Whitby Hotels

History

Although it started life as a small fishing village, Whitby boomed as a tourist destination during the Georgian period and grew later with the introduction of the railway. One of the most impressive historical buildings in the area is Whitby Abbey, based on the East Cliff headland. The ruined Benedictine abbey is an impressive sight to behold and was one of the main sources of inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Beside the abbey is Cholmley House, which contains a museum and visitor reception to the abbey site.

Also worth visiting is the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, housed in a 17th-century building that was the former residence and training ground of James Cook during his time as an apprentice in the Royal Navy. The museum features a number of informative exhibitions detailing Cook's voyages of discovery through various artefacts and documents. Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery are both great destinations for rainy days. The museum has an eclectic collection of fossils, models of sailing ships and other curiosities. The art gallery, adjacent to the museum, has a fantastic collection of 20th-century British impressionist art.

Victorian Whitby

The rise of tourism during the Victorian period made Whitby a very popular destination. Jet jewellery also grew in popularity during the Victorian period and Whitby Jet, mined in the local area, became a fashionable item to wear throughout British society during the reign of Queen Victoria following the death of Prince Albert. At the end of the 19th century, Whitby grew once more prominent as a result of Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. Stoker found the name of Dracula in Whitby's pubic library and based a large chunk of the novel in the town. This association with Dracula can be explored in the Dracula Experience and the world famous Goth Festival takes place in the town twice a year.

North York Moors National Park

Travel inland from Whitby and you'll find the vast North York Moors National Park. This enormous area of exceptional natural beauty is the perfect location for outdoor activities, from gentle strolls to longer bike rides and horse riding. One of the best starting points for exploring the park is The Moors National Park Centre in nearby Danby. The centre has a selection of engaging exhibitions dedicated to teaching the geological and cultural history of the area. The centre also has a cosy tearoom and an outdoor play area – perfect if you're travelling with kids in tow.

Coast

Whitby is home to several outstanding beaches. Whitby Beach is a great place to spend a sunny day – whether you plan on making sandcastles with the kids or dipping into the sea. Tate Hill Beach is a pleasant beach set within Whitby harbour, Runswick Bay is an east facing sandy beach and Sandsend Ness contains thousands of fossils embedded in the shale banks.

Where to stay to be near the popular attractions

Size-wise, Whitby is a diminutive place, with much of the action clustered around the harbourside. It’s worth knowing that the main beach stretches away to the west for 3 miles, as far as the aptly named and picturesque village of Sandsend. The west bank of the River Esk is home to the iconic Whalebone Arch and the Whitby Museum, plus the famous Magpie Café, a fish and chip shop where you’ll find a constant queue stretching down the road. Just across Whitby Bridge is where you’ll find the Captain Cook Memorial Museum as well as the town’s most iconic sight: the romantically ruined Whitby Abbey.

Where to stay with your family in Whitby

Whitby is a dream location for families. Book a hotel by the harbour and you’ll have the best of all worlds: miles of sandy beach on your doorstep, two atmospheric lighthouses on the horizon, and easy access to all the town’s amenities. Across the river, kids will love running up the famous 199 Steps to reach the atmospheric abbey, while adults are sure to appreciate the sweeping views of the coast that you get as a reward. Lean in to the town’s spooky ambience with the Dracula Experience, a spine-chilling attraction telling the story of Bram Stoker’s creation.

Where to find cheap hotels in Whitby

There are plenty of affordable hotels in Whitby, with guest houses in particular offering excellent value in very central locations. Family-run Broomfield House, situated right by leafy Pannett Park, offers individually decorated rooms from just £75 a night. Alternatively, bag one of the four en-suite guestrooms at the Black Horse Inn, a tiny and traditional pub that’s big on character. The rooms range from a single to a triple, all for under £100 a night. If modern, trendy hotels are more your thing, try LilyRose Hotel, which offers spacious, comfortable rooms with striking statement wallpaper, also for under £100 a night.

The 5 must-sees of Whitby

• The 199 Steps: A flight of stairs leading to St Mary’s Church – the views from the top are worth the exertion!

• Whitby Abbey: Atmospheric ruins of a former Benedictine monastery that provided the inspiration for a key setting in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

• Whitby (West Cliff) Beach: A vast expanse of golden sand that stretches for several miles, with colourful beach huts, a children’s paddling pool and donkey rides.

• Captain Cook Memorial Museum: A museum commemorating the life of Cook, a Yorkshire native who lodged in Whitby as an apprentice.

• The Magpie Café: Ever-popular fish and chip restaurant – the queue is well worth the wait.

Party and nightlife in Whitby

Party and nightlife in Whitby present a varied tapestry for visitors looking to explore after dark. Whitby may not have the vast array of nightclubs found in larger cities, but it offers a unique blend of traditional pubs, cocktail bars, and live music venues that capture the town's historical and coastal charm.

Night Clubs

Whitby's nightlife scene includes a few nightclubs for those looking to dance the night away. Raw Nightclub stands out as Whitby's premier venue for late-night entertainment, hosting a range of events from Clubland Classix to performances by top DJs. It's known for its classy vibe and a wide selection of drinks.

Concert Halls

While specific concert halls weren't highlighted, many pubs and venues in Whitby host live music, offering an intimate setting to enjoy performances. The Whitby Pavilion, for instance, serves as a multi-purpose venue for live shows, films, and theatre productions, adding a touch of Victorian charm to your evening entertainment.

Secret Party Spots

For a unique night out, Whitby's historical and gothic ambience provides the perfect backdrop. Exploring the ancient Whitby Abbey and the 199 Steps at night offers a mystical experience, potentially serving as an unconventional yet memorable party spot.

Best Neighbourhoods for Going Out

The harbourside area, including venues like The Moon and Sixpence and Harry’s Bar, is ideal for starting your night with relaxed drinks or tapas with a view. The traditional pubs near the pier, such as The Jolly Sailors and The Pier Inn, offer a taste of local life and are great for enjoying a pint with the locals.

Whitby's nightlife may be more laid-back than what you'd find in a city, but its charm lies in the unique settings and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of its venues. Whether you're in the mood for a quiet evening with a pint and live music or a night exploring the town's gothic legends and enjoying sea views, Whitby offers memorable experiences for every kind of night owl.

Going shopping in Whitby

Whitby is a treasure trove for shoppers, offering a unique blend of traditional, quirky, and artisanal stores set against the backdrop of this historic port town.

• Trendy Shopping Area: The heart of Whitby's shopping scene can be found in its quaint and cobbled streets, such as Church Street and Skinner Street. Here, you'll discover a variety of shops offering Whitby Jet Jewellery, a local speciality, alongside contemporary glass studios and traditional bookshops like Holmans Bookshop & Stationers.

• Cheap Shopping Area: For more budget-friendly shopping, explore the areas around the Whitby Market Square and the streets leading off it. You're likely to find more affordable souvenirs, gifts, and everyday items in these bustling spots.

• Craft Shops: Whitby is renowned for its local craft shops. Artisan stores like the Ebor Jetworks, specialising in Whitby Jet, and Justin Chocolatier, known for its exquisite handmade chocolates, are perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.

Markets in Whitby

• Traditional Markets: The Whitby Market Square is a focal point for traditional market shopping, offering everything from handcrafted jewellery to clothing and bakery goods. It hosts a weekly Farmers Market from April to October.

• Local Weekly Farmers Markets: Alongside the main market square, local weekly farmers markets can be found in the rural towns and villages surrounding Whitby, ideal for picking up fresh local produce and artisan goods.

• Trendy Markets: While Whitby doesn't have "trendy" markets in the urban sense, its traditional markets offer a range of trendy and vintage items, especially those related to the gothic culture, thanks to shops like Pandemonium, Whitby's original goth shop.

• Flea Markets: For flea market enthusiasts, the local area around Whitby often hosts various car boot sales and flea markets, particularly during the summer months, where you can hunt for bargains and vintage finds.

Where to Buy Holiday Souvenirs

For holiday souvenirs, Church Street and the surrounding lanes are your best bet. Shops like the Whitby Jet Store offer beautifully crafted jet jewellery, while the Whitby Catch offers fresh local seafood that can make for a unique takeaway gift.

Shopping Malls

While Whitby doesn't have large shopping malls in the conventional sense, it makes up for this with its charming independent stores and markets that offer a shopping experience you won't find elsewhere. For a wider selection of brands and more extensive shopping needs, visitors might need to travel to nearby larger towns or cities.

Whitby's shopping experience is as unique and varied as the town itself, providing everything from local crafts and specialty foods to fashion and antiques, all set within the picturesque landscape of the Yorkshire coast.

Spa hotels

Tucked away in wooded grounds that feel utterly secluded but are just a 5-minute drive from the town centre, Raithwaite Sandsend is a haven of tranquillity. The hotel has a heated indoor pool, steam room and sauna, plus treatments from facials to full body massages – you can even book in-room treatments for the ultimate in indulgence.

Exceptional hotels

Bagdale Hall stands out from the crowd when it comes to Whitby hotels. An old Tudor manor house dating back to 1516, it features four-poster beds, wooden beams and mullioned windows, but with all the necessary mod cons to guarantee a comfortable stay. The hotel also serves up an appetising breakfast in its impressive dining room.

Luxury hotels

If you’re after a sprinkling of luxury on your Whitby holiday, book a suite at the Resolution Hotel. The Admiral Suite is particularly impressive, with a huge four-poster bed and in-room whirlpool, plus an en-suite bathroom with marble tiling and a walk-in shower. The hotel also boasts a stylish restaurant, The Vault, with a range of tasty dishes including excellent seafood.