Whitby

Travel Guide

Whitby
Whitby
Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach featuring street scenes and a coastal town as well as a large group of people
Whitby showing a park
Whitby showing general coastal views, street scenes and a small town or village
Whitby is a small seaside town located on the North Yorkshire coast, between Scarborough and Redcar in the North East of England. There is a variety of accommodation types to choose from when visiting Whitby, with seaside bed & breakfasts and hotels along the seaside attracting many visitors throughout the year.

Be Inspired Like Bram Stoker

One of the main historical attractions of Whitby is the stunning St. Hilda’s Abbey, which is perched on the edge of a clifftop overlooking the town itself. The abbey was built in the 7th Century and was home to the first known English poet before being left to ruins. However, it’s still an impressive heritage site to check out. Near the abbey you will also find one hundred and ninety-nine steps cut in to the cliff-face. The area is also known for its association with Bram Stoker and the story of Dracula.

Climb on Board Cook’s Endeavour

Much of Whitby’s status has come from its importance as a sea port. One of Whitby’s attractions is a scaled replica of Captain Cook’s ship, the Endeavour. It is possible to enjoy a trip on the ship during the warmer months when the weather is calm.

Boat lovers and visitors in general will enjoy a stroll around the extensive harbour area, admiring the many different types of craft at their berths, or even availing themselves of a pleasure cruise or chartered fishing trip. The harbour itself is a great place to wander around with many quaint gift shops to explore. Depending on how successful the village fishing fleet has been that day, a fish market might be set up at Whitby harbour where the catch of the day is auctioned to merchants, making for a great spectacle for all to see.

Explore North Yorkshire

When in Whitby take the opportunity to explore the rest of North Yorkshire with a day trip to York. The National Railway Museum in York is a great place to visit, with a wonderful collection of trains, carriages and railway memorabilia on display throughout. To make the most of your visit to the museum you will need at least half a day to explore it fully.

Spend Time with the Vikings

Take the whole family and explore the world famous Jorvik Viking Centre in York, arguably the UK’s most popular tourist attractions. One of the most famous and astounding discoveries in recent archaeological times, this truly ground breaking exhibition allows you to not only experience Viking life in York, but also gives you the chance to meet a ‘Viking’.

Take a trip outside of York and visit Rievaulx Abbey, a real place of serenity. Spend an afternoon wondering around the site and allow yourself to imagine what life may have been like when the abbey was up and running many years ago.

The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel
3 out of 5
West Cliff, Whitby, England
The price is €74 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
€74
includes taxes & fees
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Whitby. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (849 reviews)
"Very friendly and helpful receptionist. Room looked like it had been recently refurbished. Very comfortable bed and a great shower."

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2025

The Royal Hotel
Penny Hedge, Whitby by Marston's Inns
Penny Hedge, Whitby by Marston's Inns
4 out of 5
Stainsacre Lane, Whitby, England
The price is €84 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
€84
includes taxes & fees
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this 4-star inn in Whitby. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (678 reviews)
"A lovely one night stay, comfy beds plenty of towels and great choice of hot drinks. Food was also excellent! Great service overall and would definitely stay again!"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2025

Penny Hedge, Whitby by Marston's Inns
The Stables Whitby
The Stables Whitby
4 out of 5
Cross Butts Stable Restaurant, Guisborough Road, Whitby, England
The price is €119 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€119
includes taxes & fees
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star inn in Whitby. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (341 reviews)
Great place to visit North Yorkshire
"Great rooms and excellent food!"

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

The Stables Whitby
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Cottage in the  centre of Whitby - beautiful coastal and Abbey views
Cottage in the centre of Whitby - beautiful coastal and Abbey views
Whitby
Stay at this vacation home in Whitby. Enjoy free WiFi, cable/satellite TV service, and an in-room coffeemaker. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (107 reviews)
Penrith cottage
"Ideal for what we wanted, communication with Hilda was effortless and efficient."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2025

Cottage in the centre of Whitby - beautiful coastal and Abbey views
Beautiful Cosy Cottage On The Cliff Top With Stunning Sea Views
Beautiful Cosy Cottage On The Cliff Top With Stunning Sea Views
Whitby
Stay at this cottage in Whitby. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Whitby Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (256 reviews)
Just what the Dr. Ordered!
"Lovely little cottage, ideal for all local amenities but nestled in a beautiful, quiet and unobtrusive location. The cottage was clean, comfortable and had everything you needed for your stay. a lovely base for our little break away from it all. Just maybe one suggestion, there is a DVD player in ..."

Reviewed on 21 Mar 2025

Beautiful Cosy Cottage On The Cliff Top With Stunning Sea Views
Family and pet friendly converted barn in a peaceful rural setting
Family and pet friendly converted barn in a peaceful rural setting
Whitby
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Whitby. Enjoy a garden. Popular attractions Whitby Beach and Whitby Harbour are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (232 reviews)
Little weekend break
"Just back from a lovely little 2 night stay at Grain Cottage. Beautiful little hideaway with everything you could possibly need. Pauline and Bob are great hosts too, especially giving little meet and greet with the alpacas. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and will definitely be back. Thanm you so ..."

Reviewed on 24 Feb 2025

Family and pet friendly converted barn in a peaceful rural setting
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Whitby

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
254
5 - Excellent 70%
4 - Good
95
4 - Good 26%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 3%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Whitby is a lovely seaside town on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. There are lota of quaint shops and cobbled streets. Unfortunately I had to cut my visit short because of the Covid19 outbreak. But I intend to be back.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love it - a wide range of pubs and restaurants catering for every budget - lots of unusual shops and experiences available - like sea trips etc - often there are themed weekends where visitors dress up in the theme - fantastic - lovely vibe!

5/5 - Excellent

Michael

Will always love visiting Whitby. A timeless old town.

5/5 - Excellent

Billie

We love whitby its our favourite British getaway

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Love the area and at this time of year a little less noise on the streets

5/5 - Excellent

Roger

Came across the 'Arch and Abbey' Pub in Whitby. Good beers, very friendly. Worth a visit.