The coastal town of Whitby has something special about it and has long been popular with visitors to Yorkshire’s Coast, owing to its delightful harbour which is surrounded by pretty houses, restaurants and fun things to do. All this splendour is overlooked by the historic Whitby Abbey.
The town is famous for its association with Bram Stoker‘s Dracula, English explorer Captain James Cook and the mysterious Whitby Jet. Visitors can stroll along the harbour walls, from where seals, dolphins and porpoises can be seen as little fishing boats chug by. The town’s maritime heritage is commemorated by statues of Captain Cook and William Scoresby and the whalebone arch at the top of the West Cliff.
Other significant features include the swing bridge, which crosses the River Esk and the harbour, which is sheltered by the grade II listed East and West piers.
West of town is West Cliff Beach, lined with colourful beach huts.
Whitby rail station is located along Bagdale and towards Victoria Square. There are routes to Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, Sunderland, Newcastle, Hexham and Carlisle via the scenic Esk Valley Line.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is also accessible from Whitby rail station. Go back in time and enjoy dramatic moorland all the way to the market town of Pickering.
Whitby has great bus routes to surrounding areas including villages and towns along the North Yorkshire coast. You’ll find regular routes to Scarborough and Middlesbrough, along with occasional direct services to Pickering, Malton, York and Leeds.
The nearest airport is Teesside International, 45 miles away from Whitby.
