While the ruins of Whitby Abbey certainly give a gothic feel to the area, however, the rest of the town is more typically touristy, with a wide range of restaurants (many specialising in seafood caught in the waters of North Yorkshire), and other coastal attractions. Read on for some of the best things to do in Whitby.
Get a culture fix at Pannett Art Gallery
Pannett Art Gallery can be found in the heart of the town, in Pannett Park, and contains paintings from the 19th and 20th centuries. The gallery was bequeathed to the people of Whitby by Robert Pannett, and is famous for its outstanding collections, including the Staithes Group of Artists and the Weatherill Collection.
See the sight that inspired Bram Stoker
The gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, towering on the cliffs outside Whitby is one of the most famous sights in North Yorkshire, and the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's Dracula. The 199 steps that lead to the Abbey are almost as famous as the ruins themselves, and are thought to have been used as a test of Christian faith, with worshippers having to brave the steep climb in order to reach the Abbey, and nearby St. Mary's Church. There are plenty of places to stop and rest on the way up, but don't worry: if you're not quite up to the climb, the Abbey can also be reached by road!
Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Whitby may be best known for the fictional Dracula, but the town's most famous son, Captain Cook, was very real, and served his seaman's apprenticeship in the town. The museum dedicated to his travels can be found in the house he once lived in, and offers a fascinating insight into the life and times of the UK's most famous adventurer.
Take a ride on the North York Moors Railway
The award-wining North York Moors Railway is a heritage railway that runs the length of the North York Moors National Park. The railway opened in 1836, and is still captivating visitors to Whitby today with the thrill of travel on a classic steam train, through the stunning scenery of the Yorkshire moors. Have a meal aboard the dining carriage, soak up the authentic atmosphere of the historic carriages, or just watch the world go by outside the train window.
See the famous whalebone arch
Whitby's whaling history is commemorated at the whalebone arch, the first of which was constructed in 1853. Situated on the town's West Cliff, the arch is the perfect picture-frame (and thus popular with tourists and photographers alike!) for the views of the town and abbey which are visible from the cliffside. The current arch was erected in 2003, replacing the two earlier arches which stood in this location, both of which became too damaged by weather to remain standing. The original arch, however, can still be seen in Whitby's Heritage Centre, providing an important link with the town's past.
Wander along Whitby's beaches
These days, many visitors to Whitby are here for its seaside location, and to visit one - or both - of the two main beaches in the area. West Cliff Beach is the town's main beach, and offers everything you'd expect from the Great British seaside, right down to the donkey rides and beach huts, plus a children's paddling pool. Tate Hill beach, meanwhile, is smaller, but has the benefit of being dog-friendly, and a little less busy.
Climb aboard the Bark Endeavor
Whitby Harbour is home to a life-sized replica of Captain Cook's famous ship, HM Bark Endeavor, and it's yours to explore as part of the Endeavor Experience: an interactive day of fun that will appeal to the whole family, with two decks filled with features and activities, from knot-tying to sea-shanty karaoke, after which you can enjoy a feast fit for a captain at The Orlop Bar & Grill.
Take your mini monsters to Mini Monsterz
Mini Monsterz is a soft play area centre which is perfect for a rainy day. There are plenty of activities for kids to keep them entertained, including lazer tag and a climbing wall.
Take tea in one of the most beautiful gardens in the country
Described as one of the most enchanting area of England, Falling Foss Tea Garden can be found in the grounds of Midge Hall, and is open from April through to September.
Get your adrenaline fix at Larpool Viaduct
Frequently hailed as one of the UK's best bungee jump locations, thrill seekers can meet their match at Whitby's Larpool Viaduct bridge. Standing on top, soak up breath-taking views over the River Esk across to Whitby Abbey before taking the ultimate leap of faith. With an introductory talk, safety briefing and constant guidance from the professional jump crew, it's one of Whitby's greatest adventures.
Things to do in Whitby in winter
While the sandy beaches of the Yorkshire coast come into their own in the summer months, the true beauty of Whitby is best experienced from October to March, which is why many locals favour this time of year. Here are some things to do in Whitby in winter - although there's nothing stopping you enjoying these year-round attractions at any time of year you like!
Take a ghost walk through the town
Join Dr. Crank on a spooky ghost walk, starting from Whale Bone Arch opposite the Royal Hotel on Whitby’s West Cliff. Listen to some of the stories and legends of Whitby, in a tour designed to entertain and educate as much as it is to scare.
Experience the Gothic Weekend
The twice-yearly Whitby Goth Weekend is an alternative music festival celebrated in April and October, over Halloween weekend. Even if you're not into the music, the transformation of the town for the festival is a sight to behold, and it's worth considering planning your visit to Whitby to coincide with one of the weekends, for this reason alone.
Go fossil hunting
Saltwick Bay, near Whitby Abbey, is an excellent spot for fossil hunting, with dinosaur bones amongst the specimens found there. The quieter atmosphere of the town in winter makes this a particularly good time to search the foreshore for relics from the past: just wrap up warm and take a flask of hot coffee to keep you going.
Delve into military history at Eden Camp
A short distance from Whitby itself, Eden Camp is one of the most prominent military museums in the UK, with a collection that focuses primarily on the second world war. An immersive experience which allows you to feel like you've truly stepped back in time, the museum occupies the site of a former prisoner of war camp, and also features a junior assault course and children's play area.
Visit Robin Hood's Bay
Just six miles south of Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay is one of the most picturesque villages in the country, with a sandy beach, winding streets, and a various selection of restaurants and pubs. The perfect place for a winter's still, it's the kind of place you'll want to stop and take a picture on every corner!
Take a trip to Flamingo Land
If you're willing to take a slightly longer trip out of town, the Flamingo Land theme park and zoo is around 40 minutes away, and offers everything from high speed thrill rides to animal encounters.
Places to eat in Whitby
Its popularity as a tourist destination means there's no shortage of dining options in Whitby, ranging from traditional seaside fish and chips to fine dining. As you'd expect from a fishing community, seafood features largely on the menus here, but that's not to your liking, you're sure to find something to suit your palette in the list below.
Harry’s Lounge Bar and Brasserie
Located in the centre of town, Harry's serves a special menu for lunch and evening cuisine, and has a bar serving up a variety of cocktails and other drinks.
Mademoiselles Café Bistro
This elegant cafe offers teas, coffees, and delicious cakes, plus a selection of seafood and vegetarian dishes.
The Blitz Café and Tapas
A 40s themed cafe by day and a tapas at night, The Blitz also serves afternoon tea, plus a selection of cocktails and gins.
Magpie Cafe
A Whitby landmark, Magpie Cafe is famous for its traditional fish and chips, served up in a distinctive, black and white building.
Ditto
This small, family-run restaurant uses local produce to create tasty meals at reasonable prices.
Humble Pie and Mash
Traditional British pie and mash, cooked fresh every day, and served in old tin trays from a medieval building with a long and fascinating history.
Trenchers
Voted the UK's best fish and chip restaurant in 2019,Trenchers serves traditional seafood, from its location on Whitby Harbour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take dogs in Whitby?
Of Whitby's two beaches, Tate Hill allows dogs all year round, while dogs are also welcome on the beach at the nearby Robin Hood's Bay. Your canine companion can also travel on buses in and around town, and there are numerous outdoor attractions (including restaurants with outdoor seating areas) in the town which are dog friendly. The many scenic walks around Whitby, and on the Yorkshire coast in general, make the area popular with dog walkers, who can walk for miles through some of the most spectacular scenery in the UK.
Can you walk up to Whitby Abbey with a stroller?
While Whitby Abbey itself is pushchair friendly, if you want to walk the famous 199 steps which lead to it, you might want to leave the stroller at home: unless, of course, you're very fit, or up for a challenge! It would certainly be possible to carry a stroller up the steps if you wanted to, but for those who'd rather make life easy on themselves, the Abbey can also be accessed by road, with no need to climb!
Is Whitby worth visiting?
Whitby is one of the Yorkshire coast's most popular tourist destinations, and offers a fairly unique mix of history, culture and mythology. The gothic splendour of Whitby Abbey - or what remains of it - contrasts sharply with the traditional seaside vibe of the town itself, and its beaches. Whitby's close proximity to the Yorkshire Dales, and other popular resorts such as Scarborough, also makes it a good base from which to explore the area during a longer stay.
What's Whitby famous for?
Whitby is most famous for two men, although only one of them actually existed. Captain Cook served his apprenticeship in the town, and there are numerous references to his life and adventures in the various museums and attractions there. Dracula, meanwhile, may only have existed in Bram Stoker's imagination, but that imagination was sparked by Stoker's visit to the town, and, in particular to its ruined abbey, which inspired his most famous work of fiction.
