Villas in Whitby

About Whitby

Whitby sits at the mouth of the River Esk, with a harbour of about 80 acres that a swing bridge from 1908-09 divides into upper and lower parts. The abbey ruins stand on the East Cliff, reached by 199 steps from St Mary's Church, and Captain Cook served his apprenticeship in the town. Part of Bram Stoker's Dracula is set here. The homes cluster tightly near the centre, mostly for around four, with a fireplace in some and no pools. Wind surfing, sailing and surfing take place off the beaches towards Sandsend. The Whitby Goth Weekend, held since 1993, brings Goth visitors to the town in large numbers.

Is Whitby right for you?

Best for

Harbour-town breaks with cliff walks and beaches nearby

Not for you if

You dislike steps, since the climb to the abbey is 199 of them.

Near Whitby

• Sandsend

  A beach village along the coast from Whitby, known for regular fossil finds, with guided fossil tours.

• Robin Hood's Bay

  A fishing and smuggling village on the edge of the North York Moors; cars are not allowed in the lower old village and the path down is steep.

• Staithes

  A village with winding cobbled streets and a harbourside beach; the young James Cook was apprenticed here, and a plaque remembers him.

• Ravenscar

  An old alum-working site where quarries, slate heaps and the remains of a Second World War radar station can still be seen.

Getting to Whitby

Whitby is about 47 miles from York and 22 miles from Middlesbrough. The station has about six trains a day to and from Middlesbrough, four on Sundays. Rail from York needs several changes, so buses are often quicker. A car helps for Sandsend and Robin Hood's Bay.

When to go to Whitby

The Whitby Goth Weekend, held since 1993, fills the town, so check its dates before booking. Windsurfing, sailing and surfing take place off the beaches between Whitby and Sandsend. Trains to Middlesbrough drop from about six a day to four on Sundays, which matters for a weekend arrival without a car.

Whitby villa holidays: questions answered

Nearby towns to Whitby

• Yorkshire Moors (12)
• Scarborough (10)
• Harrogate (6)
• All of Yorkshire and the Humber