Whitby has been voted one of the best holiday destinations for entertainment, with a score of 6.11/10.
The North Yorkshire seaside town is a firm favorite among those looking for a classic seaside retreat. Whitby is a seaside town, harbor and civil parish in North Yorkshire. It is located on the Yorkshire coast, at the mouth of the River Esk, and has a maritime, mineral and tourist economy.
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Whitby is an attractive tourist destination due to the nearby plateaux of the North York Moors National Park, its historic coastline and its association with the horror novel Dracula.
The abbey ruins at the top of the East Cliff are the town’s oldest and most prominent landmark. Other important features include the swing bridge, which crosses the River Esk, and the harbour, sheltered by the Grade I listed East and West piers.
Its maritime heritage is commemorated by statues of the explorer Captain Cook and the whaler and scientist William Scoresby, as well as the whalebone arch that stands atop the West Cliff. It also has a strong literary tradition and has featured in works of literature, television and film, most famously in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.
Whitby recently came in seventh place on the list of the best holiday destinations in Britain according to a YouGov survey.
The research looks at the number of pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach reviews, hotel prices, Google searches, average temperature, average rainfall and local train stations.
Wondering why Whitby scores so highly? Here’s what the charming Yorkshire seaside town has to offer.
Where to eat in Whitby
(Image: Samuel Port)
Whitby is home to a number of top class eateries, from coffee houses to gastropubs and restaurants with sea views. There are three five-rated restaurants on TripAdvisor, which can be the perfect place to stop if you’re looking for a bite to eat.
The first five-star hotel according to TripAdvisor is Lush Coffee in Silver Street – which was voted a TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice for 2023. With a guaranteed ‘warm welcome’, the coffee shop serves freshly brewed coffee, all the main Yorkshire teas and full English. breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, toasties, burgers and a selection of home made cakes and treats. They also offer outdoor seating and are dog friendly too.
If you’re looking for something a little more exclusive, Ditto, another five-star hotel receiving TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice for 2023, might be an option. Located just steps from the beach on Skinner Street, the family-run restaurant is the perfect spot for foodies who want to enjoy a special meal while in town.
The third five-star eatery in Whitby, according to 875 TripAdvisor reviews, is Beckett’s – which happens to be a few doors down from Ditto on Skinner Street. The independent cafe serves a selection of hot drinks, savory dishes, breakfast, brunch, cakes and happiness, with many of the reviews praising them for their “excellent quality”.
Other top places to eat in Whitby include Cranberry Swamp, famous for its breakfast, Al Taco and The Postgate Country Inn.
Where to drink in Whitby
A seaside getaway wouldn’t be complete without a pint, prosecco or cocktail in the sun. Whitby offers plenty of places to enjoy everything from a quiet drink to a lively night out with karaoke.
The eight best pubs and bars in Whitby, ranked by TripAdvisor, are:
- The Stiddy, Main Street
- The Esk, Golden Lion Bank
- Macy Browns, New Quay Road
- Middle Earth Tavern, Church Street
- Café Montmartre, Market Square
- The Golden Lion Inn, Golden Lion Bank
- The Met Lounge Bar, Argyle Road
- Cleveland Inn, Commondale
Where to stay in Whitby
Whitby offers an abundance of accommodation options, whether you’re looking for a couples getaway or a family holiday. And if you’re lucky, you might even be able to find accommodation with a sea view.
There are numerous hotels and B&Bs spread across the city, with rooms to suit every budget.
According to TripAdvisor, Hillcrest is one of the best hotels in the area to stay in. It is a few minutes’ walk from the town center and within easy reach of Whitby’s many shops, restaurants, pubs and attractions. The hotel can also store bicycles and other adventure sports equipment on site, and with local knowledge they say they can advise on great places to cycle, walk and take part in water sports activities such as paddle boarding and surfing. They also have luxurious rooms that are spacious enough for families.
Other top-rated places to stay in Whitby include The Stables, The Penny Hedge Lodge and The Belfry.
If you’re looking for something a little quieter and more relaxing, it might be worth waiting until September. A brand new hotel will open in Whitby, complete with its own spa and restaurant.
What are Whitby’s beaches like?
Whitby is one of the cleanest and safest beaches in Yorkshire. It is one of three beaches across the country to have recently been awarded the Blue Flag – an international award given to well-managed beaches with excellent water quality. It shows visitors that they are on a clean and safe beach.
If you want to have fun by the sea, there are some beautiful beaches in Whitby and the nearby villages.
Whitby West Cliff Beach is staffed by lifeguards between May and September. It is a large sandy beach with some rocks that stretches from Upgang Beach to the mouth of the River Esk. It is the most popular beach in the area and is located on the northern edge of Whitby town, just a short walk from the town centre.
Visitors can access the beach from various points along Cleveland Way, North Terrace and North Promenade. On sunny days, families fill the sand between Upgang Beach and West Pier. There is a range of colourful beach huts for hire, as well as sun loungers and windbreaks at the slipway at West Pier.
Whitby West Cliff Beach has a seasonal dog ban between May and September, but nearby Tate Hill Beach welcomes dogs all year round.
Other popular beaches in Whitby include Sandsend Beach and Runswick Bay.
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