Are you thinking of taking a short weekend break to Whitby? It’s one of our favourite things to do. Here’s how to make the most out of a weekend in Whitby.
Everybody enjoys a weekend away every now and then! Be it that you’ve had a hectic, stressful week and just need to get away and relax, or you want to do something different and fun. Here’s how we spend a weekend in Whitby and get the most out of this perfect seaside town in a short amount of time.
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Day 1 – Friday afternoon
We usually arrive at our accommodation just after it is available which in most places is 2 pm. We check out our base for the weekend, freshen up and head straight out the door and onto the streets of Whitby.
We will usually spend the afternoon walking around the town, pointing out places and making a mental note of where we want to eat or visit while we’re there. We will grab some coffee or a drink and a snack to keep us going from The Blitz, it’s a popular 1940’s theme licensed café, restaurant, and cocktail bar on Church Street. They serve tasty homemade lunches, delicious dishes, and cakes during the day, and from 5 pm, a tapas menu is available which is complimented by some superb A La Carte specials.
Thirst quenched were ready to explore, we love to potter around looking in the different shops, we always pick up some chocolate from Justin’s Chocolatier our favourite is chocolate orange…you need to try it!
We love to wander along the beach or up the 199 steps and take in the sights of Whitby Abbey. Whitby really is a beautiful place to take photos and witness how the town lights up at different times in the day.
As we have had a long drive and a long walk around the town, we are so ready for some fish and chips! Our favourite fish and chips in Whitby are from Silver Street Fisheries…sorry we said it!
Fish and chips is a huge debate in Whitby and it’s one we’re happy to join if it means we get to sample them all.
We will usually pick a pretty spot to watch the sunset and devour our food or just head back to our room to relax and get prepared for a full day of exploring tomorrow.
Day 2 – Saturday
It’s Saturday and there are no lie-ins for us! Were up and ready early for a full day of exploring. Undoubtedly, the North York Moors Railway is one of the world’s most scenic and greatest railway experiences, and it’s a brilliant way to enjoy a day. It is also the perfect way to make your journey to Goathland, a beautiful moorland village with lots to see. A perfect spot for a picnic or an ice cream.
We catch the train to Goathland from Whitby station and on the journey, we pass through the small but perfectly formed village of Grosmont. Once a hub of activity during the height of the ironstone industry, Grosmont is now peaceful and serene. It’s one of the North York Moors must-sees.
Once we arrive in Goathland we really enjoy exploring the streets and surrounding countryside. Not far from the village is Wheeldale Moor, home to the legend of Wade the giant and his wife Bell. Wade, reputedly built the causeway that runs across the moor to ease his wife’s travels. He also, however, not quite so romantically, created the Hole of Horcum when he scooped up earth and threw it at Bell.
Back in the village, you can visit the famed Goathland Hotel which was used as the Aidensfield Arms in the TV program Heartbeat. Here you’ll find a fabulous array of traditional pub food for you to enjoy and over 16 malt whiskey’s if you fancy a tipple. Interestingly, Heartbeat is not the only time Goathland has appeared on our screens as the train station was also used as Hogsmeade, one of the stations in the Harry Potter films.
When we return to Whitby we choose one of the restaurants we want to visit whilst were in town, one of our favourites is Abbey Wharf. If the weather’s good you can sit on the balcony and take in the beautiful views of the harbour here. The food and drinks are spot on and the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming.
Day 3 – Sunday
We like to start our Sunday by popping into Botham’s of Whitby for something sweet. The bread buns are so delicious we often buy a few of those and make up some sandwiches for a picnic later in the day.
Then we head to Whitby Museum in Pannett Park. (Please make sure you check the opening days/hours due to covid restrictions. They are initially opening with reduced times.) This independent Victorian museum is full of amazing treasures. Here you can explore stunning 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 also the explorer Captain Cook.
We love visiting Whitby Museum and afterward, you can enjoy spending some time in Pannet Park, this beautifully maintained park has stunning views, a state-of-the-art play area, and offers a variety of planting schemes for all seasons. The park is home to Whitby Museum and Pannett Art Gallery.
After scoffing our little picnic and relaxing in Pannett Park we head back to the harbour to take in the views and spend some time enjoying the beach, crabbing, playing in the arcades, or picking up some souvenirs.
Knowing we have to be packed up and leave relatively early tomorrow we head out for an early meal at Trenchers. Situated on Whitby’s harbourside, with options including seafood salads, crab, lobster, fresh fish, homemade pies and lasagnas, Whitby scampi, vegetarian options, and a dedicated children’s menu, there truly is something for everyone here.
We watch the sun go down and then head back to our apartment to prepare for our early departure the next day.
We hope you have enjoyed reading how we spend a weekend in Whitby! Obviously, there is so much and we cannot mention everything brilliant to do here. This is how we spend a typical weekend in Whitby, how would you spend yours? Let us know in the comments!
Great selection. Over the years have done most of these things and enjoyed them all.