The Great British seaside holiday is alive and well in Whitby. This gem of a town on the Yorkshire coast naturally blends sandy beaches, arcades and ice creams with a rich literary and maritime history. An enduringly popular holiday spot, the town and nearby area offer lots of options when it comes to choosing a holiday cottage.
Reasons to Holiday in Whitby
Whitby Abbey
Perhaps most famous for its connection to Dracula by Bram Stoker, the author who had visited Whitby some years prior was inspired to set scenes from the novel in the town, including the famous 199 steps which lead up to the ruins of the gothic Abbey. Today the Abbey is a big tourist draw owing to the challenging walk up the steps, the views of the town and harbour from the top and the museum and visitors centre that goes beyond vampires to delve into the Viking and Saxon history of the town.
Beaches
Whitby Beach is a large, family-friendly beach complete with donkey rides in the summer. There are also dual concrete piers, with a lighthouse at the end of each which form the mouth of the harbour. These can be walked along but are not your typical pleasure pier complete with arcades and attractions. Those are adjacent the harbour and are also the place to sign up and jump aboard numerous different types of boat tour. Further west is Sandsend Beach, a lovely golden beach complete with a small coastal village, a great place to explore. Follow the Cleveland way east, and you'll reach Saltwick Bay. This small bay is quieter than Whitby and Sandsend but great for a more secluded beach day out.
Where to Stay in Whitby
Whitby is much more than just a tourist town and is worth a visit at any time of the year. Whether you like the bracing air of Christmas and New Year by the sea or the balmy English summer, we can help.
From traditional fisherman's cottages with sea views to grander detached houses away from the hustle and bustle we are sure to have a self catering property in Whitby to suit you.
Places to Visit Near Whitby
- York is a Roman city with a Viking past and is ideal for history enthusiasts.
- Robin Hood's Bayis a charming if steep little village with a history of smuggling. Can be reached from Whitby via a moderately challenging coastal walk.
- Filey is a traditional fishing town that has become popular with beach lovers.
- Scarborough is a large coastal town that boasts multiple beaches and an historic castle among its attractions.
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