Why Whitby is the Perfect Day Trip from Scarborough...
While Scarborough offers grand Victorian architecture and sprawling bays, a 20-mile trip north reveals a completely different side of the Yorkshire Coast. Whitby is a more compact, atmospheric destination where gothic legends meet a bustling, traditional fishing harbour.
The 199 Steps & Whitby Abbey:
The iconic 199 steps lead from the Old Town to the dramatic clifftop ruins of Whitby Abbey. These ruins famously inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and offer some of the best panoramic views of the coastline.
The Old Town’s Cobbled Streets:
Unlike Scarborough’s commercial town centre, Whitby’s East Side is a maze of medieval lanes. It’s the best place to find unique Whitby Jet jewellery, a locally sourced black gemstone made famous by Queen Victoria..
Visit the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, housed in the very building where the famous explorer served his apprenticeship.
Take a boat trip
from the harbour on a scale replica of the HM Bark Endeavour or join a whale-watching excursion to spot minke whales and dolphins. Operators include the Pirate Ship and the Yellow Boats.
You can explore the Whitby Museum
in Pannett Park to see the bizarre "Hand of Glory" and Jurassic fossils, or dive into local folklore at The Dracula Experience
on the harbourfront.
For a more active adventure, take a stroll across the Larpool Viaduct
for stunning views of the Esk Valley, or visit the Whitby Marine Discovery Centre
to see the vital conservation work of the lobster hatchery.
Whitby Goth Weekend (1–3 May & 30 Oct – 1 Nov):
A world-famous alternative festival where the town is filled with spectacular Victorian and Steampunk costumes.
Whitby Fish and Ships Festival (16–17 May): A celebration of the town's seafaring heritage with live cooking demos and shanty music.
Whitby Regatta (8–10 August):
One of the oldest sea regattas in the country, featuring rowing races and a grand firework display.
Fossil Hunting at Saltwick Bay:
A short walk from the Abbey, this quieter beach is a hotspot for finding ammonites, belemnites, and even dinosaur footprints.
Crabbing at the Harbour:
A classic seaside pastime; you can find designated crabbing areas near the Swing Bridge.
The Screaming Tunnel:
A narrow tunnel on the West Cliff that frames the Abbey and is home to local ghost legends
Traveling between Whitby and Scarborough
is straightforward and offers some of the region's best scenery: By Car:
The drive via the A171 takes approximately 30–45 minutes. It winds through the North York Moors National Park, providing stunning views of the heather-clad hills.
Bus (Scenic Route):
The Arriva X93/X94 service is a local favourite. It runs regularly from Scarborough Railway Station and offers an elevated view of the coast and moors, stopping at the picturesque Robin Hood's Bay along the way.
By Bike (The Cinder Track):
For the adventurous, the Cinder Track is a 21-mile off-road path following the old railway line. It’s perfect for a full-day cycling expedition with stops at secluded coves.
Scarborough is the perfect base from which to explore the stunning Yorkshire Coast. From dramatic cliffs towering over 600ft above the North Sea, to coastal villages where houses cling to the cliff, between which you can get lost in a maze of narrow streets filled with the echoes of smuggling. Busy resorts like Whitby & Bridlington, wide sweeping bays like Filey Bay, dramatic chalk cliffs at Bempton and Flamborough all await to be discovered. Here's some ideas to get you started...
Get Your Scarborough Fix In '26!
Welcome to Scarborough on the stunning Yorkshire Coast. Award winning sandy beaches, breath-taking coastline, wonderful family attractions and some of the best events in the country.
Scarborough has a huge variety of Accommodation. We have hotels, guest houses, cottages, apartments, holiday parks and much more.
Scarborough has world-class attractions including Scarborough Castle, Alpamare Waterpark, Sealife Scarborough, North Yorkshire Waterpark and many more...
Scarborough has a huge range of events from Armed Forces Day, to Scarborough Open Air Theatre concerts, welcoming the world's biggest acts to the Yorkshire Coast...
