Whitby Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Whitby
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 Abbey, 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 Museum 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 London, 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.

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$135 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
NZ$135
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star inn in Whitby. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (461 reviews)
Great hotel, with great staff
"This Marston’s hotel was perfect for our needs on our 2 night first visit to Whitby. The location was a little far out of centre ( 15 min walk, down hill ! Taxi back £7 ! But staff service food quality was very good, great breakfast, much better than an equivalent hotel of that style and price range. ..."

Reviewed on 25 Mar. 2024

Penny Hedge, Whitby by Marston's Inns
The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel
3 out of 5
West Cliff, Whitby, England
The price is NZ$154 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
NZ$154
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Whitby. Enjoy onsite parking, a 24-hour front desk, and a terrace. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (377 reviews)
"Tired hotel, but elegant, super friendly staff"

Reviewed on 22 Mar. 2024

The Royal Hotel
The Stables Whitby
The Stables Whitby
4 out of 5
Cross Butts Stable Restaurant, Guisborough Road, Whitby, England
The price is NZ$187 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
NZ$187
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star inn in Whitby. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Whitby Abbey are located nearby. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (246 reviews)
"only problem was getting into town without driving during the period before easter as the bus link is not operating . otherwise its a great place . The staff were very good and couldn't do enough. Room was perfect no complaints."

Reviewed on 18 Mar. 2024

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 onsite parking, a garden, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Whitby Lighthouse and Whitby Harbour are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (214 reviews)
Fantastic cottage - ideal location for walking
"Stayed last October and we’ve already rebooked for March 2024. The property is superb, in a beautiful location for a relaxing getaway. For colder months there’s a lovely log burner and the heating system keeps you warm whatever the weather. Our first stay was at a time when there were 50-70mph winds ..."

Reviewed on 6 Mar. 2024

Beautiful Cosy Cottage On The Cliff Top With Stunning Sea Views
The County Boutique Apartment
The County Boutique Apartment
Whitby
Stay at this family-friendly apartment in Whitby. Enjoy WiFi, onsite parking, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Pannett Park ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
Lovely Apartment
"A great apartment within walking distance to the town centre. Well equipped and beautifully decorated. We really enjoyed our stay (in fact this was our second visit)."

Reviewed on 5 Dec. 2023

The County Boutique Apartment
A luxury country cottage by the sea, 5 ensuite bedrooms, walkable to the harbour
A luxury country cottage by the sea, 5 ensuite bedrooms, walkable to the harbour
Whitby
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Whitby. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Whitby Harbour and Pannett Park are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (63 reviews)
Beautiful house
"Loved it, gorgeous furnishings very well equipped Annex was ideal, great showers, shaving mirrors needed in bathrooms on upper floor was mentioned. Grounds were idyllic, we could not fault it."

Reviewed on 18 Sep. 2023

A luxury country cottage by the sea, 5 ensuite bedrooms, walkable to the harbour
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

Reviews of Whitby

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
8
" "5 - Excellent 72.72727272727273%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 18.181818181818183%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 9.090909090909092%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
30 Sep 2019

Gorgeous place!!!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 May 2019

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
18 May 2019

Very crowded and a bit garish for our taste.

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