James Cook

Whitby in North Yorkshire has been named one of the UK’s best seaside entertainment spots, and it’s easy to see why with its sandy beaches, historic landmarks and top-rated restaurants

Recognised as one of the UK’s top seaside amusement locations, this charming coastal town has long been a hit with those yearning for a traditional beach holiday. Nestled at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby in North Yorkshire is steeped in a rich history rooted in maritime, mineral and tourism trades.

Its appeal as a tourist hotspot is further amplified by its close proximity to the North York Moors national park and the heritage coastline, not to mention its eerie link to the horror novel Dracula. The town’s most iconic landmark is undoubtedly the ruined abbey perched on the East Cliff.

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Other notable features include the swing bridge spanning the river and the harbour, safeguarded by the grade II listed East and West piers.

Whitby’s nautical history is honoured through statues of explorer Captain Cook and whaler and scientist William Scoresby, as well as the whalebone arch that graces the West Cliff, reports the Express.

The town also boasts a robust literary tradition, having been featured in numerous works, television programmes and films, most notably Bram Stoker’s renowned novel, according to Yorkshire Live. If Whitby doesn’t tickle your fancy, you might consider this stunning town on the Welsh coast.

A recent survey ranked Whitby seventh on the list of the UK’s top holiday entertainment destinations.

The survey considers factors such as the number of pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach review scores, hotel prices, Google searches, average temperature, average rainfall and local train stations.

Whitby boasts a variety of highly-rated dining establishments, ranging from cosy coffee shops to gastropubs and sea-view restaurants. There are three five-star rated eateries on TripAdvisor, ideal for those seeking a delicious meal.

First up is Lush Coffee on Silver Street, which earned the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for 2023.

Promising a ‘warm welcome’, this coffee shop offers freshly brewed coffee, quintessential Yorkshire Tea, hearty full English breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, toasties, burgers, and an array of homemade cakes and treats.

They also provide outdoor seating and welcome dogs. For those in search of a more upscale dining experience, Ditto, another five-star rated establishment and recipient of the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice award for 2023, could be just the ticket.

Situated a mere stone’s throw from the beach on Skinner Street, this family-run restaurant is the perfect spot for food enthusiasts looking to indulge in a special meal while visiting the town.

Just around the corner, Beckett’s has scooped up the bronze for top-notch dining in Whitby, with an impressive 875 TripAdvisor reviews lauding its selection of hot beverages, savoury treats, breakfasts, brunches, and cakes, all acclaimed for their “excellent quality”.

Make sure your itinerary includes Cranberry Swamp – a firm favourite among breakfast aficionados, Al Taco for some Mexican flair, and The Postgate Country Inn for a slice of British tradition.

No coastal getaway is complete without sipping on a cold beer, a glass of prosecco, a sophisticated cocktail or a refreshing mocktail under the warmth of the sunshine.

Whether you’re seeking a serene spot to relax or a lively evening filled with karaoke entertainment, Whitby’s varied pubs and bars cater to all tastes.

Whitby is dotted with hotels and B&Bs suitable for every budget, some with stunning sea views that are truly unrivalled.

TripAdvisor heralds Hillcrest as the crème de la crème of hospitality, ideally situated close to the bustling town centre and easily accessible from a treasure trove of local shops, eateries, pubs, and attractions.

The establishment is not only bike-friendly, offering secure storage, but with their insider knowledge, they’re ready to point you towards exceptional spots for cycling, rambling, and watersports such as paddle-boarding and surfing. On top of that, their luxurious rooms offer ample space for families.

Other establishments in Whitby receiving high praise include The Stables, The Penny Hedge Lodge, and The Belfry.

Whitby is home to one of Yorkshire’s most pristine and secure beaches, recently honoured with a Blue Flag. This international recognition is bestowed upon well-kept beaches boasting superior water quality.

There’s an array of other beaches to explore as well. Whitby West Cliff Beach, a favoured sandy location interspersed with rocky patches, is supervised by lifeguards from May through September.

The beach extends from Upgang Beach to the River Esk’s mouth and is conveniently situated on Whitby town’s northern fringe, just a brief stroll from the town centre.

Access points to the beach are scattered along Cleveland Way, North Terrace, and North Promenade. On sun-drenched days, families gather on the sandy stretch between Upgang Beach and West Pier.

A line of colourful beach huts are available for hire, and deckchairs and windbreaks can be found near the slipway at West Pier.

From May to September, a seasonal dog ban is enforced on Whitby West Cliff Beach. However, dogs are permitted all year round on the nearby Tate Hill Beach.

Other popular beaches in Whitby include Sandsend Beach and Runswick Bay.

Nestled between two rugged cliffs in Yorkshire above the North Sea – a nice stroll in Staithes feels like you’ve stumbled upon some idealised version of coastal living

A delightful UK fishing village has recently been dubbed one of Europe’s ‘hidden gems’. In a fresh compilation by European Best Destinations, Staithes in North Yorkshire was featured alongside Pico Island in the Azores, the vibrant villages of Villajoyosa in Spain and the floating houses of Lake Bokod in Hungary as one of the continent’s 18 most unique and underappreciated attractions.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting, as I did recently, you’ll certainly comprehend why. Tucked between two craggy cliffs overlooking the North Sea, a leisurely wander in Staithes feels like you’ve chanced upon an idyllic depiction of coastal life.

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I was even fortunate enough to experience a bit of picture-perfect sunshine during my brief yet memorable visit, writes the Mirror’s Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas.

Staithes is the very town that birthed world explorer Captain Cook, but it now boasts a range of artistic shops, inviting pubs and top-notch restaurants. One fantastic way to reach this destination is to trek a few miles along the dramatic North Yorkshire coastline from Saltburn.

From this vantage point, you can gaze down at the quaint fishing cottages nestled below, before descending into the village to explore its offerings.

Immediately, you’ll observe a strong focus on arts and crafts in the area – a nod to its history as home to the Staithes Group, a collective of 19th-century painters attracted by the town’s fishing traditions and maritime lifestyle. While modern life has evolved, the artistic vibe remains intact.

In the local Staithes Gallery, I found myself captivated by contemporary artworks inspired by coastal living. The town is also peppered with quaint gift shops and subtle public art installations.

Despite its compact size, Staithes is far less crowded than neighbouring Whitby and even quieter than Robin Hood’s Bay, another charming fishing village just along the coast.

This allowed me to leisurely stroll down to the harbourside where the Cod and Lobster pub provides an opportunity for a swift pint overlooking the beach and, reportedly, some excellent seafood.

One of the town’s charms is how it’s bisected by the Staithes Beck river, offering a picturesque walk along the beach before ascending the steps and rounding the corner, all while remaining waterside with the cliffs in full view.

There’s also a climb back into the cliffs on the north side of the river, affording stunning views of the town, beach and sea.

I lodged a brief car journey away in Whitby, but if you’re considering an overnight stay, there’s an abundance of bed and breakfasts available, some situated right next to the beach. I’d definitely recommend spending the night if possible.

We have numerous charming seaside locations in Britain that perhaps we don’t appreciate enough – Staithes might just be the most delightful of them all – so it’s heartening to see that recognition is now coming from beyond our shores.