It is full of history, gorgeous to visit all year round and has incredible walks to take advantage of. Yep, that’s Whitby! Here’s why we can’t imagine a more perfect cottage holiday destination.
We love visiting Whitby in winter or summer, whether for a week or a weekend. We feel fortunate to spend time in this beautiful part of the world. Staying in a holiday cottage in Whitby allows you to take full advantage of the area and tick everything off your list or snuggle up and walk to the beach and the local pubs. Here’s why Whitby is the perfect holiday destination.
Whitby’s History
Well, where do we start? Whitby has so much history to learn about and appreciate, from Dracula to Captain Cook. This town is proud of its pretty fisherman’s cottages, the ruins of Whitby Abbey overlooking you wherever you turn, and a busy harbour guarded with lighthouses. Even today, Whitby embodies the essence of a traditional fishing town, But its unique history truly distinguishes it from others.
Whaling in Whitby: In the 18th century, the whaling industry dominated the town. Today, its history is marked by the famous Whalebone Arch. The lively harbour was known for the unpleasant odours from processing whale blubber into oil. The extracted fat was transported in barrels and then refined through boiling, serving various purposes such as lighting, soap making, and leather preparation.
Bram Stoker’s Dracula: Whitby inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Stoker commonly stayed at the Royal Hotel in Whitby. During one of his stays, Stoker visited the library and found his main character.
Whitby Abbey: English Heritage preserves the remaining structures of Whitby Abbey. The surviving ruins leave a lasting impression on visitors, showcasing what was once one of the most remarkable monuments in the monastic tradition of Old England.
Captain Cook: Captain James Cook is one of Whitby’s most famous historical figures. Cook was born in 1728 in Marton, near Middlesbrough, but he spent much of his early career in Whitby, where he worked as an apprentice to a shipowner and later as a master mariner. In 1768, Cook embarked on his first significant voyage of exploration to the South Pacific on the HMS Endeavour. Cook’s voyages eventually led him to chart parts of Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, making him one of the most renowned explorers of his time.
That’s a small selection of Whitby’s notable history. We haven’t even touched the sides! Learn more about Whitby’s history here.
Things to do while staying in Whitby
There is so much to do in Whitby for such a small town. Here’s a selection of popular things to do in Whitby.
Climb and count the 199 steps: One of Whitby’s most iconic landmarks, the 199 steps lead up to St Mary’s Church and Whitby Abbey. The climb is steep, but the view from the top, especially at sunrise or sunset, is absolutely worth it.
Spend time on Whitby’s beautiful beaches: One of the most popular things to do in Whitby is visit one of its beautiful beaches. The main beach is situated along the West Cliff. This beach stretches to Sandsend; you can walk the whole way when the tide is out. There is a dog-friendly beach on the East Side of town.
Visit the Dracula Experience: This tour has eight terrifying scenes, each telling the story of Dracula and the connections to Whitby.
Get a photo with the Whalebone Arch: Situated near the beach, this iconic arch symbolises Whitby’s whaling heritage and offers a great photo opportunity.
This is just a tiny selection of things to do in Whitby. Here are 36 things to do in Whitby!
Whitby has fabulous food, restaurants and, of course, fish and chips!
You can’t possibly visit Whitby without trying its local dishes. The fish and chips in Whitby are famous, with several well-established fish and chip shops serving up this classic British dish. Try the renowned Magpie Café or Trenchers for a real taste of Whitby.
Abbey Wharf is one of our favourite restaurants in Whitby. It’s lovely and relaxed; you can even get food to take away if you fancy a cosy night back in the cottage. The food (and the harbour view!) are fantastic, and the menu has so much variety that you can easily please everyone. They serve various delicious seafood, steaks, salads and other dishes alongside vegetarian options.
Nearby walks and coastal villages
There is nothing we love more than a proper bracing coastal walk and a good stretch of our legs before heading back to our cosy cottage. Whitby is an excellent base for exploring the North Yorkshire Coast.
The town is surrounded by potential walks, including the Cleveland Way, a national trail that runs along the cliff tops and offers spectacular coastline views. From Whitby, you can head to Robin Hood’s Bay.
Traditional cottages for an authentic stay in Whitby
Many of Whitby’s traditional fisherman’s cottages have been lovingly converted into holiday homes. These cottages are the perfect choice to elevate your entire experience in Whitby and immerse you in its maritime heritage.
Think low ceilings, oak beams, and quaint details. These cottages are packed with charm and waiting to be your little home from home. You will have easy access to the harbour, shops, and restaurants. Imagine enjoying a cup of tea while watching the boats in the harbour or curling up by a roaring fire after exploring the coast—there’s no better way to enjoy Whitby!
A couple of lovely Whitby cottages:
The Boathouse
This cottage is perfect if you are after an idyllic retreat for two, as close to the harbour as possible. It is a distinctive converted pump house accessible only by a narrow bridge that connects it to the footpath. Its location makes it perfect for an unforgettable stay, with a few excellent bars, cafes, and restaurants just a short stroll away. Inside, there’s a comfortable seating area and a fireplace for those snug evenings in.
Cairns Cottage
This is a lovely semi-detached cottage also next to the harbour in Whitby. It has two bedrooms, one king-size double and one twin, with an additional pull-out stacker bed suitable for up to five people.
The cottage also features a bathroom, cloakroom, kitchen, dining area, and sitting room. Roadside parking and an enclosed courtyard garden are available outside on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ideally located to enjoy the seaside town’s attractions, Cairns Cottage also offers easy access to the beauty of the North York Moors National Park.
Visit Whitby all year round
One of our favourite things about Whitby is that it’s exciting to visit, regardless of the season.
The town comes alive in the summer with festivals, markets, and outdoor events. At the same time, in the winter, it transforms into a peaceful retreat with fewer crowds and a quieter, more reflective atmosphere.
Autumn is a particularly magical time to visit, as the surrounding countryside bursts into vibrant shades of red and orange, making for some genuinely spectacular coastal walks.
Of course, Whitby has a long tradition of celebrating Christmas, with festive events, decorations, and Christmas markets adding to the town’s charm during the winter months.
So, are you after a truly memorable cottage holiday? Whitby is just the ideal setting. Its year-round appeal and the variety of things to do make Whitby a fantastic choice. Immerse themselves in the best that the North Yorkshire coast offers and return to a cosy cottage. Bliss.