Whitby Harbour
Whitby Harbour
4.5
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176 within 3 miles
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51 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,400 reviews
Excellent
2,102
Very good
1,056
Average
179
Poor
36
Terrible
27
Trudy H
Maesteg, UK76 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Love Whitby. An historical gem. The Marina end is fabulous you can really see and feel the history as you soak up the surroundings. Walking down to the seafront however, is far more commercialised with amusement arcades, etc. I felt that was a bit of a let down and disappointing to see. People everywhere, I guess tourism demands these things. Felt a bit Blackpoolish down that end so avoided that on the second day there. Boat trip was good for £5 each and some nice little shops off the main tourist areas. Would recommend the open top Whitby Tour bus as that takes you around the different areas and up to the Abbey.
Written May 23, 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.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK6,928 contributions
Jun 2022
We visited Whitby on a lovely sunny day, mid-week in June. We arrived by 9am so had a lovely quiet couple of hours walking around Whitby, out all the pier and along the beach. By the time we had finished our early lunch the town was packed (as usual!) so we went to the Abbey to escape the worst of the crowds (which we highly recommend) and then left early afternoon.
40p to use the public toilets (card payments), but the toilets are conveniently located (1 near the pier and 1 near the markets on other side of the river) and at 9 months pregnant I ended up using both of them during our day out in Whitby!
Whitby is a VERY popular tourist destination and for good reason, it is picturesque at any time of the year, but particularly when the sun is shining. The narrow cobblestone streets are full of charm and character. We enjoy visiting Whitby but the hordes of crowds spoil it for us. So we only ever visit when we can get there very early mid-week, outside of school holidays.
40p to use the public toilets (card payments), but the toilets are conveniently located (1 near the pier and 1 near the markets on other side of the river) and at 9 months pregnant I ended up using both of them during our day out in Whitby!
Whitby is a VERY popular tourist destination and for good reason, it is picturesque at any time of the year, but particularly when the sun is shining. The narrow cobblestone streets are full of charm and character. We enjoy visiting Whitby but the hordes of crowds spoil it for us. So we only ever visit when we can get there very early mid-week, outside of school holidays.
Written June 30, 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.
Stewart C
Chatham, UK1,014 contributions
Sep 2022
We visited Whitby on a Saturday in September, we chose to use the park & ride system as we thought that the price of a return ticket (£2.50 per person) would be cheaper for the two of us than parking in Whitby itself and also less stress than trying to find a parking spot in the town.
We used our time wisely in Whitby and managed to pack in a trip to the Abbey (our primary reason for coming), a walk out along the harbour arm, a snack in a very nice bakery and dinner in one of the restaurants lining the harbour. The harbour area is relatively large and in it you will find a mixture of working boats, pleasure craft and tourist boats waiting to give visitors a sea trip along the adjacent coast. Worthy of a look are the swing bridge across the river Esk from which you can get some good photos of the harbour itself. On the day of our visit, there were many people dressed as pirates and a band were performing on the bandstand, behind which we found an interesting sculpture of women preparing freshly caught fish. Looming above the harbour is the church of St Mary and the gaunt silhouette of Whitby Abbey and this can make for some good photographs.
There are plenty of food and drink outlets in the vicinity suitable for all tastes and of course being a seaside town plenty of fish & scampi outlets as well. We noticed what we assumed were ‘hen’ and ‘stag’ parties in the area though they did not seem to be causing any problems in the time that we were there. There are souvenir shops selling all manner of trinkets and seaside rocks if you are looking to take back a memento of your trip. A most enjoyable afternoon.
If you enjoy a walk by the sea then the visitor may wish to continue along one of the two harbour arms. We chose the western arm and continued out towards the lighthouse. The harbour arm itself is fairly wide and of stone & concrete construction so ideal if you have any qualms about walking beside the sea. The last section beyond the lighthouse is an elevated wooden platform mounted on top of a lower lying stone pier and although quite sturdy does have gaps in the floorboards allowing visitors to see the concrete below.
On the way out along the arm, it is worth turning back to get some fine views of the harbour with the silhouette of the abbey on the hills above. At the end of the arm there are fine views to the west past Whitby beach and along the coast to Sandsend. From this vantage point you can also watch the tourist boats taking visitors out to sea and on the day of our visit these boats were being buffeted by strong waves and the wind.
We used our time wisely in Whitby and managed to pack in a trip to the Abbey (our primary reason for coming), a walk out along the harbour arm, a snack in a very nice bakery and dinner in one of the restaurants lining the harbour. The harbour area is relatively large and in it you will find a mixture of working boats, pleasure craft and tourist boats waiting to give visitors a sea trip along the adjacent coast. Worthy of a look are the swing bridge across the river Esk from which you can get some good photos of the harbour itself. On the day of our visit, there were many people dressed as pirates and a band were performing on the bandstand, behind which we found an interesting sculpture of women preparing freshly caught fish. Looming above the harbour is the church of St Mary and the gaunt silhouette of Whitby Abbey and this can make for some good photographs.
There are plenty of food and drink outlets in the vicinity suitable for all tastes and of course being a seaside town plenty of fish & scampi outlets as well. We noticed what we assumed were ‘hen’ and ‘stag’ parties in the area though they did not seem to be causing any problems in the time that we were there. There are souvenir shops selling all manner of trinkets and seaside rocks if you are looking to take back a memento of your trip. A most enjoyable afternoon.
If you enjoy a walk by the sea then the visitor may wish to continue along one of the two harbour arms. We chose the western arm and continued out towards the lighthouse. The harbour arm itself is fairly wide and of stone & concrete construction so ideal if you have any qualms about walking beside the sea. The last section beyond the lighthouse is an elevated wooden platform mounted on top of a lower lying stone pier and although quite sturdy does have gaps in the floorboards allowing visitors to see the concrete below.
On the way out along the arm, it is worth turning back to get some fine views of the harbour with the silhouette of the abbey on the hills above. At the end of the arm there are fine views to the west past Whitby beach and along the coast to Sandsend. From this vantage point you can also watch the tourist boats taking visitors out to sea and on the day of our visit these boats were being buffeted by strong waves and the wind.
Written October 6, 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.
jonesyboy27
Kingswinford, UK334 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
We used park and ride which was great good service to the central bus station.
I used google maps to try and find our destination Humble Pie shop.
We needed to cross the harbour via the bridge.
When we arrived the bridge was open and there it stayed for approximately two and a half hours.
The guy in the middle despite hecklers wanting an update took no notice of their questions.
Apparently this is the fourth time in the last week this has happened causing delays and frustration to staff trying to get to work and to tourists stranded on either side?
Whitby council pull your finger out you are a disgrace
At worst the 1000 or more people should receive an update as to the timescale of the delay
The council should get remedial action in a more timely fashion.
The local business people should club together and sue the pants off them for business disruption
I used google maps to try and find our destination Humble Pie shop.
We needed to cross the harbour via the bridge.
When we arrived the bridge was open and there it stayed for approximately two and a half hours.
The guy in the middle despite hecklers wanting an update took no notice of their questions.
Apparently this is the fourth time in the last week this has happened causing delays and frustration to staff trying to get to work and to tourists stranded on either side?
Whitby council pull your finger out you are a disgrace
At worst the 1000 or more people should receive an update as to the timescale of the delay
The council should get remedial action in a more timely fashion.
The local business people should club together and sue the pants off them for business disruption
Written September 21, 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.
Ken H
Guisborough, UK360 contributions
May 2022
The press make a great song and dance about Whitby as a fishing town, I think there is 1 trawler left.
Whitby is a tourist destination with a well deserved reputation for fish and chips.
The harbour a place of relaxation if you can get a seat, but ideal for wandering along watching the pleasure boats go to and fro.
A good day out for all.
Whitby is a tourist destination with a well deserved reputation for fish and chips.
The harbour a place of relaxation if you can get a seat, but ideal for wandering along watching the pleasure boats go to and fro.
A good day out for all.
Written May 18, 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.
Hinckleygal81
Barwell, UK338 contributions
Jun 2021
Me and my family came her week commencing 7th June for 5 days, first time there. Whitby is a beautiful place and the harbour is beautiful too. all of us ent on a boat ride which took 20 mins and it was gorgeous, it was also a very hot day. we loved it, very reasonable and only paid £4 per adult. very enjoyable. would definitely recommend.
Written June 21, 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.
James S
Brough, UK291 contributions
Jan 2020
Whitby is such a lovely little place to visit and so much to see and a stroll around the harbour is just the ticket. Lots of things to see and do including the walk to the lighthouse on the quay but not on a windy day. Lots of craft shops and art galleries as well as loads of places to eat, especially the fish and chips and a stick of rock. You could spend all day here and if you feel adventorous then take a walk along the cliff tops or visit the Abbey at the top of the hill. There a re ample car parks toward the harbour, but it is quite expensive and they also fill up very quickly especially in the Summer months. No wonder the grand tour picked this place as it has so much to offer.
Written January 31, 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.
AnneandSpot
Walsall, UK80 contributions
Aug 2020 • Friends
We enjoyed our first trip after lockdown to Whitby yesterday. We felt very safe as social distancing, masks and hand sanitisers were evident. Bubble groups were strictly observed at the Abbey. At Hindleys Fish and Chip restaurant hygiene was outstanding as was the food. Plus they took both our numbers for track and trace.
Written August 17, 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.
Susan R
Shrivenham, UK31 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
Such a lovely place an old fashion seaside kept beautifully and clean no rubbish in the streets. Great little streets and shops Whitby Jet items to buy ir just look thru lots if neat and pretty shops. Fish and Chips of course we found Mr Chips on a side street staffed by some very polite and attentive well dressed young people. Abby view amazing. The scene of the Harbour from out lovely Hotel was so lovely so quaint. And beautiful at night too.
Written May 10, 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.
Tango W
Newark-on-Trent, UK4 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
What an absolute waste of time coming to Whitby is. Overpriced food and drink, queuing to get in pubs and restaurants, lack of toilets and when you find them it's 40p a throw. Once all restrictions are over this place is going to really struggle. Avoid coming unless you like to queue and pay through the nose for the basics. To look around the Abbey ( ruins) £35 for two disgraceful.
Written July 8, 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.
Hi
Visiting in August does anyone know if the paddling pool on West Cliff is open?
Mason198517
Mossley, UK205 contributions
Sorry can’t help you !
Nic131117
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK7 contributions
Hi thinking of visiting this weekend. What pleasure boat trips are running? Also are there arcades open for the kids? Thanks
Daveshent
Leek, UK922 contributions
Hi Was there last weekend, 20 minute boat trips are regular from the harbour, 2 of 3 operators, Not sure about longer trips but assume they are, also fishing trips are available. All the arcades are open along with most shops, some bars remain shut shut so food is in a few bars or take away of which loads available. In short lots to d and see although it can be a little crowded.
Jo-Anne S
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK16 contributions
As a blue badge holder and going to stay in Whitby for 4 nights, am I able to park on Pier Road for whole of stay with accommodation scratchcard?
Michael-4551
Caloundra, Australia5,303 contributions
Sorry I can't help you, you would be best to contact North Yorkshire County Council (I think) who look after parking for Whitby. Otherwise just google it.
Elizabeth L
Leeds, UK1 contribution
Driving to Whitby and just wondered where would be good to park?
Smithdryfus
Burton upon Trent, UK168 contributions
Just head towards the train station and there is a big carpark there
Lisa F
Lancashire, UK3 contributions
Hi,
My husband and I are going to Whitby 28 Dec - 2 Jan...any suggestions on what to do. Do they still have the fireworks etc on the beach on New Years Eve? Will all the restaurants & bats be open. Many thanks.
Cfcsccc
Great Bookham, UK402 contributions
Never been new year - we liked the Magpie but expect it to be packed
Lynn D
Durham, UK19 contributions
Going to Whitby through the day on Halloween Sat 31st what should we see and do.
Avoid the town centre.
Denise S
Cheshunt, UK773 contributions
Why is there
The explorer William Scoresby found an abandoned cub on his expedition to the North Pole. He brought it back with him, often taking it to the river for a swim.
Whitby Harbour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Whitby Harbour
- We recommend booking Whitby Harbour tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Whitby Harbour tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Whitby Harbour:
- Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from York (From $74.70)
- 3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester (From $521.89)
- Private Tour - Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from Harrogate (From $588.72)
- Full-Day Whitby and The North York Moors Private Tour from York (From $588.72)
- Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York (From $74.70)
- Hotels near Whitby Harbour:
- (0.01 mi) Host & Stay | Endeavour I
- (0.01 mi) Host & Stay | Endeavour II
- (0.01 mi) Host & Stay | Endeavour I
- (0.01 mi) Host & Stay | Endeavour II
- (0.01 mi) Anchor Reach, Whitby
- Restaurants near Whitby Harbour:
- (0.01 mi) The Tiffin
- (0.01 mi) No54 Lounge Bar Bistro
- (0.02 mi) Cooplands Whitby
- (0.03 mi) Royal Fisheries
- (0.06 mi) The Singing Kettle