Welcome to Whitby! Located in beautiful North Yorkshire, here is a full guide to everything you need to know when planning a visit to the beautiful Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby.
When To Visit
Whitby is a beautiful town to visit all year round! However, I personally prefer to visit out of season, during the winter months when it is a lot quieter.
If you are after something a bit different on your trip to Whitby, there are themed weekends held throughout the year. From Goth weekend to Steampunk weekend to 60s music-themed weekend. The list just goes on!
Here is a guide to their event weekend: https://www.thewhitbyguide.co.uk/events/
Where To Park
My personal favorite place to park when visiting Whitby out of season, is at the Whitby Abbey Carpark. Out of season, it is free to charge.
Sat Nav: YO22 4EH
If you are visiting on an event weekend or during the busy summer months/in season, I recommend using their park and ride.
Sat Nav: YO21 1TL
What To See And Do
Whitby is a beautiful town, rich in history. If you are visiting for the day, here are my top ‘must do’s and see’s’:
Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey is stunning! It was a 7th-century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine Abbey. Today, the ruins attract visitors from all over the world!
To visit, please check their website for opening times and prices: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/prices-and-opening-times-for-whitby-abbey/
Dracula’s Grave
Take a wander over to St Mary’s Church and find the famous Dracula’s Grave. Not only that, enjoy the views over Whitby Bay and into the North Sea.
Climb Down The 199 Steps
To get down into the centre of Whitby from the Abbey, head down the 199 steps. Just remember, if you have parked at the Abbey car park, you will have to come back up all these steps later on!
Honestly, 199 steps sound a lot, but actually, they are not too bad! The views across Whitby make it all worthwhile!
The 199 steps were once made out of wood! It was thought the steps were used as a test of Christian faith, for those who wished to worship in St Mary’s Church. By climbing the whole 199 steps, you would prove you were faithful.
Potter Along The Cobbles
Have a potter along the cobble streets, visiting the lovely, little independent stores. If you visit at Christmas time, the shop windows get decorated like a Santa’s Grotto. It’s truly magical!
Whitby Harbour
Whitby Harbour is a beautiful harbour! It is harbour that was once famous for its successful whaling industry! Today, it is used a lot for scenic boat trips out into Whitby Bay.
Captain James Cook Memorial
The famous Captain James Cook Memorial is located up on Whitby’s West Cliff, overlooking Whitby. The man who is famous for his world voyages used a ship that was built here in Whitby Harbour.
You can learn more about him and his voyages at the Captain James Cook Museum in Whitby.
Whalebone Arch
The famous Whalebone Arch is pretty impressive to see! Located on Whitby’s West Cliff, near the Captain James Cook Memorial. It is a reminder of the town’s history as a whaling industry!
Want to see what else there is to do in Yorkshire? Please check out some of my other blogs: https://livingwiththewolf.co.uk/category/yorkshire/
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