Things to do in Whitby
Midway between Scarborough and Middlesborough on the North Yorkshire Coast lies Whitby, a small, attractive seaside town. Horror fans will be happy to discover that the ruined Whitby Abbey provided Dracula author Bram Stoker with inspiration for his gothic classic.
There are several other fascinating historical attractions and memorable sights to enjoy during your visit. Whitby can be reached in just under an hour’s drive from Haven’s Blue Dolphin or Primrose Valley holiday parks.
Whitby Abbey
Let’s begin with the impressive ruin that inspired Dracula’s creator, author Bram Stoker, who stayed in Whitby. The Abbey was a 7th-century monastery that later became a 12th-century Benedictine abbey, and was again further expanded in the 14th century. Its remains stand proudly on East Cliff overlooking the town and the sea.
From the Abbey site, there are great views down to Whitby and the beach, and Gothic horror fans might like to access it via the 199 steps featured in Stoker’s book. St Mary’s Church, also on the same site, dates back to the 12th century, although its interior is Victorian.
Whitby Museum
A quirky, independent museum, this attraction features a unique collection of geological, historical, cultural, and maritime exhibits including model ships, costumes, and photography. With exhibits extending back to the stone age, there’s no shortage of information in the varied and surprising displays.
It’s a spacious and award-winning attraction, so you’ll need to allow a couple of hours. The building is situated a little way inland at peaceful Pannett Park, which has ornate decorative features such as its sunken pond and themed gardens.
Falling Foss Tea Garden
Nestled in the heart of the pretty Sneaton Forest, the Falling Foss Tea Garden is a delightful woodland retreat. This charmingly rustic garden, complete with its cascading waterfall, includes a café offering homemade delicacies and freshly brewed teas. Set aside some time for a leisurely visit.
The location is beautifully remote and you'll feel at peace with nature here. The kids will especially enjoy the 'Witch's Cottage' and the magical woodland walk.
199 Steps
An iconic Whitby landmark, the 199 Steps lead up to the magnificent Whitby Abbey, offering breathtaking views of the town and harbour. With each step seeped in history and folklore (some believe her steps are over 700 years old) the journey is as captivating as the destination.
Despite the climb, the steps are a must-see, so prepare to pace yourself. Positioned near the town centre, the steps offer views of Whitby's charming, red-roofed townscape and expansive sea. Artists and photographers can often be seen recording the steps’ charms.
Museum of Victorian Science
A distinctive and educational attraction, the Museum of Victorian Science dives into the fascinating world of 19th-century science. Discover the era's electrifying inventions and scientific breakthroughs in an interactive, immersive setting.
Allow a few hours to fully explore the numerous intriguing displays and exhibits. The museum is a short trip from the town centre and adds an air of Victorian nostalgia and wonder to the Yorkshire countryside.
Whitby Harbour
An active and bustling harbour, Whitby Harbour teems with charm and maritime heritage. With its captivating view of the boats at sail and the delightful array of local shops, pubs and eateries, there’s plenty to explore.
Give yourself a morning or afternoon to soak up the atmosphere and engage in a spot of people-watching at a cafe. The harbour is centrally located, an ideal spot for those seeking both scenic beauty and the lively pulse of Whitby life.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Situated in the 17th-century house where Cook once lodged as an apprentice, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum is a tribute to the famed explorer's life and voyages.
The museum boasts a rich collection of artefacts, models, and maps which may take a couple of hours to explore. The historic Grape Lane location adds to the immersive experience, transporting visitors back to Cook’s seafaring days.
Start planning your Great British break
Related Posts
Places to visit in York
Things to do in North Yorkshire
Things to do in Flamborough
Important information
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Free 2024 site fees when you buy a Haven holiday home
Offer is applicable to new customer purchases made through Haven from 19 April 2024, completing by 31 December 2024.
Offer excludes part-exchanges or private sales. Available on new & pre-owned holiday homes at the following selected parks only: Kent Coast, Burnham-on-Sea, Cleethorpes Beach, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Golden Sands, Haggerston Castle, Hopton, Orchards, Skegness and Wild Duck.
A credit equivalent to the value of your site fees due during the 2024 season will be applied to your account balance on completion of your purchase for use against your running costs e.g. utilities, after-sale add-ons e.g storage boxes or site fees. It cannot be applied to your purchase or refunded in cash.
Subject to availability and status. Deposit required. Access to your holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Offer cannot be combined with any other offer, discount, or promotion. Offer may be withdrawn or changed at any time without notice. Full site fees will be payable for subsequent years.
Images are shown for representational purposes.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.