W Hamond - The Original Whitby Jet Store

8 Must Visit Places in Whitby

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Here’s our ultimate Whitby travel bucket list: 8 places you have to visit in Whitby.

There is so much to see and do in Whitby that 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.


1. Whitby Abbey

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

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

The Abbey ruins are spectacular and host excellent events for families. There is a small museum with relics found by archaeologists from around the Abbey.

Abbey Ln, Whitby YO22 4JT


2. St Mary’s Churchyard

St. Mary’s Churchyard, high on the East Cliff, is Whitby’s Parish Church, 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.

St Mary's Church.

The Church is located close to Whitby Abbey, and both receive a significant number of visitors each year. The benches behind the church offer a stunning view of the harbour, perfect for a quick break to take in the scenery.

Abbey Plain, Whitby YO22 4JR


3. 199 Steps

Not only is Whitby Abbey right next door to St Mary’s Church, but it also sits on top of the 199 Steps. The steps’ origin is often disputed; the first record of them 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.

199 steps.

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.

199 Steps, Whitby YO22 4DF


4. Fortunes Smokehouse and Shop

Down from 199 steps, you will find the Fortunes Smokehouse and shop famous worldwide for its excellent quality kippers.

Fortunes Kippers

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.

22 Henrietta St, Whitby, YO22 4DW


5. W. Hamond, the Original Whitby Jet Shop

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.

Whitby Jet.

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”.

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


6. Whitby Museum and Pannet Park

At Whitby Museum, you can explore collections of local fossils, natural history, model ships, carved jets, toys, costumes, and social history.

Whitby Museum.

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.

Pannett Park is an expertly planted garden with 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.

Pannett Park, Whitby YO21 1RE


7. RNLI Whitby Lifeboat 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.

RNLI Museum.

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.

Pier Rd, Whitby, YO21 3PU


8. Whitby Beaches

Tate Hill Beach

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?

Here’s a quick rundown of Beaches in Whitby.


We hope we have inspired you and you’re ready to explore lovely Whitby!

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