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$187 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$187
10 Aug - 11 Aug
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Was not aware of comprehensive building works and scaffolding around building. Parking was on street and payable as builders using hotel car park. Hot water in sink tap but not so hot in bathtap and plug in bath leaked. Otherwise quite good. Excellent sea view."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 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$243 per night from 12 Aug to 13 Aug
NZ$243
12 Aug - 13 Aug
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! (732 reviews)
"Staff were very ,friendly rooms were nice and clean as was the bedding, however we had twin beds which were a bit small and the mattress was very bouncy but over all we had a good time"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 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$335 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$335
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (367 reviews)
Fabulous Hotel !
"I recently stayed for a night and had a wonderful experience. The room was spacious, spotlessly clean, and had such great character—especially loved the mezzanine bedroom. The service was spot on, with friendly staff greeting us warmly and checking in during our meals. Food and drink were fantastic ..."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 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.
Beautiful Cosy Cottage On The Cliff Top With Stunning Sea Views

Beautiful Cosy Cottage On The Cliff Top With Stunning Sea Views

Whitby
Stay at this cottage in Whitby. Enjoy a garden, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Whitby Beach are located nearby.
9.8/10 Exceptional! (272 reviews)
Wildgoose Cottage. Paradise in a bottle.
"On our short trips in England and Wales, we again decided to travel to Whitby, to the paradise in a bottle. The weather was 30degs, constant, the sun was strong and shining on us, the sound of rushing tide coming in and out, clearly this was heaven!We had a short walk to Whitby to mingle with the ..."

Reviewed on 11 Jul. 2025

Beautiful Cosy Cottage On The Cliff Top With Stunning Sea Views
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 Beach are located nearby.
8.6/10 Excellent! (4 reviews)
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
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.
7.8/10 Good! (14 reviews)
"Very close to Whitby swing bridge so handy for attractions, restaurants, coop 3 minute walk if want self catering. Newly renovated, very clean, lovely views."

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Whitby Bridge Luxury Apartments
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.

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