Whitby Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Whitby
Whitby
Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach showing a coastal town and street scenes as well as a large group of people
Whitby showing 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 recognized 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 kilometers) 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.

Royal Whitby
Royal Whitby
3 out of 5
West Cliff, Whitby, England
The price is NZ$156 per night from 15 June to 16 June
NZ$156
15 June - 16 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (939 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel great breakfast not sure why we were booked a Disabled room though"

Reviewed on 9 Jun. 2025

Royal Whitby
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 NZ$192 per night from 15 June to 16 June
NZ$192
15 June - 16 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (702 reviews)
"Pleasant hotel in a good location . Only 20 min stroll to the town centre. Breakfast was very nice and excellent value . Room was clean with comfortable bed & good shower . Staff were very friendly and always keen to help if asked ."

Reviewed on 3 Jun. 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 NZ$314 per night from 29 June to 30 June
NZ$314
29 June - 30 June
includes taxes & fees
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! (359 reviews)
"Delightful stay at this stunning country hotel! Fabulous staff, yummy breakfast, lovely rooms."

Reviewed on 2 Jun. 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 Whitby Abbey and Whitby Harbour 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
Rainbow Cottage - A home from home in the heart of Whitby
Rainbow Cottage - A home from home in the heart of Whitby
Whitby
Stay at this cottage in Whitby. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Whitby Abbey are located ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (119 reviews)
Pretty perfect
"Centrally located in Whitby property have everything and more to make this a great place to stay. Added bonus was the parking permit as parking is a nightmare."

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Rainbow Cottage - A home from home in the heart of Whitby
Dale View Cottages
Dale View Cottages
3 out of 5
Hawsker Ln, Long Lease Farm, Whitby, England
Stay at this 3-star cottage in Whitby. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Whitby Abbey are located nearby.
Birthday treat
"Lovely cottage every thing you would need nice position just off main road hare and hounds pub ten minutes walk lovely food and real ale"

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

Dale View Cottages
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

Activities

Reviews of Whitby

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
5 - Excellent 73%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 18%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Gorgeous place!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Totally loved it! Wish we had time to stay a bit longer. 2 days isn’t enough.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very crowded and a bit garish for our taste.

Cities near Whitby