I visited the picturesque seaside town with the best fish and chip shop in the UK
WHITBY – with a fascinating history spanning sailors to vampires, a dramatic coastal path, and the very best in pints and scampi… it takes a lot to beat this coastal gem.
And now, the pretty seaside destination has also been announced as the home of the best fish and chips in the UK.
Trenchers of Whitby secured the Restaurant of the Year title at the National Fish and Chips Awards 2026.
The awards are known as the ‘Oscars‘ of the fish and chip industry and recognise excellence, sustainability, quality and outstanding customer service, across the UK.
The restaurant can be found in the centre of Whitby, and you can either sit down or take away.
If you were heading to the restaurant you can opt for plaice with chipped potatoes, lemon and homemade tartare sauce for £20.95.
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If you fancy something more classic, there is cod with chipped potatoes, lemon and homemade tartare sauce in three sizes: small for £15.95; medium for £19.95 and large for £21.95.
Then for takeaway, you could grab cod and chips, haddock and chips or scampi and chips all for £13.50 each.
There’s a children’s menu as well.
A visit to Whitby ticks off all the British seaside classics, although there is so much more to the historic fishing town than you’d find in a traditional day out.
In my trip to the North Yorkshire town, I ticked off all the staple activities. A Mr Whippy enjoyed by the harbour, spare change spent in Funland’s Amusements, and fish and chips for tea.
Plus my stroll along the sands, backed by spectacular moss-green cliffs, was an ideal way to soak up those breath-taking views of the rugged Yorkshire coast.
One of the things that makes Whitby stand out amongst other seaside spots is its connection to a famous explorer.
The Captain Cook Museum ‘House on the Harbour’ is a must-visit – it was where a young James Cook was an apprentice to Captain John Walker, aged 17, in 1746.
This is where I spent the afternoon, having a nosy inside the 17th century rooms where the explorer used to live.
There’s also a Captain Cook boat tour on offer at the harbour, telling you all about the life of the famous explorer – with plenty of breaks for sea shanties to stomp and sing along to.
But once I’d had my fill of cosy boltholes, battered foods and beach walks, what intrigued me the most about the town was its connection to Dracula.
You can see the Gothic Whitby Abbey from across the harbour, keeping watch over the town from its clifftop perch.
I could feel the eeriness just laying eyes on the ruins – it was as if for a moment I could picture Count Dracula lurking somewhere within.
Dracula writer Bram Stoker visited Whitby in 1890, where he was immediately struck by the dramatic Gothic ruins that loom over the pretty coastal town.
Stoker then read up on folklore in the town’s public library, and was filled with inspiration to write the classic text – and the rest is history.
Today the town celebrates its Dracula connection, with themed walking tours, a Dracula Experience centre and there’s even been theatre productions held in the abbey ruins.
In fact, to celebrate 125 years since the novel’s publication, English Heritage broke a Guinness World Record back in 2022 for the largest gathering of people dressed as vampires (1,369, to be exact!).
You can even walk the famous Whitby 199 steps – the very same which a sinister black dog dashes up to announce Dracula’s arrival in Whitby in the famous book.
Walking them in the daytime felt much more scenic than spooky, with views of red-roofed cottages and blooming Red Valerian flowers peeking out with each step.
The steps lead you to the 12th century St Mary’s Church, which is well worth a visit for its panoramic views over the bay – particularly at sunset.
If you like a coastal walk, there’s a portion of the Cleveland Way coastal path with spectacular views that passes through the town.
And if you walk far south enough along the Cleveland Way coastal path from Whitby (or take a 15-minute drive), you’ll wind up in Robin Hood’s Bay.
Exploring the fairytale streets that back the bay is an absolute must as well.
Here, narrow cobbled alleys are dotted with charming gift shops and tiny pubs which wind down the steep hillside, leading you down to the sea.
Sat with a pint at the Bay Hotel, I watched a fisherman play fetch with his Border Collie at the water’s edge – and realised that this pretty coastline truly is something straight out of a storybook.
To make matters even more magical, the following day was spent exploring the nearby waterfalls of Goathland and the Mallyan Spout – just a 20-minute drive from Whitby.
So if you’re after a seaside escape that feels both traditionally British yet has a touch of fairytale magic – set off on a trip to Whitby.
If you are wanting to explore more places with top fish and chip spots, here’s a map of Britain’s top 10 fish and chip shops – did your local make the list?
Plus, last summer, travel reporter Cyann Fielding, visited the seaside town with the UK’s best fish and chips.