Whitby

Travel Guide

Whitby
Whitby
Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach which includes street scenes and a coastal town as well as a large group of people
Whitby featuring a garden
Whitby showing a small town or village, general coastal views and street scenes
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 RM295 per night from 18 Mar to 19 Mar
RM295
RM354 total
includes taxes & fees
18 Mar - 19 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! (828 reviews)
Good price!
"Recently upgraded so everything was new!"

Reviewed on 5 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 RM333 per night from 16 Mar to 17 Mar
RM333
RM399 total
includes taxes & fees
16 Mar - 17 Mar
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! (667 reviews)
"Fab location just outside Whitby Town Centre, loads of free parking, hotel was good value for money and clean. Highly recommended."

Reviewed on 7 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 RM517 per night from 12 Mar to 13 Mar
RM517
RM621 total
includes taxes & fees
12 Mar - 13 Mar
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! (339 reviews)
Birthday Treat
"Initially booked into room 7 ( annex) . Hadn't fully appreciated the access issues / stairs / downstairs toilet/ wardrobe. Staff were brilliant and moved to room 15 inside hotel immediately. Friendly staff , great food and only 1.5 miles from Whitby . ( Although Park and Ride does not start until ..."

Reviewed on 10 Feb 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.
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 Robin Hood's Bay Beach and Captain Cook Memorial Museum are located ...
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
Demeter Holiday Cottage
Demeter Holiday Cottage
2 out of 5
Whitby
Stay at this cottage in Whitby. Enjoy free WiFi and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Captain Cook Memorial Museum and St Mary's Church are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (2 reviews)
Lovely cottage in the heart of Whitby old town
"Gorgeous comfortable cottage right in the heart of Whitby. Perfect for a couple of days away. Well appointed and with everything we needed. Will definitely come back."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Demeter Holiday Cottage
Host Stay The View Hudsons Yard House
Host Stay The View Hudsons Yard House
2 out of 5
Whitby
Stay at this apartment in Whitby. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Whitby Abbey are located nearby.
Host Stay The View Hudsons Yard House
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.