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About Whitby

Including tips for the best time to visit Whitby

Located on the north coast of Yorkshire, the traditional English seaside town of Whitby is best known for its Gothic abbey ruins, centuries-old fishing industry and for being the setting for Bram Stoker’s classic novel, ‘Dracula’.

Whitby’s maritime heritage is deeply ingrained in the city’s way of life. Captain James Cook came to Whitby aged 18 and led three voyages to the Pacific. The East Cliffs are lined with 18th-century fishermen’s cottages and the smell of Whitby-caught seafood wafts out of the city’s many restaurants and fish and chip shops. A full-size replica of the HM Bark Endeavour is located in Whitby harbour, where you can discover what life was like on board for Captain Cook and his shipmates.

The iconic view of Whitby Abbey ruins perched upon the East Cliff is known all over the world. Founded as a monastery in the mid-7th century, it became a prestigious centre for religious teachings and is a wonderful example of early English Gothic architecture. You can wander around the ruins for a nominal fee and explore a small museum filled with relics found on archaeological digs around the abbey. Just a short walk away is St Mary’s Churchyard that was founded in 1110. Explore the pretty interior before attempting the 199 Steps – a feat that was said to be a test of faith for those who wished to worship in St Mary’s.

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Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency GBP
Language English
Average weekend price £112 per night
Average weekday price £113 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Points of interest in Whitby

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Whitby

Whitby reviews

What other travellers say about Whitby

10

Been going to Whitby for years, always enjoy it.

8 May 2024

Been going to Whitby for years, always enjoy it. There's plenty to do and see, the museum in Pannett Park is well worth a visit, but allow most of the day, it's got everything from dinosaur fossils to matchbox cars. The Abbey is dear for what it is, I went 60 years ago when it was free, I wouldn't pay to go in unless you're really interested in that stuff. However, across from the Abbey is Whitby brewery, so you can have a pint while sitting and looking at the Abbey. Much better option imo. A good place to eat is Trenchers fish restaurant and the Ship Inn is my favourite pub

Peter
Peter United Kingdom
10

A combination of a lot of things, the history, the beach,...

1 May 2024

A combination of a lot of things, the history, the beach, the pubs , the location... these are all good things. Wetherspoons and the little Angel pub are favourites of ours. The negative are, things can be a little bit pricy. Not all the fish and chip shops are good.

Anonymous United Kingdom
10

The whitby goth weekend was great fun, everybody was having...

29 April 2024

The whitby goth weekend was great fun, everybody was having a great time, met some lovely people all out to enjoy themselves. We felt very safe walking about at night. Good pubs and food available for all.

Statham
Statham
10

A last minute trip to Whitby for Goth Weekend.

28 April 2024

A last minute trip to Whitby for Goth Weekend. Absolutely fabulous and our lovely accommodation made it all the more worthwhile. Beautiful fishing town, very friendly locals and lots of quirky shops and great places to eat.

Susan
Susan United Kingdom
10

Whitby was excellent great area to walk from, dining out...

28 April 2024

Whitby was excellent great area to walk from, dining out with great places , from lovely Traditional Fish and Chips to fine dining or just snacks Recommend the following Cosa Nostra great Italian The White House hotel / Restaurant The Hart at Sandsend pub food Sandside cafe lovely snacks nice to walk along beach to here Good walk to Mulgrave wood from Sandsend see castle Open on various days

Keith
Keith United Kingdom
10

We love Whitby and keep coming back.

28 April 2024

We love Whitby and keep coming back. Of course there is the link for Goth and Steampunk weekends, our main reason for revisiting, but the town, sites, people and the Abbey are there all year round - well worth a visit at any time of year. Oh, and don't forget about Dracula...

Steampunk Debs
Steampunk Debs United Kingdom

Popular places to stay in Whitby

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