Things to do in Whitby

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A waterfront town with red-tiled roofs, a stone wall, and a castle in the background.
A harbor with colorful boats, a historic building, and a clear sky.
A coastal town with stone buildings, a café, and a view of the sea.
A pathway through a garden with lavender bushes, trees, and a brick building in the background.
A coastal town with red-roofed houses, a lighthouse, and a sea wall.

Whitby Attractions

It isn't hard to find exciting things to do in Whitby. Delve into the area's history and check out all the best sights in this delightful city. Arrange your schedule now so you're raring to go once you arrive.

Explore the best sights in Whitby with some popular tours & day trips, or check out our list of {10 fun activities in Whitby fun activities in Whitby}. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and channel your energy into planning the perfect vacation.

Things to do

The Black Widow - Dark Tales around Scarborough

The Black Widow - Dark Tales of murder, crime and the paranormal

$13
per adult
The Black Widow - Dark Tales of murder, crime and the paranormal
Whitby: UK's Tallest Bridge Bungee Jump!

Whitby: UK's Tallest Bridge Bungee Jump!

$133
per adult
Whitby: UK's Tallest Bridge Bungee Jump!
North Yorkshire Forestry Trail eBike Adventure

North Yorkshire Forestry Trail eBike Adventure

$133
per adult
North Yorkshire Forestry Trail eBike Adventure
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Whitby must see attractions

1. Whitby Harbour

Spend a day enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Whitby Harbour. Townsfolk once said that the only road into Whitby is the sea and for centuries Whitby Harbour has been the town’s beating heart. The harbor flanks both sides of the River Esk, where shipbuilders and fishermen ply their trade on the riverbanks. At the same time, locals and tourists frequent the seafood shacks, cultural and entertainment attractions.
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A riverside town with historic buildings, a dock with boats, and a busy street with pedestrians and vehicles.

2. Whitby Beach

Whitby Beach commands a spectacular North Sea setting backed by cliffs and framed by Whitby Harbour and a dramatic headland. This beach has Blue Flag status, which means it meets certain criteria for amenities, cleanliness and water quality. Visit Whitby Beach for a fun-filled day admiring the sea views and geological formations, splashing in the cool water and watching pretty sunsets.
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A beach with people sunbathing, a pier with colorful buildings, and cliffs in the background.

3. Robin Hood's Bay Beach

Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is a charming sandy opening on the eastern side of a small fishing village. The picturesque beach lies at the foot of the quaint hilly streets of its namesake village and is a part of the North York Moors National Park. Enjoy the steep walk down to the beach via narrow alleys from the summit of the village.
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A coastal landscape with a clear sky, a calm sea, and a small village with houses and boats.

4. Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey is a set of gothic clifftop ruins that inspired the literary legend of Dracula. In addition to its ecclesiastical role, the monastery served for centuries as a landmark for sailors and inspiration for writer Bram Stoker. Enjoy a picnic on a grassy patch nearby and amble through the ruins to get a sense of the abbey’s history.
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A large, historic stone cathedral with multiple arches and towers, surrounded by grassy fields and a partly cloudy sky.

5. Whitby Pavilion

Whitby Pavilion is a one-stop venue for entertainment set on Whitby’s seafront. Established in 1878, it features an auditorium with a proscenium arch and 380 seats, which can be removed to create a traditional dance hall. Whitby Pavilion also has a cinema, exhibition hall and splendid views of Whitby Beach.
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A coastal promenade with a red brick building, a beach, and a lighthouse in the distance.

6. Whalebone Arch

The Whalebone Arch stands on a hilltop backdropped by the picturesque cliffs, cottages and harbor of Whitby. It commemorates the whaling trade that once flourished in Whitby and the brave boatmen that battled rough seas while seeking their fortune. Learn about an important part of Whitby’s history at the Whalebone Arch and take photos of the town’s postcard-perfect landscapes.
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A historic castle with ruins, surrounded by residential buildings and a grassy hill.

Recommended things to do in Whitby

Number of things to do
10
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Whitby's Historic East Side: An audio tour uncovering the east side's tales: $9
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Whitby

Free Things to Do in Whitby

Vacationing in Whitby on a budget? The following can be experienced for nothing.

Robin Hood's Bay Museum - Find out if there are any special displays or guided tours on at this museum.

Bram Stoker memorial seat - If you're intrigued by bygone times, this is one stop you really shouldn't miss.

Falling Foss Waterfall - Slow things down and spend a little time out near the water.

Captain Cook Monument - Well known among those who reside here, this place is worth taking a look at.

St Mary's Church - Take some time for a bit of meditation or prayer at this peaceful sacred place.

Whitby Beach - Dive into an amazing novel or listen to some playlists while getting some sun.

Pannett Park - Organize a picnic and enjoy a relaxing walk around the interesting plants.

Things to Do in Whitby with Kids

Whitby has loads of nearby fun experiences for you and your kids. Our family friendly experiences will keep everyone entertained for days.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Whitby? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Whitby attractions

A riverside town with historic buildings, a dock with boats, and a busy street with pedestrians and vehicles.

Whitby Harbour

9.2/10 (1,081 reviews)
With two picturesque lighthouses, a beach, historic boats, pubs and museums, Whitby’s medieval harbor is the lifeblood of this Yorkshire seaside town.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Whitby

A large Gothic cathedral with intricate stonework and pointed arches.

York

A stone castle ruin with a flag on top, surrounded by green grass and trees.

Pickering

A coastal town with historic buildings, a prominent church, and a beach with people and shops.

Scarborough

A pier extending into the sea with a beach and buildings nearby.

Middlesbrough

A waterfall in a forested area with moss-covered rocks and autumn leaves.

Goathland

A wooden boardwalk leading to a beach with benches and railings.

Saltburn-by-the-Sea

A field of blue flowers, trees, and a hill with a mountain in the background.

Guisborough

A steam train traveling through a hilly landscape with dense vegetation.

Danby

Frequently asked questions

Is Whitby worth visiting?
Renowned for its walking trails and watersports, discovering cool things to do in Whitby is a breeze. Be sure to add Robin Hood's Bay Beach to your trip itinerary while here.
How do I spend a day in Whitby?
After you've visited popular attractions like Robin Hood's Bay Beach and Whitby Beach, spend the rest of your day discovering Whitby's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Whitby?
You can't leave without visiting Robin Hood's Bay Beach, rated the top tourist attraction in Whitby.
Is three days enough to stay in Whitby?
Three days in Whitby is enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests book for two days on average. Robin Hood's Bay Beach, Whitby Beach and Whitby Pavilion are among the top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a little longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Scarborough.
Is Whitby a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city center, Whitby is a good place to visit on foot. Wander between Whitby Beach and Whitby Pavilion. Then take a stroll through West Cliff, located 0.4 miles from downtown, and Stainsacre, which is about 2 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Whitby with kids?
Deciding what to do in Whitby with kids has never been so simple. Whether you're taking a trip with teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Whitby for adults?
Bram Stoker Memorial Seat is one of the main things to do in Whitby. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Whitby?
One of the top ways to learn about free things to do in Whitby is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on hip neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without reaching for your wallet. Robin Hood's Bay Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.

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