About Whitby
Discover Whitby: The Perfect British Holiday Destination
Welcome to Whitby, the traditional seaside town on the northeast coast of England. This ancient seaport and fishing town is nestled in the centre of the North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage coast. There are 34 miles of dramatic cliffs, iconic views and rolling countryside that have formed the backdrop to many tv and film productions, such as Harry Potter, Captain Jack, Victoria, Shackleton, Count Dracula and All Creatures Great and Small.
Whitby boasts hilltop monastic abbey ruins, huge sandy beaches and a bustling harbour at the mouth of the River Esk, which winds its way to the sea from the nearby valleys.
Whitby is a Vibrant Town
Whitby is a creative town that’s buzzing with independent shops, wonderful restaurants and a host of live events and markets. From the annual Whitby Regatta or Whitby Folk Week to the world-renowned Goth Weekend and Steampunk Weekend, people visit Whitby to soak up its history, traditions and friendly atmosphere.
Whitby’s Dark and Fascinating History
Whitby Abbey (now part of English Heritage) is well known as being the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Gothic novel Dracula, written in the 1890s. Whilst Stoker’s grim fantasy is remembered through the town’s spine-chilling ghost tours and book shops, the history of Whitby and its monastic Abbey date back 1500 years. Whitby’s commercial industry was built on whaling and fishing, and today its cobbled lanes, atmospheric pubs and centuries-old buildings still evoke a sense of times gone by.
Breathtaking Scenery all Around Whitby
There are few places in the world that combine dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and panoramic sea views as well as Whitby. Some of the UK’s most incredible scenery is just a few steps from the door of a Shoreline Whitby cottage. Take a dog-friendly walk along the scenic coastal paths, or venture inland for woodland valleys and far-reaching moors, chocolate-box villages, and peaceful countryside.
Whitby’s Top Restaurants, Cafes and Independent Shops
Foodies rejoice! Whitby is a haven for culinary delights, particularly seafood. Indulge in freshly caught fish and chips from award-winning cafes, or mouth-watering platters at restaurants overlooking Whitby marina.
Sample homemade fudge or treat yourself to some Whitby jet jewellery, crafted from the black fossilised wood indigenous to the area. Kids will love the amusement arcades near the harbour walls or crabbing on the quayside. Adults will like the local delicacies of Fortune’s Kippers, Whitby Gin or Whitby Brewery’s Abbey Blond ale. For the whole family, we recommend a trip to Botham’s Bakery or Beacon Farm for homemade treats and dairy ice creams.
Whitby is Family-Friendly and Dog-Friendly
Whitby is a fantastic destination for families. Spend a day at the beach building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, unearthing fossils or trying water sports. Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum to learn about the famous explorer’s voyages and discoveries. Walk to the famous Whalebone Arch on Whitby’s West Cliff, take a boat trip along the coast or embark on a fascinating ghost walk to uncover Whitby’s legends.
Dog walkers can take their pick of riverside trails, long stretches of beach (off season), cliff-top walks or moorland scrambles. Many shops, pubs and cafes in Whitby are dog friendly – as are many Shoreline Whitby cottages and apartments so the whole family can tag along.
Whitby is a Warm and Welcoming Town
One of Whitby’s greatest charms is its warm and welcoming community. The friendly Yorkshire folk are always ready to share stories, recommend the best places to visit, and make you feel right at home. Whether you’re exploring the bustling markets, enjoying live music in a pub, or simply wandering along promenade past the colourful Whitby beach huts, you’ll find a sense of belonging that will make your holiday truly memorable.
Easy Access to Surrounding Attractions, Towns and Villages
Whitby’s prime location on the Yorkshire coast offers good access to a host of attractions in the surrounding area. Visit the stunning North York Moors National Park, a vast expanse of heather-clad hills, ancient forests, and villages. Explore the charming coastal towns of Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay or embark on a nostalgic steam train journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. We recommend Sandsend for families and dog-walkers, while Saltburn is great for learning to surf near Whitby. Inland, there are several National Trust properties, formal gardens and wildlife visitor centres just short drive away.
