Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas
Things to do in Whitby
Top Things to Do in Whitby, Scarborough District - Whitby Attractions
Things to Do in Whitby
Book these experiences for a close-up look at Whitby.
Top Attractions in Whitby
Ancient Ruins • Architectural Buildings
Speciality Museums • Children's Museums
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travellers are saying
- stephanie005_12Newcastle upon Tyne, UK107 contributionsDefinitely walk the steps, once at the top there is a lovely little bar, also the Abbey and the Graveyard. The views are lovely, a fab ice cream van parked at the top.Written 4 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JNH1997Sutton in Ashfield, UK132 contributionsThe beach is beautiful and clean, with rocks along the fist half coming out of the harbour then sand which goes on for miles, the beach is clean and has perfect spots for BBQ and picnics by the cliff edge and extensive sand for walks and building sandcastles, most perfect to catch a sunset as the tide goes out on a late evening.Written 16 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Laura TMiddlesbrough, UK6,102 contributionsWe opted not to have the audio tour or buy the guidebook, instead spending an enjoyable hour or so walking around the site and exploring the ruins. There are very few information boards, but we preferred to stroll around the grounds in the sunshine and gaze at the spectacular ruins.
We've walked past Whitby Abbey many times and peeped over the wall, thinking you can see most of the abbey from outside the grounds. But you really only appreciate just how impressive the ruins are when you are actually walking through the abbey and looking up UP at the stones, so we recommend paying the fee to enter site for a fantastic experience.
We didn't realise that there is a 2nd entrance / exit right next to the carpark, near to the toilets, which might be more convenient for some. We used the main entrance and exited through the small museum area, which was interesting to look around for 10 minutes or so. Then left the building via the shop, which stocked a large choice of the usual National Trust souvenirs plus Whitby and Dracula themed souvenirs.
We also didn't realise that there is a second cafe (not just the one at main entrance) at the back of the property, connected to the YHA. This has a lovely outside seating area with picnic tables overlooking a great view of Whitby, much nicer than the one at main entrance we thought. Plus there are toilets here for customers to use (whereas only other toilets are at carpark and have to be paid for). We can't comment on the food as we only bought ice-creams, but they were reasonably priced and the staff were friendly.
The carpark next door is not owned by English Heritage, we paid £7 for 6 hours as were spending the day in Whitby.
Tickets are quite expensive at £12.40 each which is probably why we have never been before! But we bought English Heritage membership last year and have gotten our money back twice over within the year. These abbey ruins are actually our favourites that we have visited, better than Fountains Abbey or Rievaulx we thought.Written 28 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Paula H7 contributionsAmazing place to sit and people watch.
Very busy during the day and our dogs were overwhelmed at times.
Lovely on an evening and we watched the sun set from the pier. Beautiful experienceWritten 1 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - TeresaMcRipon, UK13 contributionsThe museum and art gallery in Pannet Park are well worth a visit. There are so many exhibits to see, we spent a good two hours and didn’t manage to see everything. The entry ticket lasts 12mths so we will definitely return.Written 13 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Natalie L19 contributionsBeautiful place… well worth visiting just for the scones 😋 … The waterfall is amazing.
The walk/loop is far better done backwards…. The views are lovely and it’s anything but a boring walk… lovely day out!Written 3 July 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - Laura TMiddlesbrough, UK6,102 contributionsWe didn't go inside the church as we are atheists, but we always enjoy having a wander around the atmospheric graveyard. Our most recent visit was on a beautiful sunny day in June, so we enjoyed lovely views from the churchyard looking down over Whitby and the piers and out to sea.
Caedmon's Cross is an ornately carved cross located in the church grounds, right at the top of the 199 steps, worthwhile stopping for a couple of photos (as you pause to catch your breath from walking up all the stairs!)
The church and abbey ruins silhouetted on the hill are iconic landmarks of Whitby.
The 199 steps are worth the effort to get to the top; for the great views from the scenic graveyard and we also highly recommend paying to enter Whitby Abbey, which can only be fully appreciated up-close.Written 28 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. - ANDREW B30 contributionsWe enjoyed reading Captain Cook’s letters and finding out about his travels. The items were well displayed and the staff knowledgeable. Definitely worth the fee.Written 1 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Simon HChester, UK1 contributionFabulous few hours spent with Tony & Patricia in this gem of a museum. Wonderful old scientific instruments demonstrated with gusto, enthusiasm and a profound knowledge. Superb afternoon tea served by Patricia - all in all a delightful experience. A joy that it even exists.Written 14 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- JNH1997Sutton in Ashfield, UK132 contributionsNice walk along the harbour to the lighthouses, beautiful in sunset, would’ve been nice if we could’ve seen inside the lighthouses but nonetheless was lovely to see and get some stunning pictures along the harbour.Written 16 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Martin BLiverpool, UK143 contributionsLike with the statue of Captain Cook, I always make the effort to walk up to the whalebone when I'm in Whitby. Although looking slightly weather-worn now, it is still an impressive sight, framing the beach, church and abbey. I never get tired of the view from there. Quite happy to spend a few hours there, enjoying the view and ambience.Written 17 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- TeessideAngel65Whitby, UK59 contributionsSaltwick Bay beach is beautiful. It's tucked out of the way and is accessed by a steep set of steps in the sandy sides of a cliff. It's not a down and back up again trek for the unfit! It's a much quieter beach than Whitby beach, as it's a little walk out of town, but it's a treasure of a place. Great for dogs, too, as it's quite safe for them and there's no ban (so far). Take a picnic, as there's no facilities - unless you use the cafe on the holiday park at the top. If you're lucky, you'll have the beach to yourself. Can't top that.Written 22 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- betsyhassettWales38 contributionsNice gardens to wander through after a cup of tea at the museum café. Particularly like the Jurassic walk through.Written 22 June 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- Joanne HChorley, UK474 contributionsVisited Robin Hood's Bay while we were on a weekend break in Whitby. Steep walk down to the tiny harbour but it was quite a cold windy day so we didn't hang around! The incline isn't too bad going down - but be prepared for a workout coming back up!!Written 30 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
- TR6-KIDNewark-on-Trent, UK471 contributionsSmall but teriffic little museum. Lots of info and exhibits, the work these folk due is amazing. Well worth a visit and don't forget to give some cash - it's a bl**dy national disgrace there's no government funding for these lad and lasses.Written 3 April 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitby
- The top attractions to visit in Whitby are: See all attractions in Whitby on Tripadvisor
- The best outdoor activities in Whitby according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Falling Foss Tea Garden and Waterfall
- Sandsend Beach
- Whitby Beach
- Pannett Park
- Poets Cottage Shrub Nursery
- The best day trips from Whitby according to Tripadvisor travellers are:
- Steam Trains, Whitby, and the North York Moors Full-Day Tour from York
- North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York
- Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
- Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from York
- Full-Day Heartbeat Locations Tour from York
- The most popular things to do in Whitby with children according to Tripadvisor travellers are:See all kid friendly things to do in Whitby on Tripadvisor