Swing Bridge
Swing Bridge
4.5
Full view
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
177 within 3 miles
Attractions
53 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
396 reviews
Excellent
171
Very good
169
Average
53
Poor
1
Terrible
2
restorergirl
Whitchurch, UK86 contributions
Oct 2021
This lovely bridge swings open, one or both halves to allow larger boats to enter the harbour from the sea. Narrow pavements either side of the road, but a one way walking system in place, which helps enormously. Closed to traffic, except buses, at the weekends and Bank Holiday Mondays. Walk over to the other side of Whitby town to find a plethora of alleyways and hidden shops. Lovely.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jellybellydancer
Burscough, UK1,477 contributions
Aug 2021
This unusal bridge is the focal point of the harbour and the main way to get from one side to the other within the town. It is predominantly used as a pedestrian bridge now and has a very efficiant one way system in operation (for those who bother to read the signs!).
I wasn't lucky to be there when it opened,but would have liked to have been.
I wasn't lucky to be there when it opened,but would have liked to have been.
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK6,983 contributions
Sep 2020
Hiking the Cleveland Way from Sandsend took us directly through Whitby via the whalebone arches, past the harbour, across the Swinging Bridge, through the narrow cobbled streets and up the 199 Steps towards the abbey.
The swinging bridge spans Whitby harbour and it opens frequently to allow entry/exit of small fishing vessels to the harbour. There is an informative information board for those wanting to know more about the bridge. During these strange covid19 times there is supposed to be a one-way system over the bridge (walk to the left), whilst most complied but some didn't....
The bridge is always very busy with both foot traffic and cars, so can be hard to keep your distance. Even around 9.30am on a mid-week morning in late September the harbour area was full of people. It is always uncomfortably busy on weekends and holidays, as is all of Whitby unfortunately.
The swinging bridge spans Whitby harbour and it opens frequently to allow entry/exit of small fishing vessels to the harbour. There is an informative information board for those wanting to know more about the bridge. During these strange covid19 times there is supposed to be a one-way system over the bridge (walk to the left), whilst most complied but some didn't....
The bridge is always very busy with both foot traffic and cars, so can be hard to keep your distance. Even around 9.30am on a mid-week morning in late September the harbour area was full of people. It is always uncomfortably busy on weekends and holidays, as is all of Whitby unfortunately.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara Pearson
Boston, UK20 contributions
May 2023
When the swing bridge has to open for the boats to pass through, it is a sight to behold. When I go, I like to stand on the pavement in the middle of the bridge and look down the river. It is a wonderful sight. I was once asked, in a yoga class, to think of somewhere you would like to be that brings you happiness and to imagine yourself there. I was on the pavement in the middle of the swing bridge in Whitby, sun shining, not too many people there, and I was full of happiness.
Written June 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny2341919
Huddersfield, UK52 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
The swing bridge is in the centre of Whitby and everyone enjoys seeing the bridge open and close as if by magic. Good idea also to let the public walk over the bridge when it reopens before it is opened to vehicles. Less chance of accidents
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christine K
Barnsley, UK819 contributions
Aug 2021
We wanted to show our grandson all the interesting things on our visit to Whitby so we brought him to the bridge. As grandad was explaining how the bridge worked a pesky seagull decided to plop on my head and down the back of my coat. Think that will be the most memorable part of the trip!
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gourmetflaneur
York, UK1,074 contributions
Jul 2020
When the water levels are high and boats want to leave or enter the inner harbour the bridge has to open. It is worth watching the spectacle even if it is unpredictable. A clue - watch the harbour to see if boats are congregating a hundred yards or so upstream or down stream. Although openings are timed it will only swing if there is a boat requiring passage. And of course it is the main thoroughfare form one side of the harbour to the harbour, form the station and the town centre ot the old market place and the steps to the Abbey.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessi N
16 contributions
Nov 2019
This is the gateway to Church Street so we spent a lot of time crossing over and, of course, stopping to grab shots toward the sea. on one lovely sunny afternoon we got to see it in action, letting a dredging barge back in to the harbour. It was quite the treat!
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK6,983 contributions
Jun 2022
We visited mid-week, when the bridge is open to pedestrians and also to cars.
The swinging bridge spans Whitby harbour and it opens frequently to allow entry/exit of small fishing vessels to the harbour. We have walked across the bridge dozens of times before but this time we were right next to the bridge to watch it open and close.
On opening again hoards of people pushed to cross the bridge! We waited a couple of minutes for the rush to ease, then walked across just before the bridge was opened back up to cars.
There is an informative information board for those wanting to know more about the bridge. You will walk across this bridge at least once if you're spending the day in Whitby and having a bit of a wander around.
The swinging bridge spans Whitby harbour and it opens frequently to allow entry/exit of small fishing vessels to the harbour. We have walked across the bridge dozens of times before but this time we were right next to the bridge to watch it open and close.
On opening again hoards of people pushed to cross the bridge! We waited a couple of minutes for the rush to ease, then walked across just before the bridge was opened back up to cars.
There is an informative information board for those wanting to know more about the bridge. You will walk across this bridge at least once if you're spending the day in Whitby and having a bit of a wander around.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bob H
Leeds, UK43 contributions
Jun 2022
It's fascinating and interesting watching the procedure and helps you to realise that Whitby is a working/fishing town. Just remember that it takes a while,from start to finish,and you don't want to be on the "wrong" side,leaving your newly delivered meal to go cold in the Abbey Wharf,like I almost did (my fault,not theirs!!). Watch and learn,it's very much a part of this truly amazing pla(i)ce.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingSwing Bridge - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Swing Bridge
- Hotels near Swing Bridge:
- (0.00 mi) FORESTERS HOUSE, pet friendly in Whitby
- (0.00 mi) FORESTERS HOUSE, 6 bedrooms, Whitby
- (0.01 mi) Storm Cottage Whitby
- (0.01 mi) Abbey Holiday Accommodation
- (0.01 mi) Premium Apartment - 3 Beds (up to 6 Guests)
- Restaurants near Swing Bridge:
- (0.00 mi) The Dolphin Hotel Restaurant & Bar
- (0.00 mi) Robertsons Chips away
- (0.01 mi) The Four Seasons Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) The Four Seasons Restaurant
- (0.01 mi) The Little Fox Bookshop And Cafe
Swing Bridge Information
Excellent Reviews | 171 |
|---|---|
Very Good Reviews | 169 |
Swing Bridge Photos | 96 |