Hotels in Whitby

Enjoy the bracing sea air in North Yorkshire when you book hotels in Whitby. This traditional and beloved seaside destination has been attracting families for years, as well as lovers of horror who are keen to discover the area's connection to Bram Stoker's Count Dracula.

Whitby hotels are filled with visitors eager to see the best bits of this atmospheric town by the sea...

Cast your eyes along the higgledy-piggledy skyline of Whitby to immediately discover its treasures. From the ruins of St Hilda's Abbey, sitting high on East Cliff, and the rises and falls of the streets that are packed with shops and jewellers, to the tall masts that bob on the waters of the port, from which a long and wide beach runs away: there's certainly plenty to see and do in Whitby.

You're also within easy reach of some of the area's other fantastic beach resorts, such as Filey, Bridlington, and Scarborough, while the handsome North Yorks Moors are on the doorstep.

In Whitby, hotels come in all shapes and sizes and there's something to match every taste and budget...

Hotels in Whitby range from grand seafront palaces on the West Cliff, inns tucked away down back streets, lovely manor houses in the nearby countryside, and basic but pleasant budget hotels. There are plenty of welcoming B&Bs too, as well as campsites and caravan parks on the outskirts of town. Whatever type of holiday you're after, there is accommodation to suit.

Stay in central Whitby and ditch your car; it's better to explore the town on foot. If you want ribbons of Yorkshire countryside meandering away from your holiday base, you can book a hotel or inn among the hills and woodland of the moors. Having a car is ideal if you fancy day trips to nearby beaches, such as stunning Runswick Bay, a few miles to the north of Whitby, or Robin Hood's Bay, which is just a short journey to the south of town.

From traditional seaside pleasures to the rugged beauty of the moors, everyone will find a place to be happy in Whitby...

Whatever your family's interests, you can spend many pleasant hours in and around Whitby doing all sorts of appealing things.

Top five attractions

Whitby Abbey and the Church of St Mary

Take the famed 199 steps to the top of East Cliff to see this pair of architectural beauties. The abbey, also known as St Hilda's, is the distinctive ruin, while the church and its graveyard attract fans of the novel 'Dracula', as Stoker set a scene here (the ship carrying the vampire ran aground in Whitby).

Boat trips

Set sail on the seas to see Whitby from a different angle. You can join a fishing trip and work for the splendid views, or simply hop aboard a pleasure sailing boat and relax.

The beach

Grab a hearty portion of salt-and-vinegar-laden fish and chips and make your way to the wide sands of Whitby Beach (or smaller Tate Hill Beach) - it's the quintessential Whitby experience.

Jewellers

Whitby is famous for shops that sell the distinctive black gemstone known as jet. If you're in the market for a new piece of jewellery, this is the place to be. It's wonderful to simply tour the shops and check out this amazing local jewel.

North Yorkshire Moors National Park

Find a walking trail amid the moorland and woodland of the National Park for a completely different look at Yorkshire. Encompassing a huge area of land and coast, there is much to do within the park besides walking.

Spring, summer, autumn or winter, Whitby is a delightful place to be at any time of the year...

It might be worth planning your trip around one of these annual events however, as Whitby knows how to put on a good show.

Whitby Goth Weekend; spring and autumn: This twice-yearly festival of music attracts Goths and others who are into alternative lifestyles. There's a strong bond between Whitby and the Gothic community; you can see shops filled with the trademark black clothing throughout the year. The event is staged in April, and then again in October/November. It's popular, so expect hotels to be busy.

Whitby Regatta; August: Racing takes place alongside family fun and games for three days in summer. The event is rounded off with a spectacular display of fireworks.

Whitby Folk Week; August: See traditional folk dancing and hear time-honoured music during this week-long event. Hundreds of performances are staged around Whitby and you can expect hotels to be busy, especially as the event falls in the peak of the summer season. Book hotels in Whitby as early as possible if you wish to attend this event.