B&Bs in Whitby

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about booking a B&B in Whitby?
• B&Bs in Whitby: find your perfect stay
• Exploring Whitby: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Whitby?

• Comfort and value: Whitby's B&Bs range from cosy guesthouses to elegant townhouses, ideal for couples, walkers and short breaks.
• Where to stay: On the West Cliff for sea views, or in the old town near the harbour and the famous 199 steps.
• What guests love: A hearty breakfast, sea views, the gothic abbey and the town's Dracula and Captain Cook heritage.
• Where to eat: Some of the best fish and chips in Britain, plus fresh seafood by the harbour.
• Things to do: Climb to Whitby Abbey, wander the harbour, walk the beach and explore the North York Moors.

B&Bs in Whitby offer a warm, personal welcome close to the harbour and the sea, from cosy family-run guesthouses to elegant Victorian townhouses on the West Cliff. Many enjoy sea or harbour views and serve a generous cooked breakfast to set you up for the day, and there is something to suit couples, walkers and weekenders alike. Whether you want a budget-friendly base or a boutique bolthole, there is a bed and breakfast to match, most within easy reach of the old town. Expect features such as:

• A hearty breakfast to start the day
• Sea or harbour views from many rooms
• Wi-Fi and cosy, individually styled rooms
• A friendly host with local tips
• A central spot near the beach and old town

Prefer more space or a self-catering base? You can also compare cottages in Whitby, holiday homes and log cabins, or browse all holiday lettings across Whitby. Exploring more of the county? Compare stays across Yorkshire.

What are the best areas to stay in Whitby?

It depends on the break you have in mind: the West Cliff is best for sea views, while the old town suits atmosphere. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking B&Bs in Whitby through Holidu often highlight the friendly welcome, the generous breakfasts and the wonderful sea and harbour views. Many mention the atmospheric abbey, the excellent fish and chips and the town's rich seafaring and literary heritage, and return for the mix of classic English seaside charm, dramatic coastline and cosy, characterful places to stay.

On the North Yorkshire coast at the edge of the North York Moors, Whitby is a historic fishing port of huge character, crowned by the dramatic ruins of its clifftop abbey. Famous as the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula and the home port of explorer Captain James Cook, it charms with a maze of cobbled lanes, a busy harbour, sandy beaches and some of the best fish and chips in Britain. Atmospheric and beautiful, it makes a memorable base for a coastal break.

🥗Where to eat in Whitby?

According to local reviews, The Magpie Café is one of the best rated restaurants in Whitby. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest traveller Charlotte recommends a harbourside chippy tucked by the swing bridge: a friendly spot for freshly fried haddock and chips to enjoy looking out over the boats.

1. Climb to Whitby Abbey
2. Wander the old town and harbour
3. Relax on the beach
4. Follow the Captain Cook trail
5. Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
6. Walk to Robin Hood's Bay
7. Hunt for Whitby jet

1. Climb to Whitby Abbey

   Dominating the skyline, the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey stand high on the East Cliff, reached by the famous 199 steps from the old town. Explore the atmospheric shell of this 13th-century monastery, learn the story that inspired Dracula and take in sweeping views over the harbour and sea. Cared for by English Heritage and floodlit at night, it is Whitby's most iconic and unmissable sight.

2. Wander the old town and harbour

   Whitby's old town is a delightful maze of narrow cobbled lanes, or "yards", tumbling down to the busy harbour. Browse independent shops selling Whitby jet, watch the boats through the swing bridge and soak up the salty, seafaring atmosphere. Grab an ice cream or a bag of chips and stroll the quayside. Full of history and character, it is the perfect place to lose yourself for an afternoon.

3. Relax on the beach

   Backed by the West Cliff and its colourful beach huts, Whitby Sands is a broad stretch of golden sand perfect for a classic seaside day. Build sandcastles, paddle in the sea and enjoy donkey rides in summer, with cafés and the whalebone arch close by. At low tide there is masses of room to explore, making it a lovely, family-friendly spot right beside the town.

4. Follow the Captain Cook trail

   Whitby was where the great explorer Captain James Cook learned his seamanship, and the town celebrates its most famous adopted son. Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum in the harbourside house where he lodged, see the replica of his ship the Endeavour and admire his statue on the West Cliff. It is a fascinating trail for anyone interested in maritime history and the age of exploration.

5. Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

   From nearby Grosmont, the heritage North Yorkshire Moors Railway steams across the beautiful moors to Pickering, one of the most scenic lines in Britain. Settle into a vintage carriage and enjoy the ever-changing landscape of heather, valleys and villages, including Goathland, familiar from television and film. Romantic and nostalgic, it makes a wonderful day out and a memorable way to see the North York Moors.

6. Walk to Robin Hood's Bay

   A few miles down the coast, the pretty village of Robin Hood's Bay tumbles down a steep ravine to the sea, a warren of tiny cottages and smuggling tales. Walk there along the clifftop Cleveland Way for spectacular coastal views, then explore the rock pools and hunt for fossils on the beach. Charming and unspoilt, it is one of the loveliest villages on the Yorkshire coast.

7. Hunt for Whitby jet

   Whitby is famous for jet, a black gemstone formed from fossilised wood and prized since Victorian times for mourning jewellery. Browse the workshops and shops of the old town to see it polished and set, learn its history at the museum, or try your luck fossicking for pieces along the beach after a storm. It makes a unique and meaningful souvenir of your visit to the coast.