The 23 best things to do with kids in Whitby

Several websites entice readers to visit Whitby Abbey and “sink your teeth into years of history”. This figurative phrase is no doubt a nod to the dietary behaviour of Dracula, who has a connection to the Abbey. Whitby Abbey is steeped in history. It also has well-known connections to several literary giants, including Bram Stoker, Sir Walter Scott, and Lewis Carroll. Relatively little of the history or literary ties would be apparent when walking around the ruins, other than some info at the visitor centre. However, one of Whitby Abbey's charms is its gothic beauty on the barren hillside by the sea. Walking through the Whitby Abbey ruins during the day reveals the intricate work of the arches and pillars. But several other UK abbeys overshadow Whitby's relatively smaller size and substance, which makes the price a bit steep, unless you have English Heritage membership. Fortunately, we also visited the previous evening -- after hours, taking pics of Whitby Abbey from outside the stone walls. A glorious May sunset provided more striking illumination of the Abbey’s gothic style. That was also an excellent time to view the adjacent cemetery as well as Whitby town from the hill and to walk down the steps. Only an dozen or so people on the steps or near the Abbey at sunset. The visitor centre has a good display of Abbey information, including literary connections and a 1st edition of Dracula book inscribed and autographed by the author Bram Stoker. Visited in mid-May 2025.

Lovely place to visit. Halloween is a spectacular time to visit. So many people dress up, it's amazing. At night when the Abbey lights up, ghost talks, roast chestnut stands, fire pits and marshmallows. I would suggest any one to go, even with the kids, they will love it - ours did! And Whitby is a beautiful place to see. Lots of places around to go and look at.

The Whitby Abbey is absolutely stunning! The 199 steps up lead to stunning views of the town and sea which are beautiful and perfect for photos. When we got there it was already closed, so we could only see it from outside the stone walls, but still, the ruins and the historic graveyard are impressive. It’s definitely worth a visit.

Whitby Abbey is a hauntingly beautiful place — dramatic ruins perched high above the sea with incredible views over the town and coastline. The atmosphere is both peaceful and powerful, especially at sunset. The visitor centre tells the story of the abbey and its connection to Dracula in an engaging way. A perfect mix of history, mystery, and breathtaking scenery — truly unforgettable.

Had a walk up the infamous 199 steps on two occasions - once with our 4 year old daughter and the next day with our two dogs. Everyone enjoyed it. Things to prepare for this time of year; it's windy. Really windy. Wrap up. Some were less prepared and shivering at the top. It's wide open and exposed. Dress appropriately! For those less keen on steps, there's a path to the side of the steps - Donkey Path! Once upon a time, the donkeys would work there, walking up and down serving the people of Whitby and it's carrying needs! The church, ruins, museum, cafe and brewery were all visited over the two days and would recommend them all!

Whitby Abbey is a great place to visit, if you like history and old sites of interest. You can park up the top, or walk up the famous steps. Even better, go on the open top bus and see Whitby from a different angle. English Heritage run the Abbey they’ve invested a big sum of money into making it a great experience. We got some vouches to get in free from a news paper, otherwise it can be pricey for a family. Obviously members can get in free. We cancelled our membership after paying for a year when covid hit, and we felt ripped off.

The English Heritage staff at this site are absolutely incredible. So helpful, informative, caring and dedicated. The 'Illuminated Abbey' this weekend was epic. A real joy to behold. Thank you!!

Whitby Museum is a hidden gem! The collections are incredibly interesting – from fascinating fossils and maritime history to beautiful local artifacts. Unfortunately, we only had about 2 hours to visit, but I’m sure you could easily spend much longer here exploring everything. The museum is in a lovely location, close to a park and a playground, so it’s perfect for a family day out. Only adults pay for entry, and the ticket is valid for a whole year, which is amazing value. There’s so much to see and learn – I can’t wait to come back!

A very interesting museum, set in the lovely Whitby Park—perfect for a walk before or after your visit. There’s plenty to see, with most of the items generously donated. Tickets are great value and include free return visits for a whole year, which is a real bonus. There’s also a small tea room inside, ideal for a quick break.

This is a wonderful informative visit that’s needs time to be able to review everything the museum has to offer. It has disabled access at the back very friendly staff lots of clean toilets and disabled facilities the museum contents oh my goodness you couldn’t ask get lost in the history that this museum offers. You really do need more than half a day to look round the many sections that are packed with historical events local history events and all of the many items to review ………… it’s very warm and welcoming one price gets everyone in and your admission allows a whopping 12 months come back as many times as you want or can. The grounds outside are spectacular even at the end of September when we visited there were a host of beautiful welcoming colourful blooms to invite you to invest your time walking round or sitting in one of the many seats available to sit and look around at the most spectacular sites that Whitby has to offer.

This is such a lovely place to spend a few hours - we recently visited for the first time and it's kooky and charming and just a treat for anybody who wants to learn more about Whitby and the surrounding area. A huge variety of exhibits to enjoy (including the legendary hand of glory!) and a stunning collection of ship models, fossils, jet, vintage photos and animal displays. And it's all set in beautiful Pannett Park.

Lovely little museum that is packed full of interesting and wonderful artifacts. We loved looking at the vintage toys! Admission for kids is free and it is inexpensive for adults, admissions gets you an annual pass for free entry for the year.

Really wonderful museum packed full of history of whitby, Natural history and key time period discoveries. Admission covers you for a whole 12 months from your first visit too which is a lovely touch. 😊

Was great! Canny little museum with a nice little cafe. Mega friendly staff. Lots to see

Very interesting museum. Two adults with gift aid was £22. 4 floors of information and things to see. Staff are helpful and friendly. Gift shop is good too.

Chris told us a very interesting story about Captain Cook and sailors. Alex helped him to compare challenges in olden days of survival at the ocean to surviving in space and potentially to Mars.

ok im a bit bias but I love anything Captain Cook he's an amazing piece of Australian history in colonisation...im not going to debate the rights or the wrongs because it's history and we can not change it ...if you take everything out of it he was an amazing seamen in his time ...this a small museum and Whitby is an absolutely beautiful little town to visit as well if your there check it out ...there is or maybe was a replica Endeavour in the bay as well that was for sale so not sure its still there . definitely work a look but sadly a floating restaurant

Very interesting museum with lots of information to read across three floor levels in a house in which captain Cook once resided during his stays in Whitby. Definitely worth a visit. Especially for people who are interested in seafaring.

Great little museum. Not just on Captain Cook, had interesting historical facts on navigation, medicine etc too. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable.

Amazing experience. Staff very professional and kind , we learned a lot and we definitely left the museum touched by all that we've learned. The vast knowledge of the museum's guide and his passion was touching. We left the place feeling really greatful for people that make such a great difference to our world.

We called in as we were passing(and also had a discount voucher,so thought we'd use it). It's quite a small place, but gave plenty of information about Cook,his start and how he became what he did. An informative little place.

What an absolutely lovely place. If you like harbours (oh that smell) and old, worldly streets, I think you should come here. It has all the stores you would expect and some 'hand-made' accessory/clothes shops too. If you're feeling fit, climb the steps to the Abbey. Eat at the famous Magpie Cafe for local caught fish. Watch the swing bridge in action as the boats come in and pass through. Love it 🥰

Whitby is a great place! The views are stunning, both in the town and also at the Abbey/Castle! On a clear day you can see Norway from Whitby Pier/jetty. There are boat tours, usually 30 minutes, a variety to chose from as well. There is also a Whale watching tour, I didn't go on this as I wasn't aware and you needed to book in advance, but this is must! There is a nice cafe with beautiful views close to the Abbey where you can get stunning pictures. There is a railway and local buses running to places. There are also tour buses that take your sights in Whitby.

I highly recommend visiting a beautiful place called Whitby. The scenery is stunning, especially in summer when everything is lush and vibrant. The beach has soft, fine sand, and the water is crystal clear. However, be prepared—the water is quite cold, even in the summer, so swimming is not an option. Instead, you can enjoy playing in the sand and soaking up the sun. It's a perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach!

A beautiful spot to visit, especially in summer. The beach is spacious, with lovely views, and it’s definitely worth coming with your dog for a good walk and some fresh sea air.

Stunning view to drive to the Whitby Beach. Nice boat ride, there is a castle to go. On top that beach side. Perfect for a day out on a sunny day.

Lovely clean beach. Great bank holiday fun. Coast guard on the beach keeping everyone safe. Loads of families enjoying the August Bank Holiday busy. 😊😎

You can’t beat Whitby far a great day out. There’s loads to do and plenty of fish and chip shops around. We love looking through all the little shops down the cobbled streets. In my younger days I’d run up the steps to the Abbey but a steady stroll works for me these days. The only negative would be that I can walk my dog along the beach in the summer season but I’m not marking it down for that. It’s an hour drive for me but worth every minute.

A city centre park with a museum and playground. Nice place to walk through or stop on one of the many benches and in some places you can see the abbey or overlook Whitby town. It's hilly but with paths but entrance with a pram or wheelchair etc is only available from the top road as there are a lot of access points that involve stone steps.

While I don't have green fingers myself, and I don't have a garden, I am always in awe of those who work hard to create stunning public spaces like Pannett Park in Whitby. The gardens are a really peaceful, colourful and well-kept attraction with 12 sculptures, flowers beds, rare trees, fossils and more! The park also overlooks Whitby and has some stunning views. If you love gardens, this is definitely one to visit if ever you are in Whitby.

Beautifully kept park, good paths, some steep. Terrific collection of trees And flower beds. Saw a couple of tree creepers

A really lovely spacious park providing a bit of peace and quiet from the hustle and bustle of Whitby. Beautifully tended and the museum (which is closed on mondays) is free to enter

Lovely quiet place ..plenty of space ..but no dogs allowed which is nice ..

Well managed clean tidy. Lots of wildlife. Lovely play park for kids , nice place for picking

Lovely park, dogs not allowed, squirrels and other wildlife in abundance. On a slope, but there are lovely paths that avoid the steps. One corner has a well equipped play park. A quiet haven with lovely views, just a stones throw away from the busy shops.

Cheap and dated but actually a lot of fun! Been visiting Whitby for years and this was the first time we went to the Dracula Experience. Think everyone should give it a go for the fun of it! Not expensive.

Was a bit short for the price it costs and for saying it was summer holidays there was no live actors on either. Did see a herse with a skeleton as you come out. So that added to it.

Was ok for the money £7 each adult. Fun and a couple of jump scares. Was almost pitch black, so you couldn’t actually read any of the small plaques unless you got your torch out. The video was interesting at the end. Took around 20 mins including the video. Probably better if it’s busier or a group of you. Not a must see, but if you’re there you kinda have to do it 😆🧛🏻

So much fun! My partner and I enjoyed ALL of it, the miniature scenery, the film props and the scenes from the book. We had the the biggest laughs of all when there were any jump scares. It's a central part of the Whitby experience.

If you Love Dracula, kitsch, camp & fun you MUST go here. Judging by the reviews we weren’t sure what to expect. We spent a good hour in here. There’s plenty to read & look at if you take your time. If you’re walking alone it is a bit spooky! There was also a human jump scare which was quite fun. I recommend you stay for the mini film at the end. If you’re going to the abbey already you’d be a real sucker not to come here. Not sure if it was the owner, but the Man at the door was so cool and nice. It was really nice talking to him and I hope that The Dracula Experience lives on to be as old as Dracula himself. We were there for ages & taking photos and no one ever rushed or bothered us. I’m from Chicago but my boyfriend and I drove from Essex for this and the Abbey. 100% worth it & will definitely go back someday. My only critique is we need more merch! Be sure to buy one of their t-shirts on the way out! If you’re looking for a terrifying haunted house, this isn’t it.. but if you Love Drac & old time fashioned fun then this is the place for you. Not many places like this exist anymore.. There’s a paid car park close by so that wasn’t a problem either.

We’d read the mixed reviews but decided to give it a go during Halloween week as our daughter was keen to experience it. At £20 for the three of us, it felt a bit steep, especially since the whole visit lasted around 15 minutes. The attraction is slightly worn and could definitely use a refresh, but it was still interesting, and the live actor did manage a decent jump scare! Overall, an okay experience, but not something we’d rush back to.

This is 5/5 if you want a 15 minute experience of pure camp and some love jump scares. A bit like Dracula himself, style on the outside, dark on the inside.

This was our photo stop before going to the Abbey. This is a popular tourist destination, busy at any time. The arch, the statue and the harbor views were remarkable.

Visited for the pirate weekend, it was great fun, Whitby is a beautiful place, we will definitely return. Great place for families to visit.

Quite disappointed with it once we got to the top. I guess being surrounded by shops and loud music takes its charm away. Worth the climb if only for the view of the sea and the Whitby Abbey

Tourism has developed since our previous visit twenty years ago, still, we had no problems finding somewhere to park the car at the harbour, even though the place was very busy. Lots to see, and plenty of pubs, food outlets etc. We had been up to the Abbey before, highly visible up on the clif, but we did drive up to the west cliff to view the harbour below, and see the Captain Cook Memorial.

Always worth a visit to the Whalebone arch when in Whitby. Amazing views of the harbour, coastal walls, beach, Abbey and surrounding area. Easy to get to just a short walk away from the centre.

Plenty of seating here to enjoy your fish and chips whilst taking in a view of the port and out into the sea.

great place to view the whalebone and out to the seaview parking was possible but didn't take cash or card had to ring a number to register to park or you can download a app to pay your parking

Walk to Whitby Harbour is enjoyable and having fresh breathe. There’s a lot boats fishing and tourists boats, birds, cafes, restaurants, pubs and plenty of shops for your entertainment. Even you can have a lively walk to the beach which is minutes walk aways. There’s plenty to do things around.

A stunning area to sit and enjoy the sea. Great walks along the beach and plenty of places to stop and relax. We watched the boats for a while before grabbing some food. We arrived before 9am but parking was still tricky if you want to be close by.

Lovely walk along the pier to the lighthouses. There is plenty of seating to relax and enjoy the views. It is easily accessible for wheelchair users and pushchairs.

Went for a family day out while the weather was nice. Few flaws:- toilets cost (everywhere) with a bunch of kids and having a pregnant wife that was not cheap. The ice creams and soft drinks were extremely high. £6 for an iced latte and £6.50 for two scoop ice cream is quite high. In the heat of the summer they definitely know what they are doing to make extra cash. Okay so we enjoyed a boat trip down the river and back for 20 mins and cost £25 for 5 people. Food costs weren’t as bad as some places and there are plenty of options. Watch out for those seagulls as one bomb dived our teenage son to steal a Greggs paper bag with pizza in it. Scared the life out of him but all he made off with was a screech and bit of paper! (He wasn’t letting go!) haha We visit every few years and treat the kids. There are some little kiddies rides at the end of the harbour and some arcades. These were only about £1 per arcade game and £10 for 5 play tokens. It’s busy in August but manageable. The park and ride system is amazing. £6.50 for three kids and two adults which includes bus travel 10mins each way and parking all day. Loads of shuttle buses so hardly any waiting. Parking in Whitby is a nightmare even tho we have a disabled badge. Definitely use the park and ride. Will def visit in a few years again.

A first visit to Whitby and I must admit I was staggered by just how 'trippery' it is. Wall to wall cafes and restaurants offering fish and chips, boat trips-a-plenty, souvenirs, ice-creams, sticks of rock et al. Plus no loos at the station or bus station and 50 pence to use the one across the road On a glorious day, it was just nice to potter about and people watch, there being plenty of visitors on a sunny mid-May day. I shudder to think what it must be like here in mid-Summer when it certainly would not be to my taste.

Nice to walk around, not too busy despite the warm weather. Views looking over to Whitby Abbey, calming listening to the water, and watching boats go out

Lovely little town with a beautiful beach. We were lucky and watched Dolphins from a boat trip we took from the harbour and also spotted them from the beach. If you fancy, you can tour Whitby Abbey (English Heritage, charges apply), see the Whale bone arch and Captain Cook memorial.

Amazing ancient site with views across the entire bay. We didn't pay to enter the ruins but instead, walked around the burial ground ready the many gravestones that hadn't corroded due to the salt-water from the sea. One of the multitude of things to do in and around Whitby. Have been coming here for years and will continue to do so.

The 199 Steps are a must when visiting Whitby! Climbing them is a little challenge, but totally worth it. On the way up, you can enjoy beautiful views of the town, the harbor, and the sea. At the top, you reach the famous Whitby Abbey, and the atmosphere is amazing. Even though it’s a bit of a workout, you can take your time and stop to enjoy the scenery. It’s one of the best experiences in Whitby full of history, charm, and fantastic photo opportunities.

I visited the 199 Steps at Whitby with my friend and Wallahi, it was such an amazing experience. Climbing the 199 Steps wasn’t a challenge at all, and the views from the top to the bottom were absolutely stunning – you can see the whole town, the harbour, and the coastline. The steps lead up to St. Mary’s Church and the ruins of Whitby Abbey, which made the visit even more special. We had so much fun taking in the scenery, exploring the area, and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Overall, it was a highlight of our Whitby trip, and In Shaa Allah, I would love to visit again.

It's a beautiful climb with a rich history. The steps, originally made of wood and dating back to the 14th century, were a test of faith for those heading to St. Mary's Church and Whitby Abbey at the top. The views from the cliffside are truly breathtaking, offering a full panorama of the harbor, the town's rooftops, and the sweeping coastline.

The 199 steps leading to Whitby Abbey are as much a part of the town’s charm as the abbey itself. This steep, winding staircase, starting from the cobbled streets of Church Street, is a physical and historical journey. The steps, weathered by centuries of pilgrims, sailors, and tourists, offer a tangible connection to Whitby’s past—think medieval monks trudging up to the abbey or Bram Stoker’s Dracula, inspired by this very climb.At the top, the abbey’s ruins and the adjacent St. Mary’s Churchyard await, steeped in atmosphere. The climb feels like a rite of passage, earning you the right to soak in the history and the sweeping coastal views. It’s not just a path; it’s a story in stone. Pros: Iconic experience, stunning views, free to climb, historical vibe. Cons: Physically demanding, crowded in peak season, slippery when wet. Tip: Count the steps to keep your mind off the burn—legend says it’s always 199. Rating: 4/5—tough but unforgettable.

Climbing the 199 steps isn’t as hard as it looks, and it’s definitely worth trying. The view from the top is beautiful, giving you a great perspective over Whitby and the coast. A must-do when visiting the town.

Was fabulous to walk up & down the steps. The only thing that really bothered me wasn't anything to do with the steps or Whitby. It was stupid dog owners,tiny dogs walking up & down the steps,the owners not bothered and it's everyone else's responsibility to not step on them! The day we went Whitby was truly packed so why on earth do people add dogs to the equation? I have a dog and I left mine at home for her own safety. Just leave your dogs at home folks! Cocking their legs up on head stones,people tripping over them etc.have some respect!

A really interesting place to walk to and visit. The grave yard is spooky with a few famous graves worthy of note. People associate a couple of graves with Dracula too, look out for grave stoves with skull and crossbones on them. The church also offers great views of the harbour and Whitby though it can be a little windy at times. Keep hold of your hat.

St Mary’s Church in Whitby is such a beautiful and unique place. The church itself is full of history and character, and walking around you can really feel the special atmosphere. The view from here is absolutely breathtaking you can see the sea and the whole town below. Even the cemetery feels peaceful and calm, and I honestly think anyone resting here must be in peace with such a beautiful view of the ocean. A truly special spot that I will always remember.

This church and its cemetery is a must see. Lovely views from at the top too. Free to enter. A lot of history and the souvenirs are very reasonable, get your stairs badge here! Also grab a bottle of water from inside after doing the stairs! (There is a bus that goes to the Abbey if you can’t do the stairs) The staff we met were very friendly and had some great stories to tell. There is nothing Dracula related here!

One of my favourite churches in the area, St Mary's Church in Whitby is a peaceful, poignant place to visit if you're in Whitby. Its links to maritime history are many and parts of it dates back to the 1100s, which boggles my brain! Some of the pews now contain exhibits and fascinating facts about the building. There is some incredible stained glass and an impressive pulpit! The building is also Grade 1 Listed. Worth the hike up the 199 Steps to reach this incredible building, which also commands amazing views.

I think this may be the oddest church I've visited, not that this should put you off. I wouldn't know where to start if I had to describe the interior,so I'm not even going to try. You will just have to visit yourself. If you're lucky the two lovely ladies that were there on the day we visited will be there for you to have a chat with. The churchyard is lovely, and the setting is stunning. Combined with a visit to the abbey, it's worth everyone of the 199 steps from the harbour.

St Mary’s Church is a true gem. Built in the 12th century, it has a cozy yet quirky vibe, thanks to its rather unusual pew arrangement. The pews inside are positioned in a way that you might feel like you’re in a maze—each section has doors that once kept the chill out during long sermons. Back in the day, families would even reserve their own pews. Outside, the graveyard tells tales of Whitby’s seafaring past. Many of the tombstones bear inscriptions of sailors and shipwrecks, reminding visitors of the dangers of life at sea

There is a small church with free admission on the top of the mountain. Although the decoration inside is not luxurious, you can imagine the scene inside when the residents who lived here used to worship on weekdays.

Badly laid out gym with a limited selection of basic equipment. Machines constantly breaking due to age lack of maintenance. Must be the worst everyone active facility. Only reason to visit is because there’s nowhere else. Some hotels have better equipped gyms than this place.

When hosting stalls at Whitby Goth weekend, I visited the stalls, the leisure centre had a sign saying they were charging £1 per person for the use of the toilets. I could understand them charging (to avoid non paying customers coming in only to use the toilets) but £1 is double the price of the other public toilets! I'd have thought 50p would be plenty (same as public toilets in the area at the time of my visit) As someone buying from the stands within the centre I thought it was a bit cheeky to ask as much for customers to use the toilets- going rate would have been acceptable to me. That over shadowed my visit to the trade stalls lol.

Toilets £1 its insane i think enough money coming in if they spend it wisely , they are encouraging people going in the bushes . Is this what Great Britain stands for . Not a very gd advertisement for any tourist to see .

I only go here to attend the gym while I work here. Good selection of gym and cardio equipment for a reasonable monthly membership considering it’s Whitby. Don’t really use the pool 🏊‍♂️ or the sports hall. But all in all it does the job and despite what others may say I find the staff friendly and helpful (and I’ve been there on & off for nearly a year). Also, if you need to park to use the car park they will refund the fee if you tear off the slip from your parking ticket.

The showers only go on for 5 seconds at a time ,so having a shower is very frustrating. There's never soap in the dispensers in there either. The haird dryers in the women's changing rooms take coins which is ridiculous, you have to go dry your hair with the hair dryer in the rest room. Lastly it's pretty dirty in the gym and changing rooms. The only saving grace is the staff are very nice

Joined gym to strengthen my knee. Gym is very well equipped staff are lovely, and very helpful. Lots of activities for all ages.

For gym users it is really good as it has had numerous refits/updates. However the swimming part is disgusting, it has been starved of investment for decades and is so run down! The changing rooms are filthy and decrepit, the grout on the floor appears to be from the centre was first opened, half the lockers don't work and you have to check the working ones for cleanliness or lack of before using them. Filthy skylights rain in, plaster is falling from the ceiling and the ventilation is so clogged with dirt that they barely function! Despite numerous complaints by subscribing members nothing has been done to rectify these problems? It was reported that around £150k was spe5on refurbishing the centre, but the addition to the pool side where two full sized solid metal gates preventing swimmers from going onto the pool side? 😬😨😧☹🙁

I visited the Whitby Lobster Hatchery with friends during a weekend trip for the Whitby Fish & Chips Festival, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip! We had the chance to take part in a lobster release, which was both fun and informative. Joe and Andrea explained the environmental and economic benefits of the program, and watching the baby lobsters swim off into the rocks was absolutely adorable! We also got a tour of the Whitby Marine Discovery Centre and hatchery from Jess, a passionate volunteer who made the experience even more engaging. The tanks were well-maintained, and the overall atmosphere was welcoming and educational. The staff were not only friendly and approachable but clearly dedicated to their work, which made a lasting impression. The merchandise shops had a wide variety of hoodies, T-shirts and curios which were of good quality and not the cheap ones that you find usually elsewhere. It's definitely worth a visit and children would really enjoy their time there.

What a fabulous place. Lovely displays and a really knowledgeable team make this an interesting and fun visit. Lovely to see the baby lobsters and other creatures, but Darren the dab stole the show! What a character! He delivers full value entertainment with his tricks and personality. Frankly, we're still trying to get over his magnificence, and are eagerly awaiting 'Darren Merch' becoming available! We went to The Deep today, and all we could talk about was how much we missed him! We'll see you again, Darren!

Small but really interesting! Staff are friendly and very knowledgeable, we probably asked too many questions, lol, but the lady was very patient and gave us so much info. We missed an afternoon feeding session and a release by a week :-(

Great new addition to Whitby. Loads of different fish and shellfish and anemone etc. lots at a low height for kids of all ages to see. We saw a great feeding talk from a really enthusiastic lady who was knowledgeable and shows you lots of little bits you might not have seen from the signage. we were three people including one late teenager and really enjoyed it. Price is totally worth it for a visit. Definitely try to time it for a talk. When we came you could re-enter later in the day to see different types of talk.

A lovely little aquarium, with friendly staff and beautiful tanks. These guys are doing valuable work in lobster conservation, and really deserve your support!

Lovely little place with nice exhibits. Bit small for the entry fee price but the staff were amazing, especially Zannah who immediately approached us with information on the animals and their names, talking us through what they do at the centre and was so friendly! :) the baby lobsters were also so cute!!

We had a wonderful time at the lobster hatchery. The entry fee is cheap, for adults it’s £5, children £4, family £15, concessions £4 and under 5’s go for free. There are simple rules as follows: don’t take flash photography and don’t touch the glass. There’s lots of information on the walls and given by staff, staff were friendly and informative. The discovery centre is clean, new, petite and child friendly. They gave a detailed explanation on what the hatchery does and how the lobsters face difficulty in the wild. The information boards gave in detail about the Whitby maritime heritage, North Sea species, hen room, development room and the largest lobster caught in Whitby. There’s also an interactive display for children. The gift shop has lots of merchandise for sale, including their own salt and malt vinegar too.

Attractive Swing Bridge is the only bridge crossing other side of town for going to Abbey. Due to its narrow bridge, the traffic is controlled by lights. Bridge remain close for traffic in busy summer times and other holidays due to cover big crowds.

A very attractive Swing Bridge. The weight limit has been reduced to seven and a half tons. Due to its narrow width the traffic is controlled by lights as it is too narrow for two vehicles to pass each other. It is closed to all traffic during bank holidays, festivals and other busy summer times due to safety concerns of the large crowds attracted to the area.

Very interesting to have watched the bridge swinging on my visit last week.

Whitby did not not do it for me, £3.50 parking charge for two hours. Place was wet and rammed with people, probably a different experience in the Sunshine. Best part of the trip was watching a Seagull fighting a crab, the crab lost.

Came here when Whitby was crowded with summer visitors and the bridge was packed with pedestrians trying to get to the old part of town. Still managed to enjoy lovely views of the harbour and town from both sides! I later got to see the bridge open to allow some tall masted yachts and large boats to pass through. It attracted quite a crowd and was impressive to watch.

Great for getting over the river I highly recommend it

Lovely area, plenty individual shops. Ranging from cafe, clothes shops, gift shops specialised Whitby Jet shops we can reccomend Robinsons Sandbank Whitby. A couple cut through help shorten the walking through the streets. Lovely area.

The food was as expected, fantastic! Best mushy peas I've ever had in my life. My husband was swooning over the fish and chips, and crab bisque...lol Service was fast and our waitress very pleasant. I had a little trouble navigating the stairs to enter, since I use a cane to walk, but I was very happy to see they had a lift inside to get to the floor with the restrooms.

We had lunch here today. They sat us quickly. They are very helpful. The food was amazing cooked perfectly. The best cod and chips I have ever had. Chips light and fluffy. The batter was delicious and crispy. The cod was super fresh and flaky. And that’s coming from a fishmonger of 17 years. Also had their curry sauce. The best chip shop curry sauce I have ever had. A 10 star visit

This is one of THE best fish restaurants I have ever visited. It was absolutely packed and we are glad we pre-booked. Considering how busy it was, we were served within 15-20mins. Size of the portions were more than expected. You MUST try the Sundaes too. 10/10!!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Absolutely fantastic experience at The Magpie Café! The food was delicious from start to finish. The fish and chips were top class, crispy, perfectly cooked, and full of flavour. We also tried the seafood medley, and it was amazing, fresh, well-seasoned, and beautifully presented. The service was friendly and efficient, making the whole visit even better. Highly recommend if you’re in the area and craving quality seafood 🍤 🦞

Wow! This is such a great spot! It's really popular, but the place is quite big, we waited for 15 minutes without a reservation. The food is so fresh! I really can say that the prawns were the best I've ever had. They were truly a delight. The salmon is really good as well. Fresh and delicious. This was the highlight of our Whitby trip!

We pre-booked to avoid the queue and were seated promptly, though the table was quite small and a bit cramped. Starters were the highlight, especially the goat’s cheese salad and the black pudding bon bons, both packed with flavour. Mains were a mixed bag: the crab and chips were enjoyable, but the salmon salad was disappointing, with the salmon being quite tough. Overall, it was an okay experience, but we’ve had better meals elsewhere in Whitby.

I ordered the Four Fish Platter with Cod, Haddock, Plaice, and Skate Wing. It was my first time trying Plaice and Skate Wing in a fish & chips style, and they were absolutely delicious perfectly cooked with a light, crispy golden batter and fresh flavour. The scallop starter was beautifully presented and just as tasty. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming. A must-visit in Whitby for fresh seafood lovers!

A lovely indoor play area . Our grandson loved it. Good price for entry ; small and large area . We only had coffee and cake which was a little dry but other people's cooked food looked good

Staff are super friendly. The play area is huge and clean. Nice arcade area and bookable sensory room upstairs. Coffee served in proper mugs and the usual soft play selection of food. The kids loved our visit.

Nice and clean softplay with a lot of things to do. We prebooked time slot so there was no waiting time. Car park for free but you need to give your reg number at reception. Usually child have enough after 45 minutes playing but at this softplay he stayed over 1.5hours. Staff was very friendly.

We went there for a birthday party which was well ran and the staff were very organised taking each child’s order on the way in. It was very clean and tidy and the cafe had a good well priced selection of snacks. The time allotted for the party was really generous and my little one as well as the birthday boy had a really good time. We are definitely going to go there again.

We have visited this place for a number of years whilst on holidays . Was very disappointed on how the place has changed over the years , it’s sticks out unfortunately that profit margin is the only thing to increase and not the customer service / Satisfaction . We have 3 boys 15 , 11, and 4 , obviously the 15 year old did not want to run around and play but was charged £2.50 for the pleasure to sit and watch his two brothers play, and he was repeatedly warned by staff if he went in the play area he would be charged . We bought our youngest the picnic plate (£6.50 pic included ) I would not serve this to my dog tbh , probably cost 20p to knock up by a child member of staff . The chocolate bar was already unwrapped , alarm bells ringing , is this because it’s an Aldi special ? Carrots not even peeled , 2 and a bit slices , 5 pieces of pasta , rubbish quality bread roll …….. The play area is nice and always has been but very pricey for what it is . Yes we have to make profit in business but I think the owner of this place needs to have a strong look at his morals ……..

Good size place. Very expensive for entry. £25 for two adults and a baby and toddler. Don’t see the hype for the price. Staff member was really friendly on arrival though

My Granddaughter loves it. We love sitting and watching her love it. We don't so much love the price of the food, but it was delicious, and the staff made sure it was safe for me to eat without getting poorly. £15 for 2 adults and 1 child. Wheelchair friendly.

Falling Foss is Easy to find through Ruswarp, it’s quite a narrow drive off the main road, but easily manageable. Parking was plentiful when we arrived, but was getting busy as we left. It’s a pay and display car park by Ringo, but we didn’t have a phone signal, so paid when we got home. There was a couple of people panicking over paying. The Tea Garden opened at 10.00, so we had chance to have a short look about till it opened. When we got in, we grabbed a table and benches, it was very clean, and slightly sheltered by trees, but wouldn’t be ideal in rain. We went to order our food and drinks, a rather abrupt gentleman was serving. I’m not sure if he didn’t want to be there, or got out the wrong side of the bed, but his attitude was poor, and is reflected in my score. The food was great, and my coffee was lovely (Dairy free latte). The walks around the gardens and woods are well laid out, things to see and explore, it’s definitely for people who are able to walk down steep gravel paths. Pushchairs with care, not sure about a wheelchair. The waterfall didn’t look accessible to go under it, but the views are pretty nice from the fenced area above. A bit of tree twig cutting wouldn’t go amiss, but that’s a job for the forestry commission. We’d go again, but would hope different staff would be serving. There is no need to be that abrupt when we were more than polite. We spent £55, 5 adults and a child that just had bits from our plates.

Loved this place. Had an epic tuna mayo ciabatta and a fairy cake which were very reasonably priced and efficiently expedited also it was quite busy at the time. The coffee was also superb. Would recommend a visit you are in the area.

Fabulous food offerings. The drinks menu is plentiful, the ham salad ciabatta & cheese scone with chutney were delicious and served with a warm smile and all ages catered for.

We had a latte and a decaf tea with a savoury scone with cheese and chutney, and a sweet scone with cream and jam. Very nice. The area is beautiful and there were lots of people there. Well worth a visit.

Lovely place with beautiful fruit scones, jam & cream. Good variety of beverages and cake plus other food. Toilets are spotless and the view whilst washing your hands great! It's is a lovely place to sit and enjoy a drink as is the surrounding area. It is well worth a visit.

Stopped here for a rest while on a walk. There's no inside space but lots of outside seating so lovely on a hot day. I had a really good latte, lovely taste and perfectly hot. Also had the Mediterranean vegetable tart (fresh and warm out of the oven) which was amazing. Lovely pastry (not too thick and not too thin!) and plenty of filling and a really god taste. We also got a scone with jam and cream which was really good. Perfectly cooked, didn't crumble while preparing it and very nice taste. Highly recommend this place and we will be back!

A little gem, lovely set up.Great bacon butty and cakes !! Well kept maintained.Great place to include for walking too.

As someone who loves living on the Yorkshire Coast (and appreciates that she's lucky to do so), the RNLI always has a special place in my heart. The RNLI Whitby Museum isn't huge but it packs in some fantastic exhibits. It is housed in a custom-built double boathouse that was used by the RNLI from 1895–1957. The museum displays the RNLB Robert & Ellen Robson lifeboat which was built in 1918 which is awe-inspiring to see close up. The ships oars alone are enormous! The museum features artefacts and information about famous sea rescues including those involving Coxswains Henry Freeman and Thomas Langlands. It also has an excellent section about the HMHS Rohilla, a hospital ship that foundered of Whitby in 1914. The rescue took three days ... this is a truly moving story that shows how brave and dedicated RNLI volunteers are.

A really lovely museum that’s free to enter. There’s plenty of interesting information to read and lots of exhibits to look at. The staff are welcoming, friendly, and very knowledgeable, which makes the visit even better.

Love this museum, it’s free, small but very interesting, definitely recommend it to everyone visiting Whitby.

Small but interesting museum housing 1 historic lifeboat,the placards detailing the rescues over the years are well worth a read There is also a RNLI shop on site

This was not a planned visit. We just popped in with the children whilst on a visit to whitby. Such a great little place and also educational for the children. They thought it was interesting looking at things from times past. Also has a nice little gift shop 😊

Saving Lives At Sea Is What The RNLI Is All About. Fisherman,Their Boats And Their Families Often Contribute Their Time As Volunteers Crewing Lifeboats Around Our Coast. We Have So Much To Thank Them For And Much To Learn About The History Of The RNLI. The Museum In Whitby Gives A Wonderful Insight Into The Vital Role This Charity Plays In Everyone’s Everyday Lives. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Are Not Enough To Show The Gratitude We All Owe To The Magnificent RNLI 🙏🏼🪷 Namaste 🪷🙏🏼🕯️

Free entry and good info about local life boat history, evolution of kit they used and about when Whitby joined the RNLI. Good for kids and adults. Will take a hour or so (with a good look at the gift shop which is also good quality and price)

"This fabulous cafe is located in the heart of Whitby Town Centre. They serve delicious lunches full of flavour and offer a great selection of excellent coffees. Being gluten-free wasn't an issue, and we were served a mouthwatering selection of cheeses, meats, and fresh salads. The deli has a wide selection of goodies to take home. You will be spoiled for choice—it's like an Aladdin's cave!" So next time you visit Whitby, ensure The Whitby Deli is on your list of places to visit—you won't be disappointed!

A dinky little deli. This shop is like a treasure trove with soo many delights to choose from. There were jams, flapjacks, brownies, cakes, cheeses galore! One of my favourite shops in Whitby. 10/10

The food is amazing! No words can describe the sensational experience you will get from this place. Having booked The Whitby Deli to cater for a private event in Whitby in the summer, I can honestly tell you this place is not to be missed. The staff are super friendly. the food is delicious and just take a look at the insane grazing table they created. A little gem of a place that is owned and run by the most incredible lady.

Food tastes good. However, I was charged twice the listed price "to use their cutlery ". As if this wasn't bad enough, the cutlery doesn't cut through the pie.

We entered the deli, my wife has mobility issues and we were hoping to sit down for lunch. We were completely ignored as staff walked around us as if we were invisible. Even as we turned around and walked out, staff were oblivious. Maybe someone who uses a walking aid does not fit their customer profile?

Lovely friendly and welcoming staff, dog was allowed in too. Vast selection of wonderful products, you could easily spend more than you planned 😉 We also sat in and had a great coffee and a very tasty little vegan pastry roll 'thing' for lunch (sorry, I forget what it was called)

Lovely lunch and a fantastic deli

Had an amazing 3 nights stay at this fabulous holiday park in our motorhome. Pitches were fantastic. Reception staff knowledge, friendly and patient. Bistro staff always happy to help and you always get a friendly welcome. The guy who cleaned the facilities was jolly, friendly, and sang his head off, a really great guy. Location absolutely fabulous. Had the best time. Highly recommend.

The site is extremely well kept. The staff on reception are very friendly and helpful. Claire was fantastic. The caravan was spotless and a nice welcome Pack of essentials Breakfast very nice in the Bistro. Location is great. 0.8mile easy walk to the Abbey. Lovely playground for the kids. Having visited several times I have now purchased on the site. I can’t praise Paul the manager and his staff highly enough for maintaining such high standards.

We stayed on a touring pitch with stunning views over the coast, was too windy to put up the awning though which we had paid for. Lovely, spacious pitches and very clean site. Only 2 things to improve the site would be if the shop stocked more food, meals, bread etc and if the bar and bistro stayed open longer (food stopped being served at 4.30pm, bar shut at 5pm)

There appears to be a recurring theme over the past months which I have to agree with. Toilets/showers. The location is magic with views over the sea but also inland and a great wee walk to Whitby. The staff were very friendly and the bistro and shop were very good. However. I've been in lots of camp site toilet facilities which were getting a bit dated like this one, but they were always clean. Not here. There was a permanent smell from the showers that ranged from funky to throat catching. We were there 4 nights and although the wet floor warning boards would mysteriously appear I don't think the toilets were cleaned once. In one toilet cubicle a dead crane fly remained on the floor all four days. A small piece of metal sat on the floor of a shower, again all four days. It may not have been as bad as the bookie's toilet in Trainspotting, but the gradually increasing sprayed shite underneath the toilet seats showed it was getting there. If you have a shower and don't mind crapping in your caravan, it's a nice wee park.

Booked a sea view pitch ... Wasn't disappointed. 15 mins walk from the Abbey (and Brewery 😉) along stunning cliff top walk. Staff very welcoming and helpful. Facilities spotless. Plenty of hot water in showers. Almost private dog friendly bay......what more could you want !

Had the best few days here recently. Perfect location with a private beach and stunning coastal walks. I stayed with a couple friends in one of their glamping pods and it was so luxurious, well cleaned/stocked, with amazing views and a hot tub! The whole site had a lovely atmosphere with very friendly staff and a great, reasonable café. I hope to come again soon.

perfectly located site for walking into Whitby, very clean, facilities perfect, plenty of chemical waste points, fresh water points everywhere. Staff really helpful, check in easy , pitch good size. Windy with being on the cliff top so if you planning on putting an awning out bring plenty of pegs to secure it down. will definitely go back 🙌🙌🙌

Not a bad pier by any means, but the one on the other side is just better. I liked the views there more there. Felt a bit more windy for some reason on this very pier, BUT then might have been just me.

Nice bracing walk along the peir to the lighthouse. Great view looking back towards Whitby from the end of peir. Keep an eye out for the harbour seals who sometimes pop up to show you their presence. Had lovely time there to catch sunrise and sunset colours there. Best spot for getting good photos.

Nice to walk around here, very cold and windy during the winter

Lovely view point and today it was beautiful and warm and the sea was so calm, you could see for miles, it was through the week in June and we arrived very early to avoid the crowds so it was lovely and quiet, there were a lot of boats about which was enjoyable to watch and the birds are funny to see, the beach looked beautiful the sea so blue, it sad that we can not walk on the beach this time of year because we have our little dog he loves the sand, but responsibility and rules must be followed. The weather did get to 27c so we had to leave by 12pm dogs and heat not good. Be kind in summer did notice people dragging dogs around with no water.

What a wonderful place to stroll during any visit to Whitby! Harbour arms generally make for good walks but this one is really fascinating.

Approach to the lighthouse is by the pier where there is plenty of seating to enjoy the beautiful views over the beach and harbour, have an ice cream or eat fish and chips from one of the nearby takeaways. Unfortunately access to climb to the top of the lighthouse is currently unavailable due to the Covid 19 rules but still a place that you should visit during a day out to Whitby.

A lovely sunny day today … and lovely fish and chips Whitby is a fantastic destination for a day out xxx

Very short of fuel and miles away from home after a late singing gig. Need fuel and now pretty stranded because this has lace is falsely advertised as 24hours. Not happy

Poor experience as not 24 hrs as stated, false advertising

Web site indicates that this is open 24hrs, but its not! called there is morning at 04:30 only to find it closed.

Refused me and my father service despite doing absolutely nothing wrong or nothing illegal. Refused to give valid reason. Staff were rude too.

As stated this is NOT 24hr complete waste of my time and fuel coming here

The Shell petrol station ⛽ never ran short of Fuel in the tanker driver's shortage as others have. The Manager rationed it. The service is always polite, along with the Food shop.

Not open 24 hrs as advertised. Update the website

Lovely place to exercise the dogs. Nice little windswept cove that's perfect for the novice surfers. The dogs love it. Little rock pools to keep the children entertained.

Great beach, easily accessible and the water is crystal clear. Parking is on the expensive side if you use the carpark but other than that great place to visit.

Sandsend Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical charm. The soft golden sands are ideal for relaxing, beachcombing, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along the shoreline. What makes this beach particularly special is the breathtaking view of Whitby and its iconic abbey perched on the cliffs in the distance. The sight of the abbey against the backdrop of the sky and sea is truly picturesque, especially during sunset when the colors come alive.

Beautiful beach. Food, toilet, parking. Everything in the same place. Also, you can spot the seal, starfish and probably dolphins.

Thus is a great beach. Very clean, water clear. Cafe as well, which sells a good range of food. Beach is divided off for dogs. Brilliant. You can walk to Whitby when the tides are right. Many a happy hour spent their last week. Parking good.

Fossils and rocks to be found on this beautiful beach and dog friendly with cafes and gift shops nearby. The added bonus is that access to the beaches are not down steep cliff paths.

Nice beach, Good for fosil hunting!