The beautiful seaside town of Whitby has been the inspiration and adoration of many for the past few centuries. In fact, the town was the inspiration for one of the world’s most best known classical novel, Bram Stoker’s “Dracula”. Aside from the famous novel, the town was also home to the legendary Captain James Cook. He was the first person to have circumnavigated New Zealand and was the first European who made contact with Australia and Hawaii. The impressive history in Whitby means that there are equally impressive places to visit. Now, to save you from stressing yourself out, we’ve compiled a list of top 10 best things to do in Whitby, UK.
1. Whitby Abbey
The hauntingly beautiful ruins of Whitby Abbey is the embodiment of beauty and strength that stood against time. For over a thousand years, the once majestic Benedictine abbey has been the victim of raids and wars ranging from the Danish raids in the 9th century to German Navy shelling in World War I. Yet against all odds, the ruins still stands today. Set atop a hill overlooking the North Sea, you can explore the remains of this once glorious place and marvel at its beauty. The sunset here is not to be missed.
Whitby Abbey
Address: Abbey Ln, Whitby YO22 4JT, UK
Website: Whitby Abbey
2. Church of Saint Mary, Whitby
The Anglican Parish church of Saint Mary sits atop a hill nearby the Whitby Abbey. Its location above the town will give you a fantastic view of the whole town of Whitby. The graveyard within the church grounds was the inspiration of Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula and has since been visited by fans of the famous novel. The church itself went through a lot of alterations and changes since its inception in the early 12th century. The oldest part of the church’s structure dates way back to the era of the Normans.
Church of Saint Mary, Whitby
Address: 22 Henrietta St, Whitby YO22 4DW, UK
3. Falling Foss Tea Garden
If you’d like to have a breather for all that sightseeing or simply get away from the tourists, you can drop by the Falling Foss Tea Garden. Opened from April to September, the Tea Garden is set in idyllic woodlands just upstream from the beautifully calming Falling Foss waterfall. Head down here with your travel buddies or family and enjoy the nature that surrounds you while enjoying a cup of freshly brewed tea. The place is located only 8 kilometres (5 miles) outside of Whitby and is popular among the locals. Hurry down to this hidden gem before the others find it.
Falling Foss Tea Garden
Address: Midge Hall, Whitby YO22 5JD, United Kingdom
Website: Falling Foss Tea Garden
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4. Eden Camp
Built on a former World War II Prisoner of War Camp, Eden Camp is now a huge museum with one of the most comprehensive displays of British military and social history. You can find a huge amount of military items such as the Human Torpedoes, a Motorised Submersible Cannon, a reproduction of the VI, and so much more. You can learn a lot about the history of World War II and Britain’s involvement in it. The museum also offer family-friendly facilities such as play areas and an assault course for children. There is also a cafe and a gift shop, perfect for souvenir shopping.
Eden Camp
Address: Malton YO17 6RT, UK
Website: Eden Camp
5. Pannett Park
The impressive Pannet Park is located just a stone’s throw away from the centre of Whitby. Its beautiful gardens and the neatly assorted colourful flowers are famous with the locals here. They will usually come down for an enjoyable picnic or simply let their children play at the different playgrounds within the park. You can also take an enjoyable stroll here on a sunny day while consuming a most delicious ice cream. The cleanliness of the park is also famous, so be sure to throw your rubbish away and not litter.
Pannett Park
Address: Whitby YO21 1RE, UK
6. Go to a Whitby Ghost Walk with Dr. Crank
Now, if you’re among the bold and the brave or simply want to scare yourself silly, you can take part in Dr. Crank’s Whitby Ghost Walks. You’ll be brought to places unknown to tourists and be spooked by the scary tales of the headless horseman, the Whitby witches, the screaming tunnel, and so much more all in the name of fun. The ghost walk starts at 7.30 pm and the price is only 5 GBP (6.50 USD) for adults and 3 GBP (3.90 USD) for children under 12. The ghost walk will begin from the Whale Bone Arch opposite the Royal Hotel. You can check out the dates in “The Diary” in the website below.
Whitby Ghost Walk by Dr. Crank
Address: North Terrace, Whitby YO21 3HA, UK
Website: Whitby Ghost Walk by Dr. Crank
7. Cleveland Way
The Cleveland Way is a beautiful national trail which is an impressive 177 kilometres (110 miles) long. The trail starts from the town of Filey and ends at Helmsley in a horse shoe shaped formation and surrounds the North York Moors. The part of the trail which passes by Whitby is synonymous for its breathtaking view of the North Sea and picturesque wide grass plains. If you’d like to go on a short walk during sunset at Whitby, doing parts of the Cleveland Way here will promise you a fulfilling experience.
Cleveland Way
Website: Cleveland Way
8. Attempt the 199 steps
Follow the footsteps of Bram Stoker’s Dracula and climb the iconic 199 steps. If you’re up for the challenge, you can count the amount of steps taken to reach the top and debate with the rest of the people here on whether it is actually 199 or 200 steps to the top. Otherwise, soak a most magnificent view of Whitby from up high on a hill. The Whitby Abby is also located on top here with the Church of Saint Mary just around the corner.
199 steps
Address: Whitby YO22 4DP, UK
9. Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Have a peak of the younger days of the famous Captain Cook and his voyages across the world in this museum dedicated to him. The museum itself is located in a house where Captain Cook was first apprenticed and subsequently returned to after his first voyage. The museum has one of the most comprehensive collections of exhibits about the famous voyager and it also houses special exhibitions in its attic every year. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum was a winner of a Visit England Gold Award of Excellence in 2013.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Address: Grape Lane Whitby YO22 4BA, UK
Website: Captain Cook Memorial Museum
10. Whitby Museum
Founded in 1823, the Whitby Museum originally housed exhibits of fossils and ‘curiosities’, which was given by Whitby’s sailing ship captains during their voyages overseas. It has been running as a private museum since then and has maintained its Victorian charm. Today, the museum has an impressive collection of items such as costumes, toys, model ships, natural history, and much more. Its 200-year’s worth of artifacts are quite a marvel to the curious eyes.
Whitby Museum
Address: Pannett Park, Whitby YO21 1RE, United Kingdom
Website: Whitby Museum
Discover Whitby
The top 10 list of amazing things here is just the tip of the iceberg. There is so much more to see and do in this city, and with that, we will leave it up to you. So head down to the beautiful seaside town of Whitby and discover the hidden gems that lie within. Discover the wonderful town of Whitby.
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