Why visit Whitby in England?
Nestled on the Yorkshire coast, Whitby is a charming little English town with a blend of picturesque and mystical ambiance.
Its famous abbey perched on a hill, the atmospheric graveyard, local legends, cobbled streets, and lively harbor—not to mention its renowned fish and chips! Whitby is like an open-air postcard. While the town is popular with tourists, it retains a delightful atmosphere. Families come to crab fish, enjoy a classic fish and chips, and stroll along the beach. The mood is joyful, making it easy to spend an entire day soaking up the town’s charm.
How to get to Whitby? Practical info for your stay
Whitby is easy to reach, even by campervan. If you’re traveling from London, expect about a 5-hour drive. For a more scenic route, take the train to York, then switch to the line leading to Whitby. You can even enjoy part of the journey aboard a steam train if you opt for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway—a unique experience in itself.
If you’re planning to stay overnight in Whitby with your campervan, camping is ideal, as there are many “no overnight” restrictions along the coast. Some campsites even offer panoramic views of the North Sea! However, a slight drawback to coastal campsites is that they often have a minimum stay requirement of 2 to 3 nights, similar to what you might encounter on the French Riviera.
During the day, we recommend parking directly at the abbey’s car park, which is convenient for campervans; however, note that overnight parking is not allowed.
As with many places in England, the abbey and its museum close by 5 p.m., so start your visit there to enjoy it fully before heading into town. Parking at the abbey offers the advantage of beginning your Whitby experience there, allowing you to descend the 150 steps into town, rather than climbing them on your way up!
The history of Whitby: Between fishermen, legends, and Dracula
Whitby is an ancient fishing port that remains active today. Over the centuries, the town has evolved, drawing in both fishermen and writers alike. Whitby Abbey, dating back to the 7th century, has not only played a pivotal role in England’s religious history but also served as an inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula.
Stoker was captivated by the imposing silhouette of the abbey ruins and featured it in one of the key scenes in his novel. It’s easy to see why he fell in love with the abbey upon arrival. Its grand facade facing the sea and its gothic architecture make it especially mysterious!
Today, Whitby is a pilgrimage site for gothic and vampire enthusiasts, with an annual gothic festival held in honor of Dracula that draws many visitors.
The abbey also has a lovely museum displaying artifacts, statues, and items uncovered during excavations. Admission includes entry to both the abbey and the museum. If you’re visiting with children, be sure to ask for the free detective game at the entrance—kids can earn a small reward, and it’s a fun activity that’s a great way to engage children in exploring a place that might otherwise seem less interesting to them.
What to see and do in Whitby: The must-sees
Whitby Abbey: Towering over the town, this ruined abbey is the main attraction. Climb the 199 steps leading up to the abbey to enjoy a breathtaking view of Whitby and the North Sea. The mysterious atmosphere makes this place truly captivating, and it’s easy to see why Bram Stoker chose Whitby as a setting for his novel.
Don’t miss the cemetery in front of the abbey as well; some of the tombstones date back to the 1700s, and the sea view is simply stunning!
Whitby Harbor: This lively harbor is perfect for a seaside stroll. Don’t forget to try Whitby’s famous fish and chips, reputed to be among the best in the country!
We highly recommend Abbey Wharf; you can also get your fish and chips to go and enjoy it right on the beach! Take time to watch locals crabbing along the promenade with their families, and if you’re interested, crabbing gear costs around £10 and can be found all around town.
You can also take a boat ride to see Whitby from the sea.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum: Whitby is known as the training ground of the famous explorer Captain James Cook. This museum, located in his childhood home in the town center, offers insight into his life and travels.
Whitby Jet: This locally sourced fossilized black gemstone has been used for centuries to craft unique jewelry pieces, especially popular during the Victorian era.
The Dracula Experience: Located in the town center, this interactive museum based on Bram Stoker’s novel might be best avoided with very young children due to special effects that could be a bit frightening. However, if you’re keen to learn more about the connection between the novel and Whitby, it’s a must-visit.
What to see around Whitby?
The surrounding areas of Whitby are full of natural landscapes and picturesque villages:
North York Moors National Park: The wild and rolling moors are perfect for hiking. You’ll discover stunning panoramas and walking paths suitable for all levels.
Robin Hood’s Bay: This small fishing village, just a few miles from Whitby, is very popular but can be difficult to access with a campervan as there is only one parking lot available. It’s best to visit during the off-season!
Goathland Station: Harry Potter fans will recognize this station in an instant! It served as the filming location for many scenes in the Harry Potter films, particularly as the “Hogsmeade” station. It’s a must-stop for many fans! The best time to visit is when the train passes under the famous bridge. Train schedules can be found directly on the station’s website.
The village itself is very small, with just two or three shops; people mainly come for the station. However, you can also enjoy a short hike to see the Mallyan Spout Waterfall.
You’ll find dedicated parking spaces for campervans at the entrance of the village.
