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When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Whitby?

When is the best time of year to visit Whitby? We get asked this all the time and our honest answer…it’s completely up to you! Whitby is a beautiful place to visit rain or shine. In this article, we discuss Whitby through the seasons. 

We have visited Whitby from the heights of Summer to snowy Winter. It’s one of our all-time favourite places to visit and it’s wonderful to watch how this seaside town changes so much throughout the seasons. In this article, we discuss Whitby through the seasons. That way you can choose the best time of year to visit Whitby for yourself, and enjoy everything this wonderful town has to offer.

When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Whitby?

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Why should I visit Whitby during Spring?

Spring is a favourite time for many to visit Whitby, the Sunsets and colours are just beautiful. Although warm enough to spend an entire day exploring you still catch a glimpse of that gorgeous moody atmosphere that Whitby is oh so famous for.

Crabbing in Whitby in spring

There really is something special about the start of spring in Whitby as it begins to embrace the longer days and lighter nights, we love nothing more than trying our hand at a little crabbing and exploring the beach in Spring.

You can learn to surf or paddleboard with Whitby Surf School

Whitby Surf School

As the weather gets warmer why not give surfing or paddleboarding a go with Whitby Surf School? Whitby Surf School is the perfect place to learn to surf in the North East. The blue flagged, award-winning beach provides perfect conditions to dive headfirst into a thrilling experience in the North Sea. First-time surfing at Whitby? No problem, or looking for some extra tuition before you take to heading out on your own, their fully qualified instructors are passionate about making the session as fun and exciting as it can be. They also provide a wide range of quality surf and beach equipment to hire too.

Attend Whitby Goth Weekend

Whitby Goth Weekend

Every spring goths from all over the world gather in Whitby for a celebration of gothic culture, music and fashion at the bi-annual Whitby Goth Weekend. Whitby Goth Weekend is an alternative music event founded in 1994 by Jo Hampshire. Top Mum Productions is the company responsible for putting on the event and is staffed by friends and family. It’s a fantastic time to visit Whitby.

Why should I visit Whitby during Summer?

Who would want to head to the beach during Summer? Everyone! This is why Whitby like so many other seaside towns gets so busy in the height of Summer. If you don’t mind queueing and crowds Summer hosts an array of festivals and fun. 

Whitby sunset in summer

Our favourite things to do in Summer are simply to eat fish and chips by the beach (mind the seagulls), stroll along the pier, grab an ice cream, and witness some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world! 

Attend Whitby Folk Week | 20-26th August 2022

Whitby Folk Week

Whitby Folk Week is a well-loved celebration of the traditional music, dance and song of the British Isles. With over 600 events covering workshops, amazing concerts, dances, sessions, street entertainment and extensive ‘fringe’ events, Whitby Folk Week is a lovely time to visit Whitby and is sure to keep the entire family entertained.

Attend the Whitby Regatta | 13th-14th August 2022

Whitby Regatta in summer

Whitby Regatta is an exciting weekend of entertainment. It embraces yacht racing, rowing races and various free forms of entertainment, finishing with a prize presentation and spectacular firework display. It’s a fantastic time to visit Whitby and witness the town just buzzing with energy. Whitby Regatta has a history of over one hundred and eighty years of aquatic competition and entertainment. Whitby Regatta is probably the oldest sea Regatta on the northeast coast and has drawn large crowds into Whitby over the years.

Why should I visit Whitby during Autumn?

Autumn is such a peaceful time to visit Whitby. There is something so calming as the buzz of Summer fades away and the town can breathe again. It’s a lovely time to enjoy a wander.

Best Time Of Year To Visit Whitby?

The Autumn sun picks out the deep reds and golds in the landscape, a photographers dream!

Visit The Falling Foss Tea Garden

Falling Foss Waterfall

The Falling Foss Tea Garden is the ideal place to have a few minutes and enjoy a cup of tea and a cake. You will have a wonderful view of a waterfall as you sit outside and enjoy the sound of the flowing water. Autumn is the best time to visit as the colours are just incredible. These tea rooms are a serene place to unwind. The children can explore the forest and let their imaginations run wild as they explore the outdoors. 

Have childhood fun at the amusements 

Whitby Arcades

Fun City and Funland Amusements are open along the harbour and they are a great place to keep the children entertained for a while. You can try your luck trying to win a soft-toy or spend your loose change in the penny machines. There is a fantastic pirate-themed indoor crazy golf course and indoor ten-pin bowling alley.

Why should I visit Whitby during Winter?

Don’t rule Whitby out at Winter! Winter is a hauntingly beautiful time to visit. You get to witness Whitby in all of its ghostly glory and explore the town while it’s much quieter. We love to have a bracing Winter walk around Whitby and then get cosy in one of the many pubs.

Have Halloween fun and attend Illuminated Abbey

The Illuminated Abbey in Autumn

We love to visit Whitby Abbey on a usual day and be surrounded by its immense history, however, visiting Whitby Abbey lit up for the Illuminated Abbey event is truly spectacular and not to be missed! The event is very family-friendly and there are lots of things to get involved with, marshmallows to toast, food to enjoy and it’s a great way to spend time outdoors together under the rainbow lights of the Abbey. Guided by a trail of lights you are taken on a route around the Abbey to meet different ghostly characters. 

North York Moors Railway and maybe meet Santa!

Winter in Whitby

For a great day out hop on board the North York Moors Railway and enjoy a day out filled with amazing scenery and lots of vintage charm. Travel across the North York Moors National Park on steam or vintage diesel train and visit some charming station stops along the way, including the famous Goathland – this was the original Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, as well as Aidensfield in the 90s drama Heartbeat.

NYMR runs special events throughout the year the Santa Special event is really popular. You can join Santa and his special team of elves at either Pickering or Grosmont Station before a magical adventure aboard the Santa Express which will take you on a festive journey you won’t forget.

Let us know your favourite time of year to visit Whitby in the comments.

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