Celebrate Easter in Whitby and take part in a variety of themed events happening around town.
There are lots of fun and egg-citing events happening in Whitby this Easter! Here's a list of fun things to see and do, events, and activities happening in and around the town so you can start planning a fun-filled holiday.
Did you know…
In 664, there was a deep divide in England's faith, with Celtic and Roman Christian religions in conflict. So, leaders gathered in Whitby Abbey to decide how to calculate the date of Easter.
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This event was called the Synod of Whitby. Therefore, it seems fitting to celebrate Easter in Whitby!
Easter Quest at Whitby Abbey
- Date: Saturday 28th March – Sunday 19th April 2026
- Time: 10 am – 5 pm
- Location: Whitby Abbey
- Cost: £2 per child (On top of ticket entry price)
Enjoy the Easter holidays with an adventure that the whole family can join. Follow the Easter trail, search for hidden eggs, and solve clues to earn a tasty chocolate treat at the end.
The quest runs every day during the school holidays and costs just £2 per child, whether a member or non-member, plus the normal admission fee. You do not need to book ahead; just join in when you arrive.
If you book your tickets in advance, you can save 15%. Admission prices vary by day.
Made in Whitby Easter Festival 2026 at Whitby Abbey
- Date: Friday 3rd April – Monday 6th April 2026
- Location: Cholmeley House near the entrance to Whitby Abbey.
- Cost: Free
With the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey as its backdrop, this four-day festival from 3rd to 6th April 2026 offers a lively blend of creativity, community, and coastal charm for the Easter season.
Held on the grounds of Cholmeley House from 11am to 4pm each day, the event highlights local talent through storytelling, live performances, and creative displays inspired by the sea and land.
Whether you are visiting Whitby for the bank holiday or spending a day out locally, this is a great opportunity to discover independent makers, support small businesses, and enjoy the atmosphere in one of the town’s most iconic locations.
Whitby’s Annual Easter Pub Crawl 2026
- Date: Saturday 4th April 2026
- Location: 11am start at The Little Angel.
- Cost: Free
This Easter Saturday (4th April), the famous “33 Pubs of Whitby” challenge fills the town with excitement. The goal is simple: have one drink in each of Whitby’s 33 pubs in a single day.
But it’s not just about the drinks. It’s a chance to enjoy good company, meet locals, and experience the charm of this seaside town, from cosy pubs near the abbey to lively spots by the water.
For more than twenty years, it’s been an Easter tradition and a point of pride for those who finish. If you want to take part in its 26th year, come to The Little Angel at 11am on 4th April 2026 and join the fun.
Head over to The Whitby Pub Crawl Facebook page for more details and photos.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway Pullman Dining Train
- Date: Tuesday 24th March – Wednesday 22nd April 2026
- Location: Pickering Station (YO18 7AJ)
- Cost: From £95 per person
This spring, visitors can step aboard the North Yorkshire Pullman for a memorable dining experience through the stunning landscapes of the North York Moors National Park. Guests are invited to enjoy a freshly curated seasonal menu with friends and family while travelling along a beautifully preserved heritage line.
Departing from Pickering Station, the return journey follows the scenic route to Goathland and back, lasting about 2 hours and 45 minutes and departing at 12:45pm. With limited availability and high demand, these popular services book up quickly, so early reservation is recommended.
Bookings close one week before each service to ensure every detail is prepared. Click here for further information.
Zoolab animal encounters at Dalby Forest
- Date: Tuesday 7th April 2026
- Location: Dalby Forest Visitor Centre
- Times: 1pm, 2pm and 3pm
Dalby Forest is offering an interactive wildlife experience with Zoolab on Tuesday, 7th April for Easter. These sessions are great for curious people of all ages and look at the stories behind Easter traditions, like why we hunt for eggs and how chocolate became part of the holiday. Visitors will also get to meet different creatures, including snails, cockroaches, and snakes.
Bookable sessions are available at 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm, each lasting 45 minutes. Visitors can get up close and handle some of the animals while learning from expert presenters.
Animals may vary for welfare reasons, and not all can be handled. Tickets are required for both adults and children, making this a memorable experience for the whole family.
Monster Truck Motorfest
- Dates: Friday 3rd April 2026 – Sunday 6th April 2026
- Location: Galtres Pickering Showground, Malton Rd, Pickering YO18 8EA
- Times: Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 10am to 10.30pm. Monday: 10am to 7.30pm
- Cost: £20 pp or £75 for a family ticket. Buy tickets here.
Get ready for a high-energy weekend in North Yorkshire as Monster Truck Motorfest roars back for 2026. Known as one of the UK’s wildest family-friendly motor shows, this action-packed event promises an unforgettable day out for all ages. From the moment you arrive, it’s full-throttle excitement with engines revving, crowds cheering, and action around every corner.
Expect jaw-dropping performances throughout the day, from the mighty Slingshot Monster Truck tearing up the arena to Flyin Ryan’s daredevil motorbike stunts with huge jumps, pyrotechnics, and freestyle tricks. You’ll also catch incredible stunt displays with cars, quads, and bikes, plus world champion trials rider Steve Colley showcasing skills that defy belief. For younger visitors, there’s a lively tribute show to keep little ones entertained, along with a buzzing funfair, food village, and live music. Bigger, louder, and more action-packed than ever, it’s the kind of weekend that becomes a family favourite year after year.
Party in the Park: 50 Years of North York Moors Adventures
- Date: Friday 3rd April 2026
- Location: Sutton Bank National Park Centre
- Times: 10am – 4pm
- Cost: Free
This Easter, the North York Moors National Park is marking a special milestone as its National Park Centres turn 50. The celebrations begin at Sutton Bank National Park Centre on Good Friday (3rd April 2026) with a free, family-friendly event full of entertainment.
Visitors can listen to live music from The Saltburn Smugglers, try circus skills, watch giant bubbles, and join in with children’s crafts and face painting.
There will be plenty of tasty treats, including the launch of the ‘Finest Brew’ pale ale from Turning Point Brewery, and of course, lots of cake. It’s a great way to celebrate fifty years of adventure in one of the UK’s most loved landscapes.
Easter Family Trail at Castle Howard and the Arboretum
- Easter Trail: Sat 28th March 2026 to Sun 19th April 2026
- Meet the lambs: Sat 4th Apr 2026 – Sun 5th Apr 2026
- Location: Castle Howard
- Cost: Included with both house & garden and garden only ticket.
This Easter, bring the family to Castle Howard for a fun spring adventure. Follow a trail through the Gardens and Arboretum, included with both House & Garden and Garden tickets.
Kids can join Owl and his woodland friends in a friendly contest to make the shiniest bird box. As you explore, you’ll find nests made by Robin, Kingfisher, Swallow, and Song Thrush, and solve clues along the way.
Finish the trail to earn a special prize, including tasty chocolate treats from Autism Plus in Knaresborough.
The trail runs between Castle Howard and the Arboretum, making it a great way to spend a full day enjoying the estate this Easter. Learn about what's happening at Castle Howard this Easter.
Filey Food Festival
- Date: Sat 4th Apr 2026 – Sun 5th Apr 2026
- Location: The Crescent, Filey, YO14 9HZ
- Cost: Free
Set against the scenic backdrop of Filey Bay, the Filey Food Festival is a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge this Easter.
With over 70 stalls, visitors can sample gourmet pies, artisan chocolates, homemade cakes, and locally crafted spirits and ales.
For those craving something different, a tempting selection of international street food from Greece, Thailand, Mexico, and Italy adds a global flavour to the day.
With plenty of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options, there’s something for everyone. Combined with its lively atmosphere and beautiful seaside setting, it’s the perfect outing for families, friends, and food lovers.
Stargazing at Danby Lodge
- Date: Fri 27th March 2026 – Sunday 12th Apr 2026
- Location: Danby Lodge Dark Skies Station
- Cost: From £25
Experience the magic of stargazing beneath some of the UK’s darkest skies at the Danby Dark Skies Station, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, an official International Dark Sky Reserve.
These sessions offer an introduction to the night sky, where visitors can spot constellations, navigate by the stars, and identify celestial objects with guidance from expert astronomers.
Using professional equipment like binoculars and large telescopes, guests can enjoy views of planets, star clusters, galaxies, and nebulae, weather permitting. If the skies are cloudy, the experience continues indoors with a journey through the universe in a 360º planetarium dome, plus insights into the history of astronomy and tips for exploring the night sky from home.
We hope you have a fantastic time in our favourite town this Easter bank holiday.
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