Whitby Travel Guide

Tourist 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
Enjoy picturesque clifftop views in the town where Dracula took form and Captain Cook learned his trade.

Built around the River Esk, Whitby is a quaint town with rugged cliffs and scenic beaches. Captain James Cook studied in this quiet fishing commune in the 17th century, before sailing to distant lands.

Among the highlights is Whitby AbbeyOpens in a new window, whose dramatic gothic ruins inspired 19th-century writer Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Marvel at the tall arches that remain and learn about monastic life through the interactive exhibitions in the Mansion Visitor Centre. The abbey was home to the earliest recognised English poet, Cædmon. Follow in the footsteps of the fictional vampire by climbing the 199 Steps from shore.

Continue pursuing the Dracula theme at the adjacent Church of St. Mary, which was founded in 1110. The eerie hilltop graveyard is a setting in the novel. Admire the mix of styles in the fortress-like church that has views of the city and the river as it enters the North Sea.

Descend the steps to reach the riverside Captain Cook Memorial MuseumOpens in a new window for another part of Whitby’s fascinating history. Learn about the 18th-century seafarer and his trips to Australia, New Zealand and others parts of the world then unknown to Europeans. Browse the exhibitions in this house where he trained as an apprentice. Read letters he wrote about his experiences.

Cross the central bridge to reach the western side of Whitby, where you will find Pannett Park. This tranquil green space contains the Pannett Art Gallery and the Whitby Museum among the pretty floral displays and woodland patches. Enjoy a picnic under the trees and visit the museum terrace for views of the sea.

The coastal town is just north of the city of Scarborough in the northeastern region of England. It is in the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire. Drive about 250 miles (400 kilometres) to reach the town from LondonOpens in a new window, which should take 5 or 6 hours.

Whitby is a small town that helped shape the history of literature and geography in a big way.

The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel
3 out of 5
West Cliff, Whitby, England
The price is ฿2,564 per night from 5 May to 6 May
฿2,564
฿3,076 total
includes taxes & fees
5 May - 6 May
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Whitby. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (875 reviews)
"There were renovations taking place. This restricted certain amenities and should have been made clear in the hotel booking information and reflected within the pricing."

Reviewed on 23 Apr 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 ฿3,014 per night from 18 May to 19 May
฿3,014
฿3,617 total
includes taxes & fees
18 May - 19 May
Stay at this 4-star inn in Whitby. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
"Rooms were very quiet, didn’t hear any noise at all through the night, nice breakfast which was great value, friendly staff, free parking. 20minute walk into Whitby which was ideal for us."

Reviewed on 15 Apr 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿4,428 per night from 15 May to 16 May
฿4,428
฿5,314 total
includes taxes & fees
15 May - 16 May
Stay at this 4-star inn in Whitby. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (348 reviews)
"Good."

Reviewed on 19 Apr 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.
Dale View Cottages
Dale View Cottages
3 out of 5
Hawsker Ln, Long Lease Farm, Whitby, England
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly cottage in Whitby. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Robin Hood's Bay ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
"We stayed one night only Adequate for us."

Reviewed on 3 Apr 2025

Dale View Cottages
Whitby Bridge Luxury Apartments
Whitby Bridge Luxury Apartments
3.5 out of 5
1A Grape Lane, Whitby, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Whitby. Enjoy housekeeping. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Whitby Beach are located nearby.
7.6/10 Good! (13 reviews)
D&E Johns
"Had a good time apartment could benefit with a mirror near plug sockets"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Whitby Bridge Luxury Apartments
Whitby On The Hill
Whitby On The Hill
4 out of 5
2 Well Cl Terrace, Whitby, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Whitby. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Whitby Beach are ...
8/10 Very Good! (7 reviews)
"Lovely stay in a quiet neighborhood"

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2024

Whitby On The Hill
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.

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