SIGHTSEEING

Climb the iconic 199 Steps

Climbing the 199 Steps to St Mary's Church is a must on your list of things to do in Whitby. These steps are well known for being mentioned in Bram Stokers Dracula, but they are also a great sight to see in their own right. You can climb up the steps and look out over Whitby as you climb higher.

Tradition says you have to count the steps though as you go higher and higher.

You access the steps by walking along Church Street on the East Side of town. St Marys Church can be found at the top of the 199 steps. The churchyard is full of old graves which date back as far as the 1700s. Look out for the old pirate's tombstones!

You can access Whitby Abbey from the back of the graveyard.

How to get there: 199 Steps, Whitby, YO22 4DL.

12-minute walk

Take a tour of the historic Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the seaside town and it's something that the majority of visitors go out of their way to have a look at. The Benedictine Abbey can be quite an impressive sight and it is yet another connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Situated on top of Whitby's East Cliff, Whitby Abbey is operated and maintained by Whitby Heritage. There are several events held at the Abbey throughout the year, with the illuminated Abbey spectacle around Halloween a particular highlight.

The Abbey is open to visitors throughout the year.

Location: Whitby Abbey, Abbey Ln, Whitby, YO22 4JT

16-minute walk

Keyhole

Take a photo from the famous Keyhole view of Whitby Abbey and St Marys Church on the East Cliff so called because of the shape of the archway. It is located in an underground tunnel off the Khyber Pass. Ask anyone for directions when you are at the Whalebones.

13 min walk

Visit Whitby’s Beaches

One of the most popular things to do in Whitby for young and old is visiting one of Whitby’s beautiful beaches. Sandsend is considered by many to be one of the more popular beaches around the town and it makes for a great place to sit back and enjoy the sea air.

There are several beaches to enjoy, with the main beach been situated along the West Cliff. This beach stretches all the way to Sandsend, and you can walk the whole way when the tide is out. Just ensure you have plenty of time to walk back before the tide comes in.

There are donkey rides available during summer months along with surfing opportunities. There is also a dog-friendly beach on the East Side of town which is very popular during the summer months.

Visit the Whalebones and the Statue of Captain Cook

Visit the Whalebones and the statue of Captain Cook Take a quick walk to West Cliff and enjoy a coffee or an ice cream from Clara’s and take in the breath-taking scenery through the Whale

Location: Whalebone Arch, North Terrace, Whitby YO21 3HA

13 min walk

Enjoy a tour of the Captain Cook Memorial Museum

The Captain Cook Memorial Museum has a wide range of art exhibitions and shows on a regular basis, so you're bound to be visiting when something is on. Otherwise, there is the main museum exhibition, which you can easily lose a few hours enjoying. The Museum is located on Grape Lane and is based in the house where Captain Cook served his apprenticeship as a seaman. It is here where he learned his maritime skills which helped him on his voyages of discovery. Prices are around £5.40 for adults and £3 for children. Group bookings are also possible.

Phone: +44 1947 601 900

Address: Grape Lane, Whitby YO22 4BA

Pannet Park and Museum

This is a must. Located just across the street from Seaglass Cottage this parks houses a museum and an art gallery not to mention the beautiful gardens which are maintained to a high standard year round.

Location: Pannett Park, Museum, Whitby YO21 1RE

5 Minute Walk