I’ve not explored England’s east coast as much as I would have liked. I did a bit of research and took some recommendations into account, and decided a day out in Whitby was a great option. Nothing prepared me for how beautiful this North Yorkshire seaside town really is though.
If you’re planning a day out in Whitby I would recommend parking on the West Cliff where you’ll have a great view of the bay below. There is always a lot going on in Whitby, so you can easily find something that everyone will enjoy. One of the most popular times of the year in Whitby is Goth Weekend so you’ll need to plan ahead if you want then.
There are a number of fantastic historical attractions in Whitby to visit which is always a bonus. This North Yorkshire seaside town more than lives up to its reputation for being one of the most beautiful towns in England. Here are some of the best things to do in Whitby as well as where to stay in Whitby if you want to spend more than a day exploring this stunning town.
Things to do during a day out in Whitby
West Cliff
Whitby town centre is not the easiest to drive through, or find parking in. I would suggest parking on the West Cliff which is only a 15 minute walk from the centre. You’ll also get this incredible view of the town and cathedral across the bay.
A lot of people plan a day out in Whitby, especially when the weather is nice, so try to arrive as early as possible as parking spots can be hard to come by in peak seasons.
Take a look at the Captain Cook statue
From West Cliff, the first attraction in Whitby that you’ll come across is the Captain Cook statue overlooking Whitby Bay. This bronze statue was built to commemorate the men who sailed with him as well as the men who built the Whitby Ships.
Walk through the Whalebone Arch
One of the best free things to do during a day out in Whitby is to walk through the Whalebone Arch. These 20-foot jaw bones were erected in the mid-nineteenth century to recognize the importance of the whaling industry in Whitby. It sits right next to the Captain Cook statue so it’s easy to locate if you’re on the West Cliff.
Stroll along the East Pier
The East Pier stretches out into the sea, and is lovely to walk along on a sunny day. To the right you can see the abbey perched high on the cliff, and to the left you’ll be able to look out over the beach, which is a popular spot in the summer.
Take a boat tour
There are plenty of boat tours in Whitby which take you around the Bay of Whitby. There’s also a replica of Captain Cook’s ship that you can travel on. A boat tour is one of the best things to do in Whitby so if you have the time I would recommend joining one.
Buy some Whitby rock
While you’re in Whitby, buying a stick of Whitby rock is an absolute must. The entire town is filled with independent sweet shops for you to sink your teeth into, and many of them also serve a wide variety of ice creams too.
Sink your teeth into some charcoal ice cream
Did someone say ice cream? Just near the East Pier there’s a stall selling “gothic” ice cream. I’ll let you be the judge as to what flavour the ice cream is but in my opinion no day out in Whitby is complete unless you try one of these.
Explore the cobbled streets
The old cobbled streets leading up to the abbey are gorgeous and full of quaint little shops and pubs. Most of the pubs are packed with people though, so if you can find a spot in one of them you should take it quickly.
Climb up 199 steps
How do you get to the abbey? Well first you need to trudge up the famous 199 steps to the top of the cliff, followed by a stroll through the “Dracula” graveyard. The steps themselves are a major tourist attraction, and were once thought to be a test of Christian faith. Those who made it to the top of the steps were deemed to be faithful.
Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey dates back to the 7th century, and is the main tourist attraction in Whitby. It costs around £8 to enter, and is definitely worth visiting. They may just be ruins, but they are immense. They were also part of a famous scene in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
It’s a beautiful historic site to walk around, and has recently been named Britain’s most romantic ruin.
Finish your day out in Whitby with fish and chips
The best way to end a day trip to Whitby is by grabbing some of their famous fish and chips. There are lots of options but one of the best is Silver Street Fisheries. Alternatively, both Trenchers and The Fisherman’s Wife are a big hit with the locals.
Where to stay in Whitby
Whitby is a unique seaside town in Yorkshire, so if you’re planning on staying in Whitby you need an equally unique accommodation. That’s where La Rosa Hotel comes in. It’s situated on the West Cliff, offering unrivalled views of the harbour and abbey. Its quirky interior is just one of the many reasons people choose to come back time and time again. Plus, the hotel was once a favourite of Lewis Carroll.
La Rosa Hotel
Each room in La Rosa Hotel is decorated in a different style. Their famous Sacre Coeur room is one of the best in the hotel and is often a romantic choice for couples visiting Whitby. The room is bursting with unique antiques and displays. In fact, there’s so much to look at that you’ll probably spend a couple of hours exploring the room itself.
The Sacre Coeur room features a large Victorian bath, a beautiful double bed, and a seating area near the window where you can sit and enjoy your breakfast. Breakfast at La Rosa Hotel is continental and brought directly to your room in the morning. The perfect way to start the day!
Another reason to book the Sacre Coeur room is for an incredible view over the Bay of Whitby. I would recommend waking up just before sunrise so that you can watch the sun coming up behind the abbey in the distance – the perfect photo opportunity.
If you thought the room was quirky, you’ll love exploring the rest of the hotel. The dim lighting and 1930’s themed decor of the bar will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The Turkish Rose and the Vampire Velvet are both excellent cocktail choices if you fancy a drink.
La Rosa Hotel is without a doubt the best place to stay in Whitby, especially if you enjoy unique experiences partnered with breathtaking views.
>> Click here for the most up to date prices at La Rosa Hotel <<
There are many things to do in North Yorkshire, and I can’t wait to explore more of what this area has to offer. If you find yourself with some free time, I couldn’t recommend having a day out in Whitby enough. But if you want to stay a little longer, that’s completely understandable too.
I’m slowly making my way around England, so if you need any recommendations on what to do in Manchester, Liverpool, or Bath, check out my blog posts about these cities. And remember to follow me on Instagram to keep up to date with my latest adventures!
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