Holiday homes & rentals in Whitby

Whitby is one of Yorkshire’s gems. Nestled in the North Sea coastline, this lively and vibrant town is the perfect weekend getaway. Whitby holiday lettings make the ideal base for exploring the ruins of the ancient abbey, which inspired the Dracula stories, for taking donkey rides on the beach and indulging in some of Whitby’s finest kippers.

A short hop up the coast and you’ll be in Robin Hood’s Bay, where you can search for primordial delights in the form of fossils from extinct creatures. Whitby is the perfect family destination and caters to children with jungle gyms, craft events and child-friendly museums. Explore 199 steps, the Captain Cook Museum and much more from the comfort of a Whitby holiday cottage.

How to get to your Whitby holiday accommodation: car, train and bus

It's most probable that you’ll arrive at your Whitby holiday letting by car, and all routes into the charming seaside town boast wonderful scenery as they meander across the moors. The A171, the A174 and the A169 all serve the town. Be aware that in bad weather driving conditions can be difficult due to the nature of the roads, so plan ahead and leave plenty of time for your journey.

It is possible to reach Whitby by train from Middlesbrough. However, due to the frequent stops, it may well be quicker to take the bus if you’re travelling from further afield. Whitby is served by regular luxury coaches from Leeds and York.

If arriving by air the closest airports to Whitby are Leeds Bradford and Newcastle. Manchester is also under two hours from Whitby.

What to eat: food and drink in Whitby

Whitby's seafood is famous and the kippers (regional cured fish) are no exception. Fortune’s is the most famous smoking establishment, but you can pick up kippers at many cafes and stalls near to your holiday letting. Fish and chips, the classic seaside staple, are also popular. Check out The Pier Inn for great grub and seafront views.

The Humble Pie and Mash Shop is a cosy, family-run café that serves up, you guessed it, delicious pies. This classic northern comfort food is a cheap treat for anybody staying in a Whitby holiday cottage. Other notable restaurants and eateries in the area are the Bridge Bar and Brassiere, Magpie Café and Arnie’s.

Whitby also has daily markets where you can buy fresh fish and other delicacies. There are plenty of self-catering cottages for rent - perfect if you're keen to get creative in the kitchen!

What to see in Whitby

Rent a holiday cottage in Whitby, and you'll find a wealth of history to explore.

The Abbey

The town is often associated with the Dracula stories, and it is said that the ruined Benediction abbey inspired Bram Stoker’s novel. However, the abbey is also a wonderful signifier of the Reformation, and what remains of the abbey dates back to 1540. In the town centre, there is also a Dracula experience where you can learn more about the history of Stoker’s creation.

Climbing the 199 steps to the abbey has become something of an attraction in its own right. It might seem like a challenge but the panoramic views from the top are worth every step.

The Captain Cook museum

Those with a nautical interest should pay a visit to the Captain Cook Museum. It documents the life of one of Britain’s most prominent sailors, who was born in nearby Middlesbrough.

Ghost walks

You can also explore Whitby’s ghoulish history with a ghost walk around the town. Several creepy and unnerving events have been reported in the town and the crooked, narrow streets certainly lend themselves to the experience.

Whitby with kids: What to do with children in Whitby

Robin Hood’s Bay is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon when the sun is shining. 8 km south of Whitby, the bay is known for the many fossils that can be found on its beaches, including dinosaur footprints, which are perfect for getting young ones excited about history and science.

The North Sea, located just off the coast of Whitby, is a primary spot for whale-watching. The Whitby Whale Watching Centre offers four-hour trips to try and catch a glimpse of seals, dolphins and a variety of whales.

If it’s raining, then a trip to the Whitby Museum or Mini Monsterz is a great way to spend the day. The latter boasts an indoor play area which includes climbing walls, sandpits and obstacle courses.

Holidays in Whitby with pets

Whitby offers a great choice of pet friendly accommodation, from cosy cottages to more modern holiday homes. The landscapes around the town promise endless adventures for dogs.

Cleveland Way Whitby forms part of the 110-mile-long Cleveland Way. Dip into the coastal part of the route by following a trail down the Yorkshire coastline from Whitby Abbey.

North York Moors National Park Head out early from your holiday cottage and take the train from Whitby to Grosmont to hike one of this large national park's many trails—they're especially pretty in summer when the heather is out.

Whitby Beach Stroll along the soft sand of Yorkshire's beaches. On the north side of the river, at the Gun Battery, you'll find the entrance to the 2.5-mile beach. From here, enjoy a relaxing walk with your dog to Sandsend, just up the coast.

Explore Whitby's coastline, nature, and historic sites from your holiday cottage

Whitby Harbour

With two piers, a bandstand, and a fish market, the harbour is buzzing. It's also home to a lifeboat museum, which recalls daring North Sea rescues.

Sandsend Beach

Just north of Whitby, Sandsend is a small sand and shingle beach. It is renowned for its fossils and fishing, and its excellent water quality makes it a good choice for swimmers.

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey is a Benedictine ruin set high on the cliff tops. Its Gothic architecture and dramatic location inspired Bram Stoker's novel, Dracula.

Falling Foss Tea Garden and Waterfall

The 67-ft high Falling Foss Waterfall is one of the highlights of the North York Moors National Park, while the nearby Tea Garden is known for its tasty cakes.

Whitby Museum

Whitby Museum is a small but highly-rated museum packed with fossils and local curiosities. Some of its specialist collections include exhibits on Captain James Cook and the local whaling industry.

Frequently Asked Questions