The Yorkshire Film Archive collects, preserves, and shows film made in, or about Yorkshire. Our collections are non-fiction, dating from the 1890s to the present day, and providing a rich and visually compelling record of all aspects of lives, cultures, landscape, industries, major events and everyday activities, many of which are available to watch, free of charge, on our website.
This film is part of Free

Whitby June-July 1945
Despite being shot during the closing stages of the Second World War, Whitby appears full of tranquillity and peace.
From the collection of:

Overview
Fishermen, holidaymakers, and wartime Whitby residents can be seen quietly going about their business in this amateur film, which features many of Whitby’s most well-known landmarks.
Whitby has been a popular summer holiday destination in Yorkshire for decades. In addition to revenue from fishing, the town’s economy relies heavily on tourism. Whitby Abbey is arguably the most notable structure in the town. It was established in 657AD and disestablished by Henry VIII in 1538. The Abbey now lies in ruins and is protected by English Heritage.
Related

Cook's Tour Cook's Tour
Amateur film 1968 7 mins Location: Whitby
The bicentenary of Captain James Cook’s first epic naval voyage is celebrated by Whitby townspeople in this jubilant short film.

Yorkshire Riviera Yorkshire Riviera
Amateur film 1958 19 mins Silent Location: Redcar
A nostalgic dip and drive around the North Yorkshire coast in the sun-kissed 50s.

By Gosh It's Hot/A Day Out at Whitby By Gosh It's Hot/A Day Out at Whitby
Home movie 1964 31 mins Silent Location: Leeds
Eating, dancing in the front room, playing football in the garden, walking around Whitby, a birthday party, a wedding – just being common people, only with a Jewish twist.

Prospect of Whitby Prospect of Whitby
Documentary 1965 23 mins Silent Location: Whitby
Whitby seen through the work of Frank Meadows Sutcliffe.

Stranger on the Shore: Hounds of Whitby Stranger on the Shore: Hounds of Whitby
Short documentary 2016 11 mins Location: Whitby
The second in Michael Smith and Maxy Bianco's trilogy of films on Britain's coastal edgelands, in which they explore the spooky enchantment of Whitby.

Camwell Personal Film: Whitby & Battersby Branches Camwell Personal Film: Whitby & Battersby Branches
Amateur film 1958 21 mins Silent Location: Battersby
North Yorkshire bound through the lens of 'Cam' Camwell

If I Make It To The Morning If I Make It To The Morning
Drama 2024 9 mins
A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.

We’ll Go Down in History We’ll Go Down in History
Documentary 2025 25 mins
Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.

Wrong Bathroom Wrong Bathroom
Drama 2024 9 mins
A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.

Dragfox Dragfox
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2024 8 mins
A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.

Wait, Wait, Now! Wait, Wait, Now!
Drama 2024 13 mins
A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.

NGGAK!!! NGGAK!!!
Drama 2024 8 mins
‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.