Best Attractions in Whitby
Planning a trip to Whitby? Discover the best attractions in Whitby with history, expert tips, and routes. Free on web or the Evendo app.
The best attractions in Whitby
- Top rated
- Closest to the centre
- Price level: low to high
- Time to spend: shortest first
- A–Z
34 attractions
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Beach4.7★6,702 reviews
Whitby Beach
Whitby Beach, located on the North Yorkshire coast, is a broad sandy beach stretching for two miles along the picturesque West Cliff. Known for its colorful beach huts, family-friendly amenities, and stunning views of Whitby Abbey perched on the cliffs, it offers a peaceful retreat just minutes from the town center. Visitors enjoy paddling pools, donkey rides, and rock pools, making it ideal for all ages and interests.
Price level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Scenic point4.7★4,027 reviews
199 Steps
The 199 Steps in Whitby, North Yorkshire, are a historic stone staircase connecting the Old Town to St Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey. Dating back to at least the 14th century, these steps were once wooden and served as a test of Christian faith and a route for funeral processions. Famous for their connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula, they offer visitors a climb steeped in history, spirituality, and stunning views over Whitby.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
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Historical place4.7★2,583 reviews
North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast
The North Yorkshire and Cleveland Heritage Coast stretches along England’s northeastern shoreline, where towering cliffs meet fossil-rich beaches and charming fishing villages. This protected natural area offers dramatic landscapes, historic sites, and a variety of outdoor activities such as coastal walks, rock pooling, and wildlife watching. Visitors can explore picturesque villages like Robin Hood's Bay and Staithes, enjoy sweeping sea views, and discover the rich maritime heritage embedded in this rugged coastline.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 2–6 hrs
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Tourist attraction4.6★2,600 reviews
Whalebone Arch
The Whalebone Arch in Whitby is a striking landmark erected in 1853 to commemorate the town's historic whaling industry. Standing on the West Cliff near the Captain Cook statue, the arch is made from the jawbones of bowhead whales and offers panoramic views of Whitby Harbour, the North Sea, and the iconic Whitby Abbey. This evocative monument symbolizes the perilous whaling heritage that shaped Whitby's maritime prosperity in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–1.5 hrs
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Park and Garden4.6★1,861 reviews
Pannett Park
Nestled in the heart of Whitby, Pannett Park is a beautifully maintained historic ornamental garden offering themed gardens, a sunken pond, a children's playground, and panoramic views of Whitby Abbey. The park also houses the Pannett Art Gallery and Whitby Museum, showcasing local art and heritage. This tranquil green space invites visitors to enjoy peaceful strolls, wildlife encounters, and cultural exhibitions in a family-friendly setting.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Museum4.6★978 reviews
Whitby Museum
Nestled in Pannett Park, Whitby Museum offers a captivating journey through the town's rich maritime heritage, geological wonders, and local history. Housed in a charming Victorian building, the museum showcases extensive fossil collections, intriguing maritime artifacts, and unique curiosities like the famed Hand of Glory. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it preserves an Edwardian atmosphere that invites exploration of Whitby's past from the Jurassic era to modern times.
Tue–Sun 10:00–16:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
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Ice cream4.8★777 reviews
Beacon Farm Ice Cream, Campsite & Tearooms
Beacon Farm Ice Cream, Campsite & Tearooms is a family-run destination nestled in the Yorkshire countryside near Whitby. Known for its homemade dairy ice cream crafted on-site with fresh local milk and cream, it offers a charming tearoom set in a converted barn serving light snacks, full English breakfasts, and sweet treats. Visitors can also enjoy camping under the stars on the farm’s grounds, making it a perfect blend of rural relaxation and indulgence.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
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Pub4.6★772 reviews
Arch & Abbey
Arch & Abbey is a cozy micropub and café located on Skinner Street in Whitby, offering a carefully curated selection of real ales, craft beers, ciders, and a wide range of Yorkshire gins and spirits. Known for its relaxed and welcoming atmosphere without music or TVs, it also serves tea, coffee, and homemade cakes, making it a perfect spot for locals and visitors seeking a friendly, unpretentious drinking experience in a historic coastal town.
Daily 12:00–22:30Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Museum4.5★627 reviews
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
The Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby is dedicated to the life and voyages of Captain James Cook, one of history’s most famous explorers. Housed in the 17th-century house where Cook once lived as an apprentice, the museum offers fascinating exhibitions on maritime history, navigation, and the challenges of sea exploration. Its 2025 special exhibition explores health at sea and in space, linking historical maritime medicine with modern space travel.
Daily 9:45–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2 hrs
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Cottage rental4.5★528 reviews
Whitby Beach Huts
Whitby Beach Huts, situated along Cleveland Way in Whitby, England, are a beloved seaside attraction known for their vibrant colors and classic British charm. These quaint huts line the shore, offering a nostalgic glimpse into coastal life and serving as picturesque backdrops for visitors exploring the historic town and nearby Whitby Abbey. They embody the spirit of Whitby’s maritime heritage and provide a unique, photogenic experience for travelers.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Dracula Experience Ltd
The Dracula Experience in Whitby is a unique indoor attraction that immerses visitors in the eerie story of Bram Stoker's Dracula and its connection to the coastal town. Featuring animated scenes, special effects, mannequins, and live actors during peak times, it offers a spine-chilling yet educational journey through the vampire legend set against Whitby's historic backdrop.
Daily 11:00–17:00Price level $Time to spend 0.5–1 hr
RNLI Whitby Museum
Situated in Whitby, the RNLI Whitby Lifeboat Museum preserves the heroic maritime history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Housed in a former lifeboat station, the museum showcases lifeboats, paintings, medals, and memorabilia that tell the story of local sea rescues. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, it offers free entry and insightful displays that engage visitors of all ages.
Tue 11:00–16:00 · Wed–Sun 10:00–16:00Time to spend 1–2 hrs
The Whitby Endeavour
The Whitby Endeavour, located at Endeavour Wharf on Campion Dock, is a unique blend of a vibrant tourist attraction, bar, and restaurant in Whitby. It offers visitors a rich maritime atmosphere with lovely views of the harbour, combining an engaging museum experience with excellent food and drink options. Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM, it invites guests to explore local heritage while enjoying a welcoming, lively setting.
Daily 9:00–21:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
The Cinder Track
The Cinder Track is a historic walking and cycling trail following the former Whitby to Scarborough railway line. Stretching through North Yorkshire’s dramatic coastline, it offers scenic views, Victorian-era bridges, and access to charming villages like Robin Hood’s Bay. The mostly flat route features mixed surfaces, with some muddy or rough patches, especially in wet weather, making it a rewarding adventure for walkers and cyclists seeking coastal beauty and heritage.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 2–6 hrs
Whitby Coastal Cruises Ltd
Whitby Coastal Cruises operates the iconic Yellow Boats from Brewery Steps in Whitby Harbour, offering daily sea trips, wildlife cruises, sunset experiences, and fishing expeditions along the dramatic Yorkshire coastline. With over 20 years of operation, the company provides affordable access to Whitby's rich maritime heritage, featuring knowledgeable skippers, comfortable vessels with onboard facilities, and opportunities to spot seals, otters, seabirds, and coastal wildlife. Perfect for families, photographers, and anyone seeking authentic seaside adventure.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–3 hrs
Whitby Antiques & Collectables Emporium
Located in the heart of Whitby on Flowergate, the Whitby Antiques & Collectables Emporium offers a rich trove of antiques and collectibles across two floors. This charming emporium features a variety of dealers, each with unique items ranging from vintage furniture to rare curiosities, making it a must-visit for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Open daily from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM, it combines a bustling atmosphere with a welcoming, knowledgeable staff.
Daily 10:30–16:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Larpool Viaduct
Larpool Viaduct, a Grade II listed 13-arch brick structure completed in 1884, spans 915 feet and rises 120 feet above the River Esk near Whitby. Originally a railway viaduct, it now serves as a popular traffic-free walking and cycling route on the Scarborough to Whitby Rail Trail. Known for its dramatic height and historic significance, it offers stunning views of the Esk Valley and is England’s only legal bridge bungee jump site.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 0.5–3 hrs
Crocodile
Crocodile is a cozy tapas bar located at 33 Flowergate, Whitby, offering a carefully curated menu of innovative tapas beyond traditional Spanish fare. With just 20 covers, it provides an intimate dining experience featuring fresh, flavorful dishes paired with fine wines and creative cocktails. Open evenings from 5 PM to 10 PM, it is a perfect spot to unwind after exploring Whitby's scenic coast.
Wed–Sun 17:00–22:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–2.5 hrs
Whitby Marine Discovery Centre & Whitby Lobster Hatchery
Located on Pier Road in Whitby, the Whitby Marine Discovery Centre & Lobster Hatchery offers an engaging experience with over 30 species of native marine life across five tanks. This educational aquarium supports lobster conservation and provides interactive exhibits that highlight the rich marine biodiversity of the UK. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it is a family-friendly attraction ideal for a short visit.
Price level $$Time to spend 0.5–1 hr
Captain Cook Memorial
The Captain Cook Memorial Museum in Whitby is housed in the 17th-century building where the young James Cook apprenticed under Captain John Walker. This museum celebrates Cook’s extraordinary voyages of exploration, featuring original artifacts, paintings, ship models, and documents that illuminate his life and legacy. It offers engaging exhibitions, including the 2025 special exhibit on maritime health challenges, connecting 18th-century naval medicine with modern space exploration.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $$Time to spend 1.5–2 hrs
Whitby Whale Watching
Set off from historic Whitby harbour on a dedicated whale watching cruise along the Yorkshire coast. These seasonal boat trips head into the North Sea in search of minke, humpback, and other whales, plus dolphins, porpoises, seals, and seabirds. Led by experienced local skippers, the tours combine wildlife spotting with coastal scenery and marine conservation, offering a unique chance to see large marine mammals from England’s northeast coast.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–4 hrs
Whitby Cliff Lift
The Whitby Cliff Lift is a historic funicular railway located on North Terrace in Whitby, England. It provides a scenic and convenient connection between the town and the East Cliff, offering spectacular views of the harbor and coastline. The lift is wheelchair accessible during the summer season via a free minibus service, making it an inclusive attraction for all visitors. With a rich heritage and panoramic vistas, it remains a charming feature of Whitby's coastal landscape.
Price level $Time to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Black Pearl Boat Trips
Black Pearl Boat Trips offers an engaging pirate-themed boat excursion in Whitby, delivering great value and lively entertainment. This family-friendly attraction features friendly staff, interactive experiences, and scenic views of Whitby’s coastline, making it a memorable outing for visitors of all ages. The trip typically lasts around 20 minutes, providing a fun and accessible way to experience the sea and local maritime heritage.
Price level $Time to spend 18–30 min
Red Hat Ghost Walk
The Red Hat Ghost Walk in Whitby offers a unique, wheelchair-accessible guided tour through the town’s mysterious past, led by local storyteller Gill Locker. This lighthearted, engaging walk features rhymed tales of ghosts, witches, and folklore, revealing hidden corners of Whitby beyond the usual tourist paths. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, it blends history, myth, and entertainment with a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–1.5 hrs
War Memorial
The Whitby War Memorial, located on Langborne Road in Whitby, UK, is a solemn and evocative site dedicated to honoring those who sacrificed their lives in various conflicts. Established through public donations in 2013, this memorial features locally quarried sandstone and a unique inset of Masi quartzite, symbolizing the town’s deep respect for its fallen heroes. It stands as a poignant reminder of Whitby’s historical connection to war and community resilience.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.2–1 hr
The Haggerlythe
The Haggerlythe is a historic area nestled beneath Whitby’s East Cliff, known for its dramatic coastal views, rich heritage, and geological significance. Once home to monastic buildings, workshops, and a chapel, it is now a tranquil spot offering sweeping panoramas over Whitby Harbour and the North Sea. The area’s cliff instability and history of landslides add a unique natural dimension to its cultural and scenic appeal.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
North Yorkshire Moors Railway - (Whitby,Station)
Whitby Station serves as the southern terminus of the historic North Yorkshire Moors Railway, offering a unique blend of heritage steam train travel and modern rail services. Located in the heart of Whitby, this station connects visitors to the scenic North York Moors National Park and the charming coastal town, providing access to vintage locomotives, picturesque landscapes, and rich local folklore.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Sandsend
A charming seaside village on the North Yorkshire coast, Sandsend offers golden sands, a picturesque harbor, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere. Nestled between Whitby and the North York Moors, it’s ideal for beach walks, crabbing, and exploring coastal paths. The village has a handful of cafes, pubs, and traditional cottages, with easy access to the Cleveland Way and dramatic cliff scenery. It’s a peaceful retreat for families, walkers, and anyone seeking classic British seaside charm.
Open 24 hoursPrice level $Time to spend 1–4 hrs
Esk Valley Railway Development Company
The Esk Valley Railway Development Company (EVRDC) supports and promotes the Esk Valley Line, a scenic 35-mile railway connecting Middlesbrough and Whitby through the North York Moors. This community rail line serves 17 stations, linking rural villages and offering an environmentally friendly travel option. EVRDC advocates for improved services and infrastructure, enhancing accessibility and experience for both locals and visitors.
Daily 7:00–22:00Price level $Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Abbey House Visitor Centre, Museum & Tea Room
Nestled on the dramatic East Cliff of Whitby, the Abbey House Visitor Centre offers an immersive introduction to the iconic Whitby Abbey ruins. This engaging museum and tea room showcase centuries of local history, from the abbey’s 7th-century origins to its literary connections with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, enjoy refreshments, and shop for unique souvenirs, all while taking in stunning coastal views.
Daily 10:00–17:00Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
Whitby Crabbing Corner
Whitby Crabbing Corner is a beloved family-friendly spot in Whitby, England, known for its charming coastal views and the simple joy of crabbing. Located near the iconic swing bridge, this area offers a designated harbour fishing zone where visitors of all ages can try their hand at catching red harbour crabs using traditional hand-held lines. The experience is enhanced by the scenic harbour setting, making it a perfect activity for both locals and tourists seeking a relaxing and engaging seaside pastime.
Open 24 hoursTime to spend 0.5–2 hrs
Saint Niklaus Krampus Run Whitby
The Saint Niklaus Krampus Run in Whitby is a unique and thrilling annual event held in early December, celebrating the dark European folklore of Krampus. This lively festival features colorful parades, live music, and theatrical performances where Saint Niklaus rewards the well-behaved while Krampus playfully punishes the naughty. Set in the historic coastal town of Whitby, the event blends festive cheer with eerie tradition for an unforgettable winter experience.
Price level $$Time to spend 2–5 hrs
Whitby Wishing Chair
The Whitby Wishing Chair is a small, ancient stone seat located on Castle Road in Whitby, England. Originally the base of a medieval mile cross marking the approach to Whitby Abbey, it has become a charming local landmark steeped in folklore. Legend holds that sitting in the chair, closing your eyes, and making a wish can grant your desire. Its weathered stone and quaint setting offer a unique glimpse into Whitby’s medieval past and enduring community stories.
Time to spend 15–30 min
Whitby's Bumper Boats & Go Karts
Whitby's Bumper Boats & Go Karts offers a lively seaside amusement experience on the West Cliff, featuring thrilling go-kart racing and splashy bumper boat rides. Perfect for families and groups, this attraction combines classic outdoor fun with scenic views of Whitby’s coastline. It’s a vibrant spot to enjoy competitive races, water battles, and fresh sea air in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Price level $$Time to spend 1–3 hrs
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