If you don't fancy staying in Whitby itself, there are plenty of gorgeous locations on the outskirts that are perfect for a break. Here are the best places to stay on the outskirts of Whitby.
Here are the top spots for staying on the outskirts of Whitby if you prefer not to stay in the town itself. So many people tell us that although they love to visit Whitby, they prefer to stay on the outskirts and explore the surrounding area at their leisure.
Ruswarp
Ruswarp is a great place to stay on the outskirts of Whitby because of its peaceful location overlooking the River Esk. Originally known as Risewarp, meaning ‘silted land overgrown with brushwood,' This lovely village has a traditional butcher, grocery store, and bakery. Additionally, the village is home to The Bridge Inn pub and the Ruswarp Church of St Bartholomew.
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While the heritage steam train from Pickering to Whitby passes through Ruswarp, it does not stop at the Ruswarp platform. Bus services connect the village with the surrounding areas.
Walking and hiking
It's an excellent base for walking and hiking. Ruswarp is home to a significant historic landmark, the brick-built viaduct, which once supported the main Scarborough to Whitby line.
The impressive Larpool Viaduct, standing at a height of 120 feet, was constructed with over five million bricks. Although the viaduct closed in 1965, it has been repurposed as the “cinder track,” serving as a walkway and cycle path along the former Whitby-to-Scarborough railway line.
Rowing boat and kayak hire
Ruswarp Pleasure Boats was established in 1874. You can rent rowing boats or canoes to explore the sheltered waters here. It's also lots of fun and great for photos.
Additionally, its proximity to other places to explore, like Sleights, Sandsend, Robin Hood's Bay, and Goathland, makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions while enjoying a peaceful retreat.
A great place to stay in Ruswarp, Ruswarp Hall
Ruswarp Hall is a beautiful Jacobean country hall that exclusively offers adult accommodation and venue facilities. It features a striking array of period details and unique and characterful rooms.
There is a spacious garden, a breakfast room serving a generous continental breakfast, and a cosy lounge called the ‘Snug' with an honesty bar.
This historic hall is situated between Whitby's Coastline, the town itself, and the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Its location makes it perfect for a peaceful holiday still close enough to explore Whitby and the surrounding area.
Old Hall Hotel, High St, Ruswarp, Whitby YO21 1NH
Visit websiteSleights
Between the North York Moors and Whitby, Sleights is a beautiful village that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. This village has attractions, historical landmarks, lovely walks, and inviting pubs like The Plough.
Historical documentation reveals that Sleights was initially documented in a 1223 record as Sleghtesc. Like many other place names in Yorkshire, Sleights has roots in Old Norse. ‘smooth or level fields' is derived from the word ‘slétta’, which signifies flat land, plain, or prairie.
Visit Botham's Bakery
Make sure to grab some delicious treats from Bothams Bakery. Elizabeth Botham’s bakery has a rich history, dating back over 150 years to when she first sold her bread and cakes from a basket at the local market in the fishing port of Whitby. The Botham family proudly carries on her traditions and is now in their fifth generation.
The family's five shops and three tea rooms are in Whitby, Sleights & Pickering. One of their specialities is the famous Whitby Lemon Buns! When visiting the Sleights shop, you can enjoy a variety of their famous bakes, takeaway sandwiches, and hot drinks.
Sleights to Whitby Walk
4 miles (6km) | 1 hour 30 minutes | Easy
This 4-mile walk begins at Sleights train station. Begin on the southern side of the station and follow the trail eastwards towards Hagg House and Ruswarp, where another station awaits. Once you cross the river, continue into Whitby and conclude your journey at the iconic Whitby Abbey on the coast. You can retrace your steps or catch a train back to Sleights from Whitby.
You can follow the entire route here.
A great place to stay in Sleights, Rowan Tree House B&B
Rowan Tree House B&B is a lovely bed and breakfast located in Sleights. It offers accommodation with garden views, free WiFi, and free private parking.
The B&B’s location is perfect if you would like to visit Staithes, Whitby, and Robin Hood’s Bay. The hosts are very accommodating. We appreciate the complete privacy and independence of coming and going quickly here. And there is convenient off-road parking in front of the B&B.
87 Coach Rd, Sleights, Whitby YO22 5EH
Check availabilitySandsend
A short walk along the beach will get you to Sandsend – approximately 8 minutes from Whitby (approximately 3.0 miles).
One of the most popular reasons to visit Sandsend is, of course, to visit the beach. When the tide goes out, the kids will love exploring the rock pools for signs of life. Sandsend Beach is a lovely place to stroll, even at sunset and beyond. Learn more about Whitby beaches here.
Fossil hunting
Sandsend Beach is a very popular spot for fossil hunting and beachcombing.
This area has attracted archaeologists and palaeontologists from around the globe due to the abundance of fossils and historical artefacts unearthed over the years.
Lovely places to eat and drink
The Hart Inn is the local pub, and there are also lovely cafes where you can relax and enjoy refreshments at Sandsend Beach. Additionally, if you're staying in self-catering accommodation and looking to dine out at night, Etsbek House is an excellent restaurant. They prioritise locally sourced ingredients, particularly fish. Several of the Sandsend pubs also offer delicious homemade food.
A great place to stay in Sandsend, Woodlands Hotel
This small, comfortable hotel is close to Sandsend's lovely beach. It is suitable for both romantic weekends for couples and family holidays.
This guest house is set in beautiful woodland gardens and offers four classically decorated ensuite bedrooms, as well as the old schoolhouse with views across the grounds.
It is dog-friendly for short breaks. Due to The Woodlands's rural location, the internet can, at times, be unpredictable, but we kind of love this for a proper getaway.
Woodlands Hotel, Sandsend, Whitby YO21 3TE
Check availabilityRobin Hood's Bay
A 13-minute drive from Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay is located in the North York Moors National Park, a perfect starting point for walking, hiking, cycling, and immersing yourself in the area. Whether you want to unwind, stay active, explore, or do some of everything, this location offers it all.
Robin Hood’s Bay is a small village with a big personality. With cliffs, winding streets, and nautical-themed cottages. As the locals call it, Bay Town might be small, but there are many memorable things to do here. Here are our favourite things to do in Robin Hood’s Bay.
With various accommodations, activities, dining options, and deep-rooted history, Robin Hood’s Bay has something for everyone. For a detailed guide on spending 7 days in Robin Hood’s Bay, click here.
Ghost walk
The Robin Hood’s Bay Ghost Walk with Rose Rylands is perfect for those who enjoy stories of the supernatural and the bizarre. Rose is captivating as she guides you through the streets, sharing mysterious and magical tales.
This unique tour teaches you about ghosts, shipwrecks, local folklore, smuggling, and spirits. The tours are suitable for all ages. Please visit Rose Ryland’s website for her monthly program, pricing, contact details, and further information.
Walk to Robin Hood's Bay from Whitby
When we're in Whitby, one of our favourite things is to go for long walks and explore the area. We particularly appreciate the coastal route from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay along the Cleveland Way.
The walk is simple, and the route is easy to follow. However, it's a moderate walk with uneven terrain in some areas. There are occasional steep inclines and declines, and certain parts of the path can be pretty slippery. Wearing walking boots or the appropriate footwear is essential.
It's good to be prepared, as the undulating terrain will give your legs a good workout before reaching the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay! Follow the route here.
A great place to stay in Robin Hood's Bay, The Victoria Hotel
Built in 1897, the Victoria Hotel is perfect if you want beautiful views across the North Yorkshire Coast. This family-run hotel provides a touch of luxury and outstanding amenities, with a range of accommodation, including premium and family rooms.
The Victoria Hotel is a perfect setting for weddings, receptions, private parties, and functions. They have a great selection of breakfast options, including the Full and Half Monty (full English breakfast), eggs cooked in various ways, and more straightforward dishes such as bacon and sausage sandwiches. Perfect before a long hike!
Woodlands Hotel, Sandsend, Whitby YO21 3TE
Check availabilityGoathland
Goathland is a picture-perfect moorland village on the eastern edge of the North York Moors National Park, conveniently close to Whitby, York, and the Yorkshire Coast.
Although it is quite a small village, there are a few pubs and hotel bars. One is the lovely Goathland Hotel, known as ‘The Aidensfied Arms'. The pub gained fame as ‘The Aidensfield Arms' in the popular ITV series, ‘Heartbeat', which captivated audiences in the UK during the early 1990s.
The Goathland Tea Rooms are also lovely. They serve a wide selection of baked goods, including pastries, pies, cakes, sandwiches, and many other delicious home-baked goodies.
This tea room, situated in a former doctor's surgery, is just what the doctor ordered! Wash down your favourite slice of heaven with a ‘proper’ cup of tea made with Yorkshire Tea, the finest brew in all the land. Don’t forget to visit the next-door gift store for all those last-minute souvenirs and curiosities.
A great place to stay in Goathland, The Mallyan Spout Hotel
The Mallyan Spout Hotel in Goathland is a 3-star country house hotel with luxury accommodation and excellent service.
It is proud to support local suppliers. The Spout Bar and Valley View Restaurant feature menus crafted from the finest local produce, which change seasonally to reflect the natural diversity of the North York Moors.
Mallyan Spout Hotel, Goathland, Whitby YO22 5AN
Check availabilityWe hope this article has inspired you to visit one of these places on the outskirts of Whitby. These locations are perfect if you fancy somewhere a little different from Whitby. Let us know if you have stayed in any of these locations, and share your experiences with us in the comments.
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