Pictures of England
 Exploring the most Picturesque & Historic parts of England..

Pictures of Whitby

in the county of North Yorkshire

The Esk at Whitby

About Whitby

This historic small fishing town is part of the Heritage Coast of North East England. It is a place of historical interest and was the home of the most famous 18th century explorer and voyager; Captain James Cook. Whitby also has one of the finest examples of Anglo Saxon churches in England.
The coastal towns of the North Yorkshire Moors enjoyed their heyday in the 18th century and for several hundred years Whitby has been home to a highly successful fishing fleet. There is a strong maritime tradition in the town and to this day there is much to remind the visitor of it's illustrious history.

Whitby's huge whaling fleet is commemorated in Pannet Park museum. Captain James Cook, the explorer, learnt his seamanship skills on colliers sailing from here. The Rev. William Scoresby (1789-1857) who managed to combine a career in the church with arctic exploration, is hailed not just as a great whaling captain but also as the inventor of the Crows Nest.

Though Whitby still has a fishing fleet and is famed for it's shellfish the prestige that it once enjoyed through its port and harbour has long since diminished.

Of the many historic buildings to be found in the town you will surely enjoy a visit to St.Mary's church which is magnificently perched at the top of a superb fight of steps. This wonderful church contains many fine examples of early 18th century craftsmanship.

The ruins of St Hilda's Abbey can be seen high above the towns East Cliff. Below here the River Esk divides the old part of the town from the newer West Cliff area which is connected to the harbour via a passage cut between the rocks.

There are many rows of old terraced cottages to be seen, some of which climb the banks of the River Esk and there is little doubt that a century or so ago some of these cottages would have been occupied by many of Whitby's seafaring men and their families.

Legends are rife in this area and a short trip along the coast will bring you to Robin Hood Bay where the more notorious trade of smuggling was carried on. This quaint small town has cobbled streets and clusters tiny cottages which have the appearance of being 'squashed' into the gap between the sea and steep cliffs. So much atmosphere abounds here and it is easy to see why it became a haven for smugglers. The only access is on foot down a long, narrow and precipitous road, though there are plenty of pubs and cafes where one can tarry a while for refreshment or to simply just enjoy the wild and wonderful scenery. Be aware that this trip is not for the feint hearted and good walking shoes are strongly advised!

There are lots of attractions to be found in and around Whitby and the shopping experience is excellent with many shops selling ornaments and jewellery made from the famous Whitby Jet.

Well worth a visit is the Smugglers Experience Museum at Robin Hood Bay.


Planning a visit? Please see below for other recommended towns, attractions and recommended hotels nearby.

Distances and directions below are approximate. For true driving distances please visit the AA Route Planner

Recommended attractions near Whitby

Whitby Lighthouse(0.7 miles, 1.1 km)Pictures
Whitby Abbey(0.7 miles, 1.2 km)Pictures
Whitby High Lighthouse(2.1 miles, 3.3 km, direction E)Pictures
Sneaton Forest(4.6 miles, 7.3 km, direction S)Pictures
Falling Foss Waterfall(4.6 miles, 7.4 km, direction S)Pictures
Mallyan Spout Waterfall(7.7 miles, 12.4 km, direction SW)Pictures
Hayburn Wyke Nature Reserve(11.1 miles, 17.8 km, direction SE)Pictures
North York Moors National Park(13.3 miles, 21.3 km, direction SW)Pictures
Rosedale Moor(13.3 miles, 21.4 km, direction SW)Pictures
Dalby Forest(14.5 miles, 23.3 km, direction S)Pictures
Skelton Castle(16.3 miles, 26.2 km, direction W)Pictures
Scarborough Castle(16.4 miles, 26.4 km, direction SE)Pictures
Scarborough Pier Lighthouse(16.5 miles, 26.6 km, direction SE)Pictures
Guisborough Priory(17.5 miles, 28.2 km, direction W)Pictures
Pickering Castle(17.5 miles, 28.2 km, direction S)Pictures

All attractions in Whitby
All attractions in North Yorkshire
Complete A to Z of attractions in England

Recommended towns near Whitby

Sandsend, in the county of North Yorkshire (2.7 miles, 4.4 km, direction NW)
A wildly beautiful rugged coastal area with over two and a half miles of uninterrupted golden sand which in high summer is idyllic for holiday makers, and attractive to surfers.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Robin Hood's Bay, in the county of North Yorkshire (4.8 miles, 7.8 km, direction SE)
The talk in the local pub is all of Robin Hood, did he pass through this bay whilst journeying to Whitby, or did he not?
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Runswick Bay, in the county of North Yorkshire (6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction NW)
Runswick Bay lies at the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, the village is tucked between rising cliffs at the western end of a lovely sweep of sand.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Goathland, in the county of North Yorkshire (7.3 miles, 11.7 km, direction SW)
Sheep graze on the course grasses that surround the greystone houses of this straggling moorland village
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Staithes, in the county of North Yorkshire (8.7 miles, 14.0 km, direction NW)
Spectacularly set along the North Yorkshire coastline is the pretty fishing village of Staithes, with only the Shetland Islands...
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Levisham, in the county of North Yorkshire (13.1 miles, 21.1 km, direction S)
This beautiful isolated moorland village overlooks Newton Dale; the road plunges down towards the station, a watermill and a church, on Levisham Beck.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Rosedale Abbey, in the county of North Yorkshire (14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction SW)
This is a lovely village hidden in a lush green valley landscape of sweeping hillsides, meadows and breathtaking scenery.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Westerdale, in the county of North Yorkshire (14.8 miles, 23.9 km, direction W)
Nestling in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, Westerdale affords the visitor wonderful views over the surrounding dales.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Saltburn-by-the-Sea, in the county of Cleveland (15.9 miles, 25.5 km, direction NW)
A lovely winding road drops down from the valley above to this small seaside resort and fishing haven.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Scarborough, in the county of North Yorkshire (16.4 miles, 26.4 km, direction SE)
To this day Scarborough remains a very popular resort and this delightful north coast town overlooks two magnificent sandy bays which are divided by a huge headland.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Lastingham, in the county of North Yorkshire (16.5 miles, 26.5 km, direction SW)
Lastingham is a small village set amidst fine wooded Yorkshire countryside. It is an area renowned for its wonderful scenery where often in a quiet lane you will find an ancient corn mill.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Guisborough, a Historic Market Town in the county of Cleveland (17.8 miles, 28.6 km, direction W)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Marske-by-the-Sea, in the county of Cleveland (17.8 miles, 28.6 km, direction NW)
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Thornton-le-Dale, a Picturesque Village in the county of North Yorkshire (17.8 miles, 28.6 km, direction S)
Thornton-le-Dale is a lovely village lying at the foot of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

Pickering, a Historic Market Town in the county of North Yorkshire (17.9 miles, 28.8 km, direction S)
The enduring popularity of the East Coast of North Yorkshire owes much to the excellent long sandy beaches, while the lure of the wild moorland and its communities never fades.
Info | Pictures | Hotels

All towns in North Yorkshire
Complete A to Z of towns in England

Nearby travel help

Whitby Station(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
Ruswarp Station(1.0 miles, 1.7 km)
Teesside International Airport(32.8 miles, 52.7 km, direction W)
A1(M) Junction 60(37.7 miles, 60.7 km, direction W)
A1(M) Junction 59(38.6 miles, 62.2 km, direction W)
Newcastle International Airport(57.4 miles, 92.4 km, direction NW)
Whitby to London(206.9 miles, 332.8 km, direction S)

Hotels & Accommodation in Whitby

Hotel NameApproximate distance from Whitby center
The Waverley(0.1 miles, 0.2 km)
The Europa(0.2 miles, 0.3 km)
The Wheeldale(0.6 miles, 0.9 km)
Dunsley Hall Country House Hotel(0.9 miles, 1.4 km)
Cliffemount Hotel - A non-smoking Hotel(6.4 miles, 10.3 km, direction NW)
Broom House Guest House and Country Cottages(7.1 miles, 11.5 km, direction SW)
Raven Hall Hotel(7.9 miles, 12.8 km, direction SE)
Grinkle Park Hotel(10.2 miles, 16.4 km, direction W)
Duke Of Wellington Inn(11.8 miles, 18.9 km, direction W)
Hackness Grange Hotel(13.6 miles, 21.9 km, direction S)
All hotels in Whitby

User Login

UK Hotel Search

Please support this site by booking your England hotels..

Enter destination:

(town, attraction, airport, postcode or hotel name)
Select date:
Nights:
Rooms:
Up to 70% OFF hotel room prices in association with Laterooms.com

Picture Tours

More


Day Sightseeing Tours with the London Pass

England Hotels
Discount hotels in
England and the
UK. Find UK
Accommodation..