Discover Whitby
Whitby is a coastal town located in North Yorkshire, governed by North Yorkshire Council. With a population of around 14,000, it sits at the mouth of the River Esk. Known for its striking Whitby Abbey, the town's maritime heritage and stunning coastal views attract numerous visitors annually.
Explore the map below to discover accommodation, attractions, restaurants, and live events across Whitby. Scroll down to browse featured listings and plan your perfect visit.
Stay in Whitby
The Beaches Guest House
Host & Stay - Albion House
Apartment 4, Crescent Avenue
Chainbridge Riverside Retreats
Things to Do in Whitby
Cholmley House
Discover Cholmley House, nestled within the historic Whitby Abbey grounds, housing an insightful museum of local history.
Lou Taylor's Memorial Bench
Enjoy stunning panoramic views over Whitby harbour from Lou Taylor's Memorial Bench, a peaceful spot to relax and take in the scenery.
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Geographic Facts
This town is geographically within the following regions:
- Population
- 13,594
- Administrative area
- North Yorkshire
- Dialing code
- 01947
- Timezone
- UTC±00:00
- Website
- whitby.co.uk
Data sourced from Wikidata and verified public records
Upcoming Events in Whitby
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Local Guides & Stories
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Walkshire in Whitby
More Walks in Whitby →
Walk: Whitby Abbey and the Coast
A short walk that follows a lovely cliffside section of the Yorkshire Coast and returns via the dramatic Whitby Abbey. The views over Whitby are exceptional. The Route what3words for start point: ///mastering.agreeable.glassware Start Point: Car Park east side of the estuary in Whitby centre Finish Point: Whitby Distance: 5 Miles GPX Route Map whitbyandwhitbyabbeyDownload Walk Description From Whitby harbour climb the steep steps on the east side past St Mary's Church. From the top of the steps enjoy the views over Whitby before following the signs for the Cleveland Way as it winds its way along the cliff edge. Pass the smugglers cove at Saltwick Bay (worth exploring if you have time) before arriving at the still working lighthouse after two miles. From here turn inland and continue along quiet lanes back towards Whitby. The ruins of Whitby Abbey will dominate the return, becoming more impressive with every step.
Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay Walk
This coastal walk follows a popular section of the Cleveland Way from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay. It's a beautiful stretch of coast with pretty bays and cliff top views. The walk runs for about 7 miles on generally good, waymarked footpaths. The Route Start Point: Whitby Finish Point: Robin Hood's Bay Distance: 6.4 miles GPX Route Map whitby-to-robins-hood-bayDownload Walk Description what3words for start point: ///giraffes.lofts.overlaps This walk starts in Whitby on the River Esk and heads to stunning Whitby Abbey. The atmospheric ruined abbey overlooks the North Sea on the East Cliff above Whitby. It's a very photogenic spot with the abbey ruins surrounded by coast, river and countryside. The route continues to Saltwick Bay and the Whitby Lighthouse, before passing Oakham Beck and Rain Dale. Soon after you come to the fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay. The village is very picturesque with lots of old fishermen's cottages. You could return the same way or turn it into a circular walk by following a track inland to Hawsker and Stainsacre. The trail can be picked up in the village just to the west of the coast path. To extend your walk you can continue along the coast path to Ravenscar and visit Harwood Dale Forest. There's lots of footpaths and bridleways to explore the coniferous woodland with its pine and spruce trees, streams and ponds. You can also try the Ravenscar to Robin Hoods Bay Circular Walk which perfectly combines some fine inland moorland scenery and the coast. Food & Facilities There are almost no facilities along this route, so it's best to pack a picnic. Once in Robin Hood's Bay, the Victoria Hotel and the Flask Inn both serve food.
Walk: Cleveland Way National Trail
The 109 mile horseshoe-shaped Cleveland Way starts in the wonderful market town of Helmsley before stretching across the breathtaking heather moorland of the North York Moors National Park then returning south along the coast from Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The Route Start Point: Helmsley Finish Point: Filey Distance: 109 miles GPX Route Map cleveland-wayDownload Walk Description what3words for start point: ///expose.billiard.walnuts The 109 mile horseshoe-shaped Cleveland Way starts in the wonderful market town of Helmsley before stretching across the breathtaking heather moorland of the North York Moors National Park then returning south along the coast from Saltburn-by-the-Sea. The route progresses along the North Yorkshire coastline to Filey, passing old fishing villages and bustling coastal towns. The National Trail runs through the smuggler’s village of Robin Hood’s Bay and the fantastic seaside resorts of Scarborough and Whitby You can walk the Cleveland Way at any time of year but if you want to see the moorland heather in bloom, the best time to visit is late August and early September. It is better to walk it in a clockwise direction from Helmsley to Filey with the wind behind you. It can be challenging in places, especially along the coastal areas. There are plenty of shorter circular walks that incorporate stretches of the path that can be completed in a day.
National Trails
We're lucky to have four of Britain's finest National Trails here in Yorkshire. So take your pick. The Cleveland Way roller-coasts around the North York Moors from Helmsley to the coast. The Yorkshire Wolds Way rambles through peaceful fields and over gentle chalk-hills. Or for something more strenuous, the Pennine Way strides through the Yorkshire Dales on its mammoth journey from the Peak District to Scotland. Or maybe the purpose built Pennine Bridleway is your kind of walk, bike or horse ride? Try a Trail One of the best things about these trails, apart from the amazing scenery, is how easy it is to sample them. You don't have to do the whole thing end-to-end. And you don't have to be hardy hiker. You can stroll along a route for a few hours then loop back to your start-point. Once you've sampled a few days on one of Yorkshire's National Trails, walking a route in its entirety will surely be your next aim. It may take a week or longer, but the sense of achievement is supreme, while close contact with the natural environment provides its own spiritual rewards - and it doesn't do the waistline any harm either. Walkers come in all different varieties. Some like to do it in style, staying at good B&Bs and having their luggage brought on each day by a baggage handling company, while many like to enjoy shorter walks just for the day. But there's still a place for the hardy hiker seeking the thrill and challenge of being exposed to some of the most outstanding scenery in Britain. Cleveland Way Distance: 109 miles (98 miles in Yorkshire)Duration: 9 daysStart: Helmsley, North YorkshireFinish: Filey Brigg, North Yorkshire GPX Route Map cleveland-wayDownload Follow the fantastic scenery of the North York Moors National Park, crossing stunning lengths of heather moorland and providing spectacular views of the North Yorkshire coastline. Starting from the attractive market town of Helmsley, the trail heads across the inspirational, and sometimes vibrant heather moorland of the North York Moors, before reaching the coast at Saltburn. From here it's a visual feast along the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline to Filey, passing old fishing villages and lively coastal towns, including Staithes and Whitby. Along the way there is a wealth of history and heritage to enjoy. Helmsley Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, Mount Grace Priory, Gisborough Priory, Whitby Abbey and Scarborough Castle to name just a few special sites. A good level of fitness is needed to walk the whole route in one go, especially if you carry your own gear. However you can do a short section or a day walk which would be much easier. The distance you walk is entirely up to you - maybe you'll enjoy a few hours steady saunter, or maybe a few days trekking. Accommodation and pubs are great along the route. You're sure to get a warm Yorkshire welcome! The shoulder seasons in spring and autumn are good times to walk the Way. It will be quieter and it can be easier to book accommodation. Filey Brigg is also the northern end of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, so why not keep going for another week of waking on one of Yorkshire's Top Trails? For a real test of stamina, if you can manage another 48 miles walking, follow the Tabular Hills Walk between Scarborough and Helmsley, to complete the circuit around the North York Moors National Park, and you'll be able to travel by train to Scarborough, Whitby, Saltburn, Great Ayton or Kildale to start it. Pennine Way Distance: 270 miles (80 miles in Yorkshire)Duration: 6 to 19 daysStart: Edale, Peak DistrictFinish: Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders The Way takes you from the Peak District along the Pennine ridge, through the Yorkshire Dales and beyond. There are plenty of historical and cultural interest sites along the way to be enjoyed too. Starting at the scene of the Kinder Scout mass trespasses of the 1930s, walk through the Southern Pennines, the cradle of the Industrial Revolution, pass Haworth, home of the Brontë sisters, across the limestone country of the Yorkshire Dales, and enter an area renowned for its lead mining history. Finally you'll reach the Roman Wall and beyond that the territory of the Scottish Border rivers. The Pennine Way takes you into isolated country. As with all walks, sound planning is important. Brush up your navigation skills, carry the appropriate large-scale maps and know how to use them. There are sections of the route, especially at each end, which require careful thought about accommodation and advance booking is advisable at most times of the year. It's a life affirming (possibly changing) experience. Pennine Bridleway Distance: 350 miles (when complete) GPX Route Map penninebridlewayelev20200819Download The Pennine Bridleway is one of the newest National Trails and the first purpose built trail of its kind designed specifically for horse-riders, off-road cyclists and walkers to enjoy. The entire Pennine Bridleway will eventually run for 350 miles (560km) from the High Peak Trail in Derbyshire to Byrness, Northumberland. It follows a mix of old packhorse routes and drove roads, often sensitively refurbished and upgraded, linked with newly created stretches of bridleway. It's well signposted and maintained, which means you don't have to be a serious mountain biker to enjoy some of our finest mountain bike country. Open sections include 73 miles through Derbyshire to the South Pennines, the 47 mile Mary Towneley Loop, which runs close to Todmorden, and the 10 mile Settle Loop in the Yorkshire Dales. Yorkshire Wolds Way Distance: 79 milesDuration: 6 daysStart: Hessle, East YorkshireFinish: Filey, North Yorkshire yorkshire-wolds-wayDownload A National Trail to savour. It's not too strenuous and offers a route where the peace and quiet of country life still dominate and the gentle charm of the Yorkshire Wolds leaves the walker refreshed in body and spirit. As well as being a National Trail, the Wolds Way National Trail forms part of the E2 European walking route. If you're looking for your first National Trail to walk, then the Yorkshire Wolds Way gives you a not too challenging introduction. It's only 79-miles long and the Wolds make for easier walking than the North Yorks Moors, the Dales and the rest of the Pennines in Yorkshire. To make things even easier there are train stations near the start of the walk on the shore of the Humber estuary in Hessle and its North Sea coast end in Filey.