Holiday cottages, airbnb and B&Bs in Whitby

You can enjoy fish and chips or Lobster near your accommodation in the harbour side and if you book your Whitby cottage in town, climb the 100 steps up the outstanding Whitby Abbey, a favourite attraction of Whitby, which provides a striking gothic backdrop to the quint town. To make the most of this powerful view, book a hotel further up the town inland and look out as you sip your tea and eat your cake. Perhaps book a bed and breakfast in one of the seaside houses and have a more traditional stay for your couple's getaway in this special destination.

When to visit?

Part of Britain's charm is its variable weather, depending on what you're looking for different seasons will suit. Whether it's ice cream or Turner-esque sea views you seek, plan suitably to seasons in Britain. The intermittent and sometimes inclement British weather need not ruin your trip to Whitby, pack a cagoule and a swimsuit in the summer and your shades and a woolly hat in the winter to get the most out of your holiday in Whitby! The Whitby Goth Weekend dates should be noted when booking your stay, whether you hope to enjoy a quieter weekend or more bustle, these are the 12th – 14th of April and 25th – 27th of October in 2019, also note the public-school holidays of mid-July through to early September.

How to get there

Whitby is situated on the North East coast of England, on the edge of the area of outstanding natural beauty the North Yorkshire MoorsThe closest airports with regular international flights are Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester, but bear in mind that you will need to drive or take a train from there, as it is further than a taxi ride. There is a steam train from a fairly nearby town called Pickering, which can be enjoyed by all the family, whilst still being a useful and functional mode of transport!

Where to stay in Whitby?

Harbourfront

Enjoy the close proximity to pubs and restaurants with an easy reconvene if you want to drop off your shopping and head to the beach. Book a room in an inn or boutique hotel in the heart of this historical town and enjoy your retreat to the coast from day to night, enjoy a cocktail with your lobster, or a pint with your fish and chips, in the evenings during your stay in Whitby.

Up-Town

Holiday houses, available to rent, reside just further up the bank from the lower harbourside centre, and are widely available and varied in price to cater to your needs. If you're away for a quieter weekend, this could be the place for you. Victorian houses with views of the harbour and abbey are just some of the holiday rentals available to book now. Whether it's a bed and breakfast room or a whole homestay you're looking for, book in this area for outstanding views, a Whitby sunset really is something to behold.

YHA Whitby

If you're looking for cheap accommodation, Whitby has some practical and well-situated campsites and youth hostels, right near the abbey. This is ideal for school groups looking to visit both the Abbey and the attractions of the town or hikers of the Cleveland Way. Great views are also to be had from this location!

What to do in Whitby?

Visit Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey grounds and museum are closed for improvements until March 2019, however the English Heritage site still provides an outstanding backdrop to the picturesque town. £1.6 million is being invested in the Abbey before it's reopening, book accommodation now to enjoy the inspiration for the infamous story of Dracula, in all its new furnishings.

Captain Cook Memorial Museum

Learn about the famous explorer Captain James Cook's life and voyages, most specifically his association with the discovery of Australia and New Zealand, at this fantastic award winning harbourside museum. It is situated in a 17th century house which James Cook lodged in whilst working as an apprentice, learning the skills that enabled his vast journeys and discoveries. An additional separate museum which is partly made up by a floating replica of the Endeavor, Captain Cook's famous vessel, is set to open before 2019 also. Book a holiday rental in Whitby to and enjoy this journey of discovery with the whole family.

Eating

Fish and chips are a must-have and cannot be missed during your seaside vacation to Whitby! A local's tip suggests some of the best fish and chips to be found in the retro eat-in style restaurant, Trenchers, in the harbour. There is also an array of tea houses in which to rest your feet and grab that sugar hit with a delicious slice of cake. Alternatively, take a stick of rock on the move from one of the traditional sweet shops before exploring the rest of the town's attractions.

Shopping

The town has lots to offer in the small shops which line the winding streets which amongst other treasures sell the world-famous Whitby jet, a dark semi-precious stone that emulates the gothic spirit of the town. There are many steam-punk and goth style items available to buy in the various shops, and due to gothics town's close association with Dracula and a bi-annual festival frequented by goths hailing from far and wide, called the Whitby Goth Weekend; book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment around this time.

The Cleveland Way

If you've chosen this location due it's astonishingly beautiful hiking opportunities in the surrounding countryside, then it is important to note that the Cleveland Way covers both purple moorland and breathtaking coastline views. Explore the surrounding fishing villages and the expansive beach at Sandsend by walking the Cleveland Way, or cover the whole coastal path south of Whitby and book an apartment in Scarborough to rest at the end of your walk.