Written by Graham Smith, Hannah McKinsey, Jake Evans, Karen Price, Sandra Frank
26/08/2025
Barbara Barbosa, Pexels
Whitby is a charming coastal town renowned for its blend of historical intrigue, stunning natural landscapes, and traditional British seaside experiences, famously inspiring Bram Stoker's 'Dracula' with its iconic abbey ruins.
The bustling harbour and the town's quaint, cobbled streets are filled with independent shops, cafes, and traditional pubs like the Middle England Tavern and The Duke of York, offering opportunities for visitors to socialise. For budget travellers, YHA Whitby provides a social atmosphere with its coffee shop, garden, and bar.
Top 7 Things to do in Whitby
Visitors can immerse themselves in Whitby's rich history and literary connections, explore its dramatic coastline, and enjoy unique seaside and cultural attractions.
1. Ascend the 199 Steps and Visit Whitby Abbey
Climbing the 199 steps offers a rewarding experience, providing panoramic views across Whitby, its harbour, and the coastline. At the top, one can explore the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey, a historical landmark dating back to the 7th century and famously inspiring Bram Stoker’s 'Dracula'. Walking amongst the ancient stones allows for contemplation of centuries of history and breathtaking vistas of the North Sea.
Cost: Ascending the 199 steps is free. Entry to Whitby Abbey typically costs around £11 per adult, with discounts available for booking online in advance or for English Heritage members.
Transport: Both the 199 steps and Whitby Abbey are within walking distance from Whitby town centre. The 199 steps lead directly from the town up to the Abbey. Parking is available on-site at Whitby Abbey for those arriving by car.
2. Explore Whitby Harbour and Quayside
Strolling along Whitby's picturesque harbour provides an opportunity to soak in the vibrant maritime atmosphere. Visitors can observe fishing boats, explore independent shops, and discover traditional pubs. The area is renowned for its fresh fish and chips, offering a quintessential British seaside culinary experience.
Cost: Exploring the harbour is free. Costs for food, drinks, and shopping vary.
Transport: The harbour and quayside are central to Whitby and easily walkable from most accommodations in town.
3. Relax on Whitby Beach
Whitby boasts expansive sandy beaches, particularly West Cliff Beach, ideal for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. The beach is a popular spot for connecting with nature and enjoying the bracing sea air, often providing shelter from the wind due to the towering cliffs behind it.
Cost: Access to the beach is free.
Transport: Whitby Beach (West Cliff Beach) is easily accessible on foot from the town centre, across the swing bridge.
4. Take a Scenic Boat Trip
Experience Whitby from a unique perspective by taking a boat trip from the harbour. Options range from short 20-minute sea cruises along the coast, offering views of the town and Abbey, to longer river tours up the River Esk. During summer and autumn, specialised wildlife and whale watching cruises are available, providing a chance to spot seals, dolphins, and various whale species in the North Sea.
Cost: Short sea trips typically cost around £5 per person. Longer wildlife and whale watching cruises can range from £15-£20 for adults, with under 5s often free.
Transport: Boat trips depart from the harbour, often from Brewery Steps, which is central and walkable.
5. Discover Whitby Museum
Whitby Museum offers an eclectic collection of artefacts, showcasing the town's rich history from the Jurassic era to the present day. Visitors can explore fascinating exhibits on geology, natural history, and local social history, including fossils and model ships, providing insight into the area's past.
Cost: Adult admission is approximately £8.50, and the ticket is valid for 12 months, allowing for multiple visits. Children under 18 years old in full-time education are admitted free.
Transport: The museum is located in Pannett Park, approximately a 10-minute walk from the harbour, bus station, and train station.
6. Experience The Dracula Experience
Delve into the legend that connects Whitby to Bram Stoker's iconic novel, 'Dracula'. This immersive attraction provides a theatrical retelling of the story through animated scenes, electronic special effects, and occasionally live actors, offering a spooky yet engaging journey through the vampire's arrival in England.
Cost: Admission is typically around £5-£6 for adults and £4-£5 for children.
Transport: The Dracula Experience is centrally located within Whitby, making it easily accessible on foot.
7. Go Fossil Hunting at Saltwick Bay
Embark on an adventurous journey to Saltwick Bay, known as part of Yorkshire's 'Dinosaur Coast', to search for prehistoric fossils such as ammonites and belemnites. This activity allows for a direct connection with the area's ancient past, especially after storms which often reveal new finds.
Cost: Self-guided fossil hunting is free. Guided fossil hunting tours are available from operators in Whitby, typically costing around £20 per adult.
Transport: Saltwick Bay is approximately a 1.5-mile walk from Whitby Abbey, a journey that takes around 40 minutes and offers beautiful coastal views. It is advisable to check tide times before visiting. Taxis can be arranged from Whitby town centre.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
