Whitby Abbey - North Yorkshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Whitby Abbey stands on the headland overlooking the town, and it is clear to see why it was, and in fact still is, a navigation marker for shipping.

The original Anglo-Saxon Monastery was destroyed during a Viking raid in 867, but one of William the Conqueror's knights refounded it in the late 1070s. By 1220, the Norman Church was proving inadequate for the many pilgrims and construction of the present, most impressive, building was begun.

The site is now run by English Heritage and included in the admission price is a really excellent audio guide, using different actors' voices and sound effects. However, I would have liked seating near the various information points - it was very hot standing listening, and it was tempting to skip parts, which was a pity as it was so well produced.

At the side of the Abbey is the mansion built by the Cholmley family, using stone plundered from the monastery!  This building has now been imaginatively turned into a Visitor Centre cum museum.

Whilst several of the exhibits were interactive, and most interesting I was disappointed that so many carried 'Out of Order' signs.

I also thought the signs at the site were very inadequate.  Just a few arrows pointing visitors in the right direction would have been appreciated.  (I managed to go round the exhibition the wrong way - and never thought I'd leave the Visitor Complex as I couldn't find the exit!)

This is the most amazing place to visit, and that the stone work is still in such excellent condition is just outstanding.