Whitby is one of the prettiest small towns in Yorkshire. Set on the beautiful Yorkshire coast it makes for a memorable day out including a beautiful harbour setting, iconic and historical architecture, amazing food and drink and fascinating cultural attractions. The hub of the small town is easily walkable from the railway station which connects Whitby to major cities such as York as well as the steam locomotives of the North York Moors Railway.
Get the most from a day out in Whitby, one of Yorkshire’s prettiest towns, with my top 6 things to do including boat trips, Whitby Abbey ruins and gin tasting.
This guide to the top 6 things to do to enjoy a memorable day out in Whitby will cover:
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Why Whitby is great for a day out in Yorkshire
Whitby is a picturesque seaside town known for its captivating blend of history, natural scenery, and distinctive attractions. Whitby’s standout feature is the famous Whitby Abbey, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which provides breathtaking views across the town and coastline. The climb up the 199 steps to the abbey is an essential experience, which will reward you with sweeping panoramas of the quaint town and harbour, and a real sense of accomplishment. Whitby is equally renowned for its fresh seafood—especially its iconic fish and chips—served in many welcoming, independent local restaurants. Its charming harbour invites relaxed walks, and boat trips offer a chance to admire the coastline from the water. The Captain Cook Museum delves into the life of the famous explorer who lived in Whitby, while the Whitby Museum highlights the town’s fascinating heritage, including the iconic Whitby jet. With its mix of historic landmarks, delicious food, and stunning landscapes, you’ll find the memories of a visit to Whitby stays with you a long time.
How to get to Whitby
Whitby is easily reached from York by car, train or bus.
From York you can take ‘Britain’s most scenic bus route’, the Coastliner bus to Whitby. This incredible bus route will take you across the North Yorks Moors and takes 2.5-3 hours.
You can also park up or break the bus journey at Pickering and pick up the North York Moors Railway to arrive in Whitby in style.
Where to stay in Whitby
It’s easy to spend a couple of days in Whitby. A visit to Whitby is a highlight in my 6 day best of Yorkshire itinerary and previous visitors have rated the following hotels very highly:
- The Marine Hotel & Restaurant is a centrally located waterfront hotel close to all the sights in Whitby.
- The Resolution Hotel located in an Old Mansion building that dates back to 1776 when it was referred to as the 'Most beautiful building in Whitby'.
- The Endeavour adults-only rooms with river views
- Bagdale Hall traditional and comfortable hotel, close to the railway station
The top 6 things to do in Whitby
- Explore Whitby Abbey, one of the most iconic ruins in the UK. Whitby Abbey stands guard over the small town and is a sight to behold even from afar. A visit allows you to wander amongst the ruins and visit a small museum.
- Learn about Whitby’s seafaring past at the Captain Cook Museum. This well-curated and peaceful museum documents an important period of Whitby’s history.
- Visit the quirky Whitby Museum full of local stories and curiosities that bring Whitby’s history to life.
- Sample some local gin or rum on the Whitby Distillery tour, a family-run distillery that uses coastal inspired ingredients.
- Explore the coast from a different perspective on a boat trip with Whitby Coastal Cruises. There’s a chance of seeing wildlife such as seals and sea birds, particularly on some of the specialist cruises.
- Arrive in style in a steam train from the North York Moors Railway or take a day trip from Whitby to one of the charming local stations.
Recommended guided tour to Whitby
This highly rated full day trip tour from York will transport you through the stunning North York Moors by minibus with a knowledgeable guide. You will take the train on the North York Moors Railway to arrive in Whitby where you will have a couple of hours to explore the quaint harbour town. This gives you plenty of time to indulge in some fish and chips and explore Whitby Abbey, Whitby Museum or the Captain Cook Museum, before your journey back to York.