There are loads of things to do, see and eat in Whitby – it’s well worth the visit.
Whitby’s a charming coastal town with a rich history, scenic views and lots of great food. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or enjoying fish and chips on the beach, you’ll never be short of fun things to do in Whitby. Here are our top picks for a great day out – all personally visited by our team.
Heading further along the Yorkshire coast? Check out our guides to things to do in Scarborough and the best beaches in Yorkshire.
Quick picks: Best things to do in Whitby
Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey is one of the most iconic attractions in Yorkshire. Its striking ruins stand on a clifftop overlooking the North Sea, visible for miles around and best approached on a moody grey morning when the drama really hits. The monastery was first established on this site in 657AD, though the haunting Gothic ruins we see today date predominantly from the 13th century.
The abbey is perhaps best known for inspiring Bram Stoker’s Dracula – and once you’ve stood among the ruins at dusk, you’ll understand exactly why. Head inside the visitor centre to the museum – seeing a rare signed copy of Stoker’s novel gave us a genuine thrill.
Where: Whitby Abbey, Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT.
How much: £13.60 for adults, £6.80 for children aged 5-17 – English Heritage members enter free. Family tickets are available. Tickets bought on the day are more expensive.
Best for: History lovers and anyone who wants the most dramatic view in Whitby.
Whitby Brewery
Credit: Whitby Brewery
Just a stone’s throw from Whitby Abbey is where you’ll find Whitby Brewery. Since 2013 they’ve been purveyors of all things craft beer, with a great taproom where you can sample their wares. They use only the finest wheat, hops and barley, brewing up delicious names like Whitby Whaler and Abbey Blonde. We love to visit in summer when you can sit outside in the courtyard and enjoy a stone-baked pizza – it’s one of those spots that makes you want to stay far longer than planned.
Where: Whitby Brewery, East Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JR.
How much: Beers from £5 a pint. Pizzas from £10.
Best for: Craft beer lovers – and the courtyard on a sunny day is hard to beat.
Whitby Coastal Cruises
Ahoy there – if you’re looking for a different perspective on Whitby, Whitby Coastal Cruises is the answer. They offer a variety of trips, from 20-minute journeys towards Sandsend to longer coastal voyages where you can spot seal colonies and rare seabirds. If you happen to be there in the evening, you’re in luck – the sunset from the water is something else entirely, one of our favourite Whitby moments.
Where: Whitby Coastal Cruises, 16 Westcliff Avenue, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3JB.
How much: From £5 for a 20-minute trip. Under-5s go free on sea trips. Family tickets available.
Best for: Families and anyone who wants to see Whitby from the sea.
Trillo’s of Whitby
It isn’t a proper trip to Whitby if you’re not armed with a delicious ice cream – just mind the seagulls, who have absolutely no respect for personal space. Trillo’s is all about the more unusual flavours. Sure, they’ve got your strawberry and chocolate, but they sit alongside blackcurrant and liquorice – our personal favourite – and rhubarb crumble. Vegan? No problem – the selection of fruity sorbets is sure to please your palate.
Trillo’s of Whitby, Spring Hill, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1EB.
Where: Trillo’s of Whitby, Spring Hill, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1EB.
How much: Prices vary.
Best for: Anyone with a sweet tooth – an essential Whitby stop whatever the weather.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
History buff wondering what to do in Whitby? Look no further than the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. The 17th-century house on the harbour is where the great British explorer James Cook served his apprenticeship, before spending years navigating the unknown waters of the Pacific, South Atlantic and Arctic. Inside, you can explore exhibits showcasing his life and voyages, from original letters to paintings and drawings – it’s more absorbing than you might expect. Combine a visit here with a quick drink in The Green Dragon across the way – a charming micropub with a bottle shop that always sees us leaving with a bulging carrier bag of brews.
Where: Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Grape Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4BA.
How much: Adult tickets £11. Accompanied children up to age 16 free.
Best for: History lovers and curious visitors who want more than just the harbour.
199 Steps
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The 199 Steps are one of Whitby’s most iconic landmarks – and yes, someone has counted. The first time we ascended the steps, we thought they’d miscounted – it felt more like 1,999. The steps climb from the old town up to St Mary’s Church, rewarding the effort with sweeping views over the harbour and rooftops below. The first record of the steps dates to 1340, and they were historically believed to test the faith of those making the pilgrimage to the church at the top. Whether or not you’re feeling devout, the view at the summit is worth every one of them.
Where: 199 Steps, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4DE.
How much: Free.
Best for: The best free view in Whitby – and a decent leg workout.
Saltmoore
Credit: Saltmoore
If you’d like to inject a little R&R into your Whitby stay, Saltmoore is the place for you. Set just outside of Whitby in a secluded and peaceful spot, this stylish country house combines two hotels with a spa, multiple dining options and an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna and steam room. It’s the perfect place to return to after a jam-packed day on the coast.
Where: Saltmoore, Sandsend Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3ST.
How much: Rooms from £350. Spa packages from £70. Brasserie starters from £14, mains from £22.
Best for: Those making a weekend of it who want to add a touch of luxury.
Museum of Victorian Science
Whitby’s Museum of Victorian Science offers an experience like no other – though it’s worth noting it sits around 12 miles from Whitby town centre in the village of Glaisdale, so factor in a short drive. Tucked away in the home of former physician technician Tony Swift, you’ll be taken on a two-hour journey through 19th-century science, examining everything from original telegraph systems to early X-ray tubes. Live demonstrations bring it all to life, and pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Where: Museum of Victorian Science, Woodberry, Glaisdale, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 2QL.
How much: Prices vary. You have to book via phone, and it’s for over-16s only.
Best for: Curious visitors who want something genuinely off the beaten track – well worth the short drive.
Magpie Cafe
If you see a queue snaking around the block in Whitby, follow it – you’ll almost certainly end up at Magpie Cafe. We’ve joined that queue more than once and never regretted it. This much-loved eatery cooks up some of Yorkshire’s finest fish and chips, turning great-quality ingredients into generous portions. Expect all the classics – haddock, Whitby scampi, Whitby dressed crab – alongside fluffy chips, mushy peas and gravy. It’s the definitive Whitby meal. The takeaway option is good, but we’ve fallen victim to the seagulls one time too many – get yourself a table inside and the menu becomes much more extensive.
Where: Magpie Cafe, 14 Pier Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PU.
How much: Takeaway fish and chips £12.95. Cafe prices are more expensive – check online for current menus.
Best for: The definitive Whitby fish and chips – budget time for the queue, it’s worth it.
Magpie Cafe, 14 Pier Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PU.
Humble Pie n Mash
In the mood for some good old-fashioned comfort food? A trip to Humble Pie n Mash will do the trick. Stepping through the doors feels like a time warp – net curtains, patterned tablecloths and 1940s bric-a-brac – but the main attraction is the pies. Flavours range from chicken, leek and pancetta to a vegetarian homity, and they finish things off properly with a jam roly-poly drizzled with custard. Perfect for warming up on cold days, of which Whitby has a few.
Where: Humble Pie n Mash, 163 Church Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4AS.
How much: All pie meals are £5.99.
Best for: Comfort food lovers and a proper old-fashioned sit-down meal.
Moon & Sixpence
The Moon & Sixpence is a lovely little bar and brasserie overlooking Whitby Harbour. It’s relaxed and laidback, with lots of natural light flooding through the big windows – the kind of place you find yourself lingering over a second drink just to keep the view a little longer. Modern British grub is at the heart of the menu, with delights like fish finger sandwiches with Bloody Mary tartare sauce and crispy halloumi and chips vying for your attention.
Where: The Moon & Sixpence, 5-6 Marine Parade, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 3PR.
How much: Prices vary – check the menu online.
Best for: A relaxed harbour-side lunch or early evening drink with a great view.
