosy single room all decorated with a nautical theme. We really enjoyed our stay - just be mindful that this is a period property and has features such as beautiful wooden spiral staircases. One of the more homely cottages we've stayed in on Church Street. We will be back!

- Emma, December 2019
Anthony October 2019

“Overall we really enjoyed our break.”

The cottage is in perfect location - on the doorstep of the town centre, yet in a very quite lane. The only downside of the location is that you have to factor in the £9 / day on parking. The cottage is very characterful and nicely decorated. Cleanliness on the whole was good apart from a number of kitchen items that needed washing up before being used. But a few negative comments too. Well, nowadays having Wifi is expected particularly by our teenage son who found it a real shock to the system! I almost enjoyed him having an enforced break from the internet, apart from the fact that we, as parents, have to deal with the fallout! The size of the TV was a surprise - its about the size of a computer monitor. No excuse for that really. Getting enough hot water for a bath is obviously an art that we could not master. Some areas of the cottage were a little tired looking and could do with a bit of attention. So would we book again? Maybe, but we'd probably look for a property with those expected facilities first.

- Anthony, October 2019
Ashley September 2019

“We think you need to do something about the shower and hot water needs to be warm longer and shower needs replacing just leaks everywhere .”

- Ashley, September 2019
Ann September 2019

“On arriving at the holiday cottage the first thing we noticed was a lack of toilet roll.”

This is an inexpensive but essential item. After a 4 hour Drive the last thing you want to do is go shopping for essentials. Whilst most of the cottage was cleaned to a satisfactory standard the kitchen certainly was not. The grill was filthy and the oven not much better. The cupboards had used items left over from other guests and the cutlery was a jumble of mismatched items. Having no confidence in cleanliness we had to wag everything before use. The bathroom whilst superficially clean was very worn tired and not really fit for purpose. Overall this cottage did not come up to the standard we have come to expect from Sykes. This is the third time we have booked with you this year if it had been the first we may have thought twice before booking again.

- Ann, September 2019
Janet July 2019

“We had a lovely holiday in sailing by cottage , it had old world charm with modern comfortable facilities, was well equipped and we loved it , booking was easy , had no problems we would book again.”

- Janet, July 2019
Paul June 2019

“Cottage was lovely holiday was great but parking was bad cost 56 pounds to park ...”

Cottage was lovely holiday was great but parking was bad cost 56 pounds to park all other cottages were given scatch cards to use but not us i think after all we payed nearly 500 pounds for cottage a few scatch cards would have been nice as a kind gester we will be coming back but noy with this cottage many thanks

- Paul, June 2019

Dear Mr Youngs, we are glad that you had a lovely stay in our cottage and that you enjoyed the cottage and the facilities. You raised an issue in relation to the parking scratch cards. Unfortunately these scratch cards are only available to hoteliers and guest house (B&B) owners and are not available for self catering holiday cottages. Property Owner
Victoria September 2018

“Whitby and the surrounding area is a great place to stay ether on your own or ...”

Whitby and the surrounding area is a great place to stay ether on your own or with friends and a dog the walking is fantastic from coast path to moors and hidden valleys the museum is amazing a trip out on the old lifeboat loads of grate sea food perfect R and R

- Victoria, September 2018

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Summary

Over three floors
Two second floor bedrooms: 1 x double, 1 x single
Bathroom with a roll-top bath, basin and WC
Kitchen/diner
First floor sitting room.
Heating
Gas oven and hob, microwave, fridge
WiFi and TV.Fuel and power inc. in rent
Bed linen and towels inc. in rent
Sorry, no smoking
Shop and pub 2 minute walk
Please note that the layout of our quirky cottage is not suited to those with mobility issues or very young children
Street parking permits provided
Note: The patio is to the front of the property
Note: Check in 4pm

The property

‘Sailing By’ is a delightful Grade 2 listed Cottage situated in the very heart of old Whitby on the East side of the town, crowned by the ruins of the 13th Century Abbey and St Mary’s Church.

It has 2 bedrooms, a double and a single suitable for 3 people.

The cottage is just off the cobbled street of Church Street in an area steeped in history.

Hidden in a narrow ginnel (or passageway) called Borough Place, it is opposite the original marketplace that houses the Clock Tower.

On entering the ginnel, away from the hustle and bustle of Church Street, it is a haven of tranquility as you are transported back in time to the Middle Ages.

Dating from the late 1700's, 'Sailing By' is in an elevated position up 2 flights of steps which are quite steep.

Many cottages in the old part of the town are like this, so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Outside to the front of the cottage is a small patio area with a wrought iron bench, ideal for relaxing after the day’s exertions, or simply chilling out with a glass of wine.

The cottage possesses a quirky olde world charm with many original features, including cast iron fire grates (no longer in use), wood panelled doors and floorboards and a curved wooden staircase.

It is beautifully presented throughout over 3 floors.

You enter the cottage into the kitchen/diner.

The dining table has 4 chairs.

There are also 2 tub chairs in the dining area and a wall mounted tv.

The kitchen is compact but adequately equipped for your stay, including a fossil embedded into the worktop!

Of course, there is a varied choice of restaurants, cafes and Inns on Church Street and beyond if you enjoy eating out.

The quarry tiled floor is a nice feature and dog friendly from the perspective of keeping it clean.

On the first floor, the lounge is at the front of the cottage and benefits from plenty of light through the sash window.

There is a double sofa bed and a tub chair.

The lounge has sanded oak floorboards.

The fireplace is ornamental only.

The option is available for a person to sleep on this bed if they prefer being on the 1st floor.

There is a selection of books, CD’s, DVD’s together with a CD and DVD player.

The stylish bathroom contains a roll top bath and is to the left of the living room.

At the top of the house is the double bedroom overlooking the front and bathed in natural light through the sash window.

The fitted wardrobe has plenty of space for an extended stay and it also contains a travel cot.

A single bedroom to the left of the double has a pleasing aspect with a dormer window overlooking the rearm the trunk contains various games.

Wander into enchanting Whitby to experience or struggle up the 199 Church steps (at the end of Church Street) to the Abbey.

Or try the Donkey Road which is easier.

The history of this fishing Port with the Captain Cook Memorial Museum is palpable.

There is always something or someone to watch in the town!

For most of the year the town hosts varied festivals and events.

For some, the Goth weekends or Steam Punk are not to be missed, but Dracula always draws blood.

Others prefer the 60’s weekends, Blues festival, Soul weekender or folk, if music is your passion.

There are some fabulous walks or cycle rides along the coast, the North Yorkshire Moors or following the cinder trail (the old railway line) to Scarborough.

We welcome well behaved dogs (and owners), though ask that your pampered pet remains on the ground floor.

Please note that the approach to and the layout of our quirky cottage is not suited to those with mobility issues or very young children.

As the cottage is so old, the walls are lime plaster and uneven.

They are solid but it is different from a modern house.

It is afterall a characterful fisherman's cottage.The cobbled part of Church Street leading to the cottage has no car park. It is possible to park temporarily for drop offs.

The continuation of Church Street alongside the river does have a public (paying) car park and is 5 minutes' walk to the cottage.

We do provide at our expense prepaid parking by using permits (scratchcards).

This is in *Disc Zone W* only - as allocated by the Council.

This is street parking situated across the Swing bridge in the Westcliffe area.

It is about 10 minutes from the cottage.

Note: This property has a Good Housekeeping bond of £100.

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About the location

WHITBY

Robin Hood's Bay 5.5 miles; Scarborough 19.3 miles; Pickering 23 miles; Guisborough 21.5 miles.

The seaside town and port of Whitby lies at the mouth of the River Esk in the Scarborough district of North Yorkshire. Ideally situated for exploring this beautiful part of Yorkshire, the local area hosts an array of activities so you can be sure to get the best out of both the countryside and the coast. From the nearby North York Moors to its Blue Flag beaches, there's something here for everyone. Amongst its many attractions, Whitby holds a charming atmosphere, home to winding streets and hidden alleys, where you can find a wide selection of eateries and shops scattered amongst them. Take a trip to the picturesque harbour and lighthouse to watch the sun set or get involved in some whale watching or a coastal cruise to watch the creatures up close. Climb the famous 199 steps to the Whitby Abbey to immerse yourself with history, or visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum presenting historical and ethnographic exhibition about Cook himself. Close to the Robin Hood's Bay, rich in heritage, wonders and scenic spots, and in easy reach of the bustling towns of Scarborough and Middlesbrough, Whitby is a prime location for exploring all of the delights that Yorkshire has to offer.

This property offers the following short breaks:

Winter
Off-season
Last minute

Whitby, North York Moors & Coast (Ref. 981087)

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Features

Reviews & Ratings

“This property on a yard off Church St gave us a real sense of the history of the fishing port.”

“On arrival at property we had to go and buy toilet paper as there was not any.”

“The cottage was quirky but the stairs are not suitable for the elderly, overall it was clean and the bed was comfortable.”

“The property shouldn’t be on Sykes cottages we’ve stayed several places before this isn’t ok for air bnb either.”

“Desperately in need of work .”

“The location was great and the cottage very quirky but not suitable for dogs at all.”

“Fantastic to be finally out of lockdown & allowed to go to the seaside!”

“We have a lovely time and the booking was straightforward and staff were really helpful.”

“Just to let people know about the layout of the property too many stairs”

“The cottage is an old fisheans cottage is small but provides everything you need and a great location centrally to access to the beach and just below the Abbey.”

“Beautiful, quirky cottage in a great location.”

“A lovely stay in this cottage.”

“Overall we really enjoyed our break.”

“We think you need to do something about the shower and hot water needs to be warm longer and shower needs replacing just leaks everywhere .”

“On arriving at the holiday cottage the first thing we noticed was a lack of toilet roll.”

“We had a lovely holiday in sailing by cottage , it had old world charm with modern comfortable facilities, was well equipped and we loved it , booking was easy , had no problems we would book again.”

“Cottage was lovely holiday was great but parking was bad cost 56 pounds to park ...”

“Whitby and the surrounding area is a great place to stay ether on your own or ...”

Summary

The property

View on map

About the location

WHITBY