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A mini guide to
Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Climb the Church Steps
The 199 Church Steps lead from the old town on the east side of the harbour up to St Mary's Church and the abbey.
Check the steam railway first
Bridge 42 at Grosmont needs repair, so check the North Yorkshire Moors Railway's travel updates before planning a steam trip to or from Whitby.
Walk to Robin Hood's Bay
The Cleveland Way follows the cliffs from Whitby to Robin Hood's Bay, six miles to the south.
Abbey tickets
Whitby Abbey is run by English Heritage; check its page for opening days and booking, which change by season.
Two sides of the harbour
The abbey and Church Street are on the east side, the station, Pannett Park and the West Cliff on the west; the swing bridge joins them.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay?
Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay is in Yorkshire, England. Harbour town at the mouth of the Esk, with the abbey, Captain Cook and Dracula. Nearby stops and stations include Whitby station, Whitby bus station, Grosmont station.
How long do I need in Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay?
One or two days, plus half a day for Robin Hood's Bay. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Whitby Abbey, St Mary's Church, Captain Cook Memorial Museum. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Whitby station (Northern (Esk Valley line from Middlesbrough); North Yorkshire Moors Railway); Whitby bus station (Coastliner 840 from Leeds, York and Malton); Grosmont station (Esk Valley line and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 20 places to eat and drink in and around Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 9 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Cholmley House
17th-century banqueting house next to the abbey, now the English Heritage visitor centre.
Whitby Abbey
Ruins of a Benedictine abbey on the East Cliff, on the site of a 7th-century monastery; cared for by English Heritage.
St Mary's Church
Grade I listed parish church founded around 1110 on the East Cliff, beside the abbey, at the top of the 199 Church Steps.
Yorkshire
More areas to explore
Scarborough
Two sandy bays, a castle headland and the resort that grew from a spa
Open the mini guide →
Harrogate & Knaresborough
Victorian spa town with gardens and baths, and the Nidd gorge at Knaresborough
Open the mini guide →
North York Moors
Heather moorland, abbeys, market towns and the steam railway
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Robin Hood's Bay: James F. Carter, CC BY-SA 2.5, source
- Cholmley House: habiloid, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Whitby Abbey: aude, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- St Mary's Church: Mark Healey, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Scarborough: derek dye, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Harrogate & Knaresborough: David Rogers, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- North York Moors: JThomas, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Yorkshire Dales: F. C. Franklin, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Yorkshire