This charming coastal town in North Yorkshire has been named one of the best places to visit in the UK and has also been called one of the most beautiful seaside towns
The UK’s ‘most beautiful’ seaside town, Whitby, was also named one of the best places to visit in England.
If you’re planning your next getaway, there’s no need to fork out hundreds for a flight. The UK is home to some stunning locations brimming with history, perfect for a weekend or day trip.
Plus, they’re rarely more than a few hours away, thanks to the compact size of our country. Whitby, a delightful coastal town nestled in North Yorkshire, sits at the mouth of the River Esk and is renowned for its picturesque beauty.
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It boasts dramatic cliffside views of the sea, proximity to the North York Moors National Park, golden beaches, winding cobblestone streets, and a charming harbour.
It’s also been crowned as having the UK’s best fish and chips by TimeOut magazine and is reputed to host the area’s top seafood restaurants. Whitby was voted one of Britain’s most beautiful coastal towns in a survey by McCarthy Stone and was also named one of the best seaside towns to visit by Express readers.
This seaside gem holds a special place in British literary history. It was from here that famed explorer Captain James Cook first set sail on his voyages to Australia and New Zealand.
His name would later inspire J. M. Barrie in his creation of Peter Pan’s arch nemesis, Captain Hook. Harry Potter enthusiasts will instantly recognise Goathland train station in Whitby, as it doubles as Hogsmeade in the film adaptation of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, marking the first arrival at Hogwarts.
Yet, Whitby is most renowned for its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula novel. The author found inspiration for his book during a 1890 visit when he first laid eyes on Whitby’s gothic Abbey.
In the novel, Dracula voyages from Transylvania to England, with his ship docking in Whitby. This link is celebrated twice a year in April and October with a ‘Goth Weekend’, where the narrow streets are filled with individuals donned in flowing black attire.
Whitby also hosts a variety of other events throughout the year, some less macabre. These include a family-friendly Pirate Festival in August and a steampunk weekend in February and July, featuring participants dressed in Victorian-inspired fashion.
Music lovers can enjoy two major festivals in Whitby – the Blues, Rhythm and Rock Festival in October and the Whitby Folk Week in August. Performers flock to the town to host concerts, dances, ceilidhs and other entertaining activities.
Beyond festival days, there’s plenty to explore in this charming seaside town. One of the first stops for most visitors is the ruins of Whitby Abbey, perched atop a cliff overlooking the town.
This stunning abbey, dating back to the 7th century, provides a dramatic backdrop to the crashing waves beyond the cliffs, making the 199-step climb well worth the effort.
You can also pop into the Captain Cook Memorial Museum or even embark on a boat trip aboard a replica of the HMS Endeavour, the vessel that the famous explorer used during his voyages. This is a great way to discover Whitby for both humans and their four-legged friends, as dogs are more than welcome.
And don’t miss out on Whitby Sands, a two-mile stretch of beach renowned for its golden sands. Framed by cliffs and dotted with colourful beach huts, it’s the ideal place for a leisurely stroll or a cheeky ice cream.