LYD1A KERR

Whitby is an ever popular seaside town on the east coast of the UK. It is easily accessible from York by a beautiful drive by bus or car across the North York Moors, or via train. With its charming streets & renown for fish & chips, this is the place to be. In this blog, I share my top 5 favourite things to do in Whitby.

If you don’t have access to a car, join a guided tour from York, which takes you along the North York Moors to Whitby. 

If you would like to visit Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby, and the North York Moors combined on a guided tour – check out this private tour!

If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, check out this other highly rated tour operator. (affiliate links)

1. Wander through the streets

If you park at one of the many car parks along the marina, I advise you to wander into the town & stroll through the streets.

You can head directly for the pier, and watch as the waves crash against the walls.

Then you can come back up through the town and across the bridge to wander through the old streets.

There are plenty of Whitby Jet jewellery shops, alongside your classic retailers, pubs & shops.

2. Brave the 199 steps

These iconic steps may take your breath away (in both meanings of the phrase), but the view is almost immediately worth it.

The steps will lead you to both St Mary’s Church & the Whitby Abbey.

3. St Mary’s Church

Notably, there are multiple posters warning you that Dracula is in fact a fictional character, and therefore you will not find the grave here. Apologies to break the news guys. But, if the church is open, it’s worth going inside to appreciate the significance.

4. Whitby Abbey

Overlooking all of town is the Whitby Abbey. Despite being listed as a ruin, it’s in great condition.

However, we have been to Whitby 4 or 5 times, and have never paid to enter… But the gift shop is a nice little place to wander round and there is often someone kind there to offer you samples of mulled wine, gin, or whisky.

And if you keep on walking towards the Whitby Abbey carpark, you can get a pretty decent side view.

5. The Magpie Cafe

Every time we eat food in Whitby, we always eat at the Magpie Cafe. At least three times we have sat in the exact same table, spooky!

But the food here is so good, and definitely lives up to the hype. I often get the chicken fillets, my dad loves the seafood chowder & everyone else loves the fish and chips.

Although the last time we went was New Years Eve and the amount of people was the most I’d ever seen in Whitby. This meant we got the takeaway option from the Magpie Cafe, and my dad opted for the highly regarded Whitby Scampi, which he described as very fishy. Take that as you will.

And that’s how I recommend you spend a day in Whitby!

Thank you so much for reading.

Lydia x

p.s. check out my insta @lydiaonlocation to keep up to date ❤