Summary of Attractions
A quintessential maritime town, Whitby has been sustained for centuries by its fishing, shipbuilding, and whaling industries.
In the 18th century, Britain’s most renowned explorer, Captain James Cook, completed his apprenticeship in the quaint old quarter east of the harbour.
This naturally occurring harbour is situated in a dramatic chasm between cliffs, and because the entrance faces north, it is one of the few locations in England where you can witness both the sunrise and sunset over the sea during the summer months.
Whitby gained international recognition as the setting for the opening of Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula.
Like many, Stoker was enchanted by the intriguing ruins of Whitby Abbey, which loom hauntingly over the harbour’s eastern edge.
Let us delve into the top attractions in Whitby:
1. Whitby Abbey
The ruins of Whitby Abbey provide a captivating presence overlooking the harbour from the East Cliff.
These ruins were referenced in Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1890), even though the monastery had been deserted for 350 years by that time.
Established in the mid-7th century by Oswy, the King of Northumbria, the complex underwent reconstruction during Norman times. The extensive Gothic remains date back a couple of centuries later, with pinnacles, column bases, and window tracery still visible today.
Following the dissolution of the abbey by Henry VIII, it was incorporated into the Cholmley Estate. Presently, at the mansion, visitors can explore the visitor centre featuring artefacts and architectural stonework from various phases of the structure’s history.
Touch-screen displays allow interaction with historical figures, including Bram Stoker and the Saxon founder Lady Hilda.
2. 199 Steps
A must-do in Whitby is climbing the 199 steps that ascend from Church Lane to St Mary’s Church on the East Cliff.
You will be following the same route taken by the creature “resembling a large dog” to reach the abbey in Dracula.
Although the staircase is steep, the views of the old town and harbour improve as you ascend.
The steps are also charming, framed by black painted iron handrails and gaslights.
Once at the top, you will understand why the effort is worthwhile as you take in the vistas of the town, surrounded by the somber, weathered gravestones in St Mary’s churchyard, another inspiration for Dracula.
3. Whitby Harbour
As observed today, Whitby’s picturesque harbour is a result of centuries of human intervention at the mouth of the River Esk.
To the north, visitors can walk to the ends of the East and West Piers, where two lighthouses stand.
These piers retain old mooring posts and capstans, remnants from an era when vessels were manually pulled in and out of the harbour.
Further south lie the long quays along the steep slopes of the East and West Cliffs.
Brick or stone houses tumble down to the water along narrow lanes.
The eastern side is notably charming, particularly along the cobblestone Church Street, which intersects with small stable yards.
Pubs, quaint antique shops, fish and chip shops, and several companies offer excursions to observe whales in the North Sea.
4. Whitby Beach
Commencing just west of the Esk, several miles of sandy beach extend, with the section nearest to the town beneath the West Cliff known as Whitby Beach (or West Cliff Beach). For those deterred by a steep ramp descending the cliff, a Cliff Lift, operational intermittently since 1931, is available. Whitby Beach receives the Blue Flag award annually for its exceptional facilities and cleanliness, with a lifeguard on duty during summer.
The beach has a gentle slope, ensuring that although the sea can be tumultuous, there is typically ample knee-deep water to wade in, provided you can manage the refreshing temperatures.
During summer, the beach comes alive with traditional seaside activities, including donkey rides and snack stalls.
To the east of the harbour lies Tate Hill Beach, while continuing westwards leads you to Upgang and Sandsend.
5. Sandsend Beach
Located across the East Row Beck, Sandsend Beach is smaller yet picturesque, bordered to the west by gentle cliffs.
This beach is enjoyable year-round, whether experiencing the brisk winds of winter or the more temperate weather of summer.
The spectacle of stormy weather is breathtaking, and if you are a fossil enthusiast, visits shortly after a storm provide excellent opportunities for discovery.
Shells, ammonites, and sometimes larger marine specimens often emerge after cliff collapses.
In summer, the Sandsend Beck offers safe, shallow waters for children to enjoy, while a surf school operates during the season for those wishing to ride the beach’s rolling waves.
6. Whitby Museum
Whitby Museum features a diverse array of exhibits related to the town and its natural history.
Visitors can view a gallery containing enormous fossils of marine reptiles discovered in the vicinity, as well as carved pieces of jet, a material initially mined in Whitby by the Romans and later popularized in Victorian fashion.
The collection also includes model ships and artifacts belonging to Captain James Cook and the Scoresbys, Whitby’s leading whaling family.
Among the most intriguing items is a Hand of Glory, reputedly a preserved right hand taken from a criminal at the gallows and used for superstitious purposes in the 18th and 19th centuries.
7. Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Situated on Grape Lane, this 17th-century residence served as the apprenticeship location for the illustrious Captain James Cook, who began his training at age 19 in 1746. Cook returned to this property in the winter of 1771-72 after his First Voyage, which marked the first European encounter with Australia’s eastern coastline.
The museum boasts fascinating correspondence from Cook’s three voyages, alongside model ships, Maori artifacts, authentic charts and maps, as well as sketches and paintings created by the artists who accompanied Cook on his expeditions.
8. St Mary’s Church
Upon reaching the summit of those 199 steps, and before arriving at Whitby Abbey, you will encounter the quaint Church of St Mary.
This building dates back to a Norman church consecrated in the early 12th century.
The tower, choir, and portions of the nave originate from that era, and you can observe three Gothic lancet windows at the transept.
The remaining portions of the church were expanded in the 1700s, with most fittings dating back to the early 19th century; however, there is also an older Jacobean pew from the 1600s.
A monument commemorating local landowner Richard Cholmeley, who passed away in 1631, can also be found here.
9. Pannett Park
The elevated sloping park surrounding the Whitby Museum encourages you to linger in this picturesque area of town.
Pannett Park was awarded the title of “Best Public Park in Yorkshire” in 2014, offering an exceptional view eastward toward Whitby Abbey.
The park features wooded areas, a lily pond, diverse formal flowerbeds, a floral clock, rose gardens, pergolas, and a playground for children.
The Jurassic Garden also showcases a sea creature inspired by the prehistoric exhibits housed in the museum.
Moreover, children can enjoy turtle and mathematics trails while visitors may take a moment to relax with a picnic, enjoying the scenic surroundings.
10. North York Moors Historical Railway
Whitby serves as the northern terminus for this heritage line, which commences in Pickering, situated 20 miles to the south, traversing through the enchanting landscapes of the North York Moors daily from March to November.
The journey to Pickering takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes aboard these steam trains, providing numerous opportunities to disembark at various stops along the route.
Levisham Station remains preserved in a time capsule from 1912, while Goathland featured as Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
In Grosmont, you can explore the line’s engine sheds where the locomotives are stored and serviced.
11. Whitby Swing Bridge
This location has hosted a bridge for centuries, marking the boundary between the upper and lower harbour areas.
It was subjected to a toll after Edward III’s grant in the 14th century and has included moving parts to facilitate harbour traffic since 1629. The initial swing bridge was constructed in 1833; however, due to insufficient clearance, it was replaced with the current bridge in 1909. This bridge is operated manually by an attendant, who listens for approaching vessels on the radio two hours before and after high water.
12. RNLI Lifeboat Museum
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution has maintained a presence in Whitby since 1802, executing numerous daring rescues over the years.
Throughout its 215-year history, a total of 36 RNLI medals for gallantry have been awarded to its volunteer crew members.
The RNLI Lifeboat Museum is housed in a historic double boathouse that was utilized by the institution from 1895 to 1957. Visitors can explore vintage lifeboats and a variety of fascinating memorabilia, including a life preserver from the wreck of the SS Rohilla, a First World War hospital ship that ran aground off Whitby in 1914, alongside medals, antique equipment, model boats, and black-and-white photographs.
13. Robin Hood’s Bay
Situated less than five miles from Whitby, on the route to Scarborough, lies an extraordinarily picturesque coastal village.
The quaint fishing cottages of Robin Hood’s Bay cascade towards the shoreline from the top of a steep cliff.
In the 18th century, this village was notorious as a hub for smugglers, who stealthily brought gin, tea, tobacco, and rum ashore through a network of tunnels believed to still exist beneath the narrow, labyrinthine streets.
Walking to and from the harbour provides an excellent workout, but later you can rejuvenate with a drink or meal by a cozy fire at a traditional inn.
On calm days, families often gather at Robin Hood Bay to explore the tidal pools at low tide.
14. Falling Foss Tea Garden
A 15-minute drive south into the North York Moors leads you to a comforting tea garden situated atop the enchanting Falling Foss Waterfall, which stands ten metres high.
The garden is part of the charming Midge Hall cottage, nestled within ancient woodland.
After wandering through Littlebeck and descending to the foot of the waterfall, you can enjoy a cream tea, a light meal, a slice of homemade cake, or ice cream.
Outdoor benches are available among the trees near fire pits, and the cottage also features a small display of arts and crafts.
15. North York Moors
Caucusing within the North York Moors, a national park home to some of the largest stretches of heather moorland in the UK, Whitby is embraced by landscapes that are romantic, wild, and strikingly atmospheric.
The highest hills, or high moors, elevate above 400 metres, while the valleys (dales) in between host farmland or ancient oak woodlands, which are home to roe and fallow deer.
In addition to endless walking opportunities, such as following Whitby’s river back along the Esk Valley, numerous family-friendly outings are available, from open farms to miniature railways.
Furthermore, visitors can explore the park’s wildlife and geology at the visitor centre located 15 miles west of Whitby in Danby.
