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13 Must-Visit Places In Whitby

We’ve compiled a list of must-visit places in Whitby to inspire your next visit.

There is so much to see and do in Whitby. Deciding where to explore on your trip can be tricky. This seaside town has a rich history and many fantastic places to visit. Here’s our list of must-visit places in Whitby.


Here are 13 must-visit places in Whitby

1. Whitby Abbey

Family At Whitby Abbey, Whitby Abbey Is One Of The Best Must Visit Places In Whitby.

Whitby Abbey is one of the first built in England. It fell victim to Henry VIII’s reign. Several ghosts haunt the Abbey, and St Hilda is said to haunt her grounds still.

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The Abbey ruins are spectacular and are a great adventure for families to go on. Inside the old Cholmley home is a small museum with relics found by archaeologists from around the Abbey. As you walk around the grounds, there are artist’s impressions of what the Abbey would have looked like.

Location: Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT

Learn more about Whitby Abbey here.


2. St Mary’s Churchyard

St Mary's Churchyard Is One Of The Best Must Visit Places In Whitby.

St. Mary’s Churchyard, high on the East Cliff, is Whitby’s Parish Church and was founded in 1110. Some parts date back to Norman times, the early 12th Century. It has been modified and extended over the centuries without being completely rebuilt.

The lovely interior is essentially 18th Century and an excellent example of pre-Victorian furnishing. That interior contrasts dramatically with the fortress-like exterior, which fits well with the North Sea setting. The location of the Church is close to Whitby Abbey, and both receive a significant number of visitors each year.

You get a stunning view of the harbour from the benches behind the Church. Perfect for a quick break to take in the scenery.

Location: Abbey Plain, Whitby YO22 4JR

Learn more about St Mary’s Churchyard here.


3. 199 Steps

199 Steps In Whitby Is One Of The Best Must Visit Places In Whitby.

Not only is Whitby Abbey right next door to St Mary’s Church, but it also sits on top of the 199 Steps. The origin of the steps is often disputed; the first record of the steps was in 1340. However, it is widely believed that St Hilda would have used the tiring steps to test her followers hundreds of years before,

They are an essential part of Whitby’s history. In the 19th century, when St Mary’s Church was open for burials, many corpses were carried up the steps in their coffin. When you walk up the steps, you will notice a couple of benches, and if you think they were made for sitting, then you are wrong. The benches were placed there so pallbearers could place the coffin on the bench and rest.

Location: 199 Steps, Whitby YO22 4DF

Learn more about the 199 Steps here.


4. Fortunes Smokehouse and Shop

Fortunes Kippers Is A Must Visit Place In Whitby.

Down from 199 steps, you will find the Fortunes Smokehouse and shop famous worldwide for its excellent quality kippers. The smokehouse is a must-visit place when you come to Whitby. Buy beautifully smoked kippers and meet with the lovely owners.

In 1872, William Fortune founded the now historical and only Whitby smokehouse. It has since been passed down through the Fortune family and is in its sixth generation! Don’t worry if you think it’ll be challenging to find; the gorgeous smell of the smoked kippers will lead you straight to it.

Location: 22 Henrietta St, Whitby, YO22 4DW

Learn more about Fortunes Smokehouse and Shop here.


5. W. Hamond, the Original Whitby Jet Shop

W. Hamond, the Original Whitby Jet Shop, One Of Whitby's Must Visit Places.

If you’re looking to get yourself some souvenirs from Whitby, then there is no better treat than some famous Whitby Jet.

If you want some history with your jet, head down to W. Hammond, the original Whitby Jet shop established in 1860. The skilled craftsmen continue to make the finest quality jewellery some 150 years later, and the customers keep coming to buy a little bit of Whitby’s history.

Whitby Jet is found along the cliffs of Whitby. It is from the early Jurassic period and around 182 million years old! Its famous deep black colour coined “Jet black” and “As black as jet”.

Location: 112 Church Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4DE

Learn more about Whitby Jet here.


6. Falling Foss Tea Garden and Waterfall

Falling Foss Waterfall is a true hidden gem of the North York Moors.

You’ll need a car to get to this one as it is just outside Whitby, but it’s worth the short drive. The Falling Foss tea garden is beside a small cottage on top of Falling Foss’s beautiful waterfall.

Not only is the charming tea garden somewhere for you to relax, but the grounds are also gorgeous to walk around; the gardens are a favourite for children as their imaginations go wild whilst they run around the enchanting place, though saying this Falling Foss is suitable for any age.

The tea room is only open seasonally between April and September, but the woodlands are available to walk in all year round.

Location: Falling Foss Tea Garden, Midge Hall, Whitby, YO22 5JD


7. Ruswarp Pleasure Boats

Ruswarp Pleasure Boats.

Established in 1874, people have been coming to row on the idyllic River Esk for over a century. Ruswarp Riverside Cafe, Ruswarp Miniature Railway, and Chainbridge Riverside Retreats are just 2 miles from Whitby!

Ruswarp Pleasure Boats is a great place to hire a canoe, kayak, or rowing boat and spend some time relaxing or quality time with family. Take a camera to photograph the swans and ducks. This is the only river in Yorkshire where you can find salmon.

Location: The Carrs, Ruswarp, Whitby, YO21 1RL


8. Whitby Museum and Pannet Park

Whitby Museum.

Whitby Museum is an independent museum bursting with exciting treasures. Here you can explore vast collections of local fossils, natural history, model ships, carved jet, toys, costumes, and social history.

There are artefacts of the famous whaling family, the Scoresbys, and the explorer Captain Cook. The museum has extended its scope to include items of interest from the last hundred years. The ‘Hand of Glory‘ is one such artefact. There is something for all ages in their extensive collections.

The park is home to the Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery. Pannett Park is an oasis of calm in the heart of Whitby. This expertly planted garden has an all-year-round planting scheme with a state-of-the-art play area, a commemorative garden, a community garden, a Jurassic garden, and a lily pool.

Location: Pannett Park, Whitby YO21 1RE

Learn more about Whitby Museums here.


9. RNLI Whitby Lifeboat Museum

RNLI Museum.

Since 1802, lifeboats crewed by the people of Whitby have been helping those in trouble at sea. Whitby Lifeboat Museum celebrates the long and proud history of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in Whitby.

36 RNLI Medals for Gallantry have been awarded to courageous crew members. The collection of medals, paintings, and objects from rescues and wrecks are housed in the original boathouse that served from 1895 –1957.

The museum is located at the end of Pier Road. Public car parking is available in town.

Location: Pier Rd, Whitby, YO21 3PU

Learn more about the RNLI Whitby Lifeboat Museum here.


10. Staithes 

Staithes.

Staithes is a traditional fishing village on the Yorkshire Coast. It boasts wonderfully rugged coastlines, villages, and towns with character and rich maritime heritage.

The North Yorkshire seaside town of Staithes is just 10 miles from Whitby. It embodies many of the reasons why seaside towns hold such appeal. Once one of the busiest fishing ports on the North East coast, Staithes boasts a long, proud history as the one-time home of famous Royal Navy captain and explorer Captain James Cook.

There is so much to do in Staithes while visiting Whitby. It’s worth a trip. Art and history fans will love strolling through the pretty town’s narrow cobbled streets and visiting the elegant Staithes Art Gallery.

Location: Staithes, Saltburn-by-the-Sea TS13 5AD

Learn more about Staithes here.


11. Robin Hood’s Bay

Robin Hoods Bay Beach.

Robin Hood’s Bay is situated within the North York Moors National Park. It is an ideal base for walking, hiking, cycling, and exploring the area’s history. It is also not far from the historic town of Whitby and the fabulous Scarborough.

Fishing and farming were the main trades here. Whole families worked in the fishing industry, either out in the open sea or taking the catch to market. However, smuggling was a rife tradition too. Boats from the continent brought contraband to their shore and distributed it to the land contacts.

Whether you want to relax, get active, explore, or do a bit of all three, this is the ideal location. It has plenty of places to stay, things to do, restaurants and pubs, and a lot of history.

Location: Robin Hood’s Bay, Whitby YO22 4SN

Learn more about Robin Hood’s Bay here.


12. Sandsend

Sandsend.

The village of Sandsend is just a short distance from the town of Whitby. Walkers and hikers can combine their love of exercise and fresh air with some exploration. The Sandsend Trail is just one of the possibilities.

Sandsend is full of historical findings, such as fossils and other ancient artefacts. Archaeologists and palaeontologists from all over the world scope through this area regularly throughout the year as part of their jobs, but you never know what you might find with a sharp eye and a little patience while you are enjoying your holiday.

Location: Sandsend, Whitby YO21 3SZ

Learn more about Sandsend here.


13. Whitby Beaches

Whitby Beaches.

One of the best places for a little seaside fun is Whitby. However, Whitby has so many fantastic beaches available, so which one should you pick?

So here’s a quick rundown of Beaches in Whitby.


We hope we have inspired you and you’re ready to explore lovely Whitby. Have we missed out on your favourite place to visit? You can let us know your must-visit places in Whitby in the comments.

1 thought on “13 Must-Visit Places In Whitby”

  1. Iv been to Whitby many times with my partner and granddaughter, an we love it there, we stayed in egton bridge, it a beautiful location and it our base, we stayed in Broomhouse there. It’s easy to get to Whitby and staiths , Robin hoods bay, and saltburn by the sea, we visited the old Abby, and those steps , the history is wonderful, there’s something for everyone, even steam enthusiastic people, it was lovely to see some of the steam engines down at Whitby station. I’m really hoping to get back up there soon, we miss being there, it’s been two years since we last visited, my granddaughter loves it, she asks when are we going back to Whitby and salt burn.

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