Discover the best pubs & restaurants in Whitby

About Whitby

Whitby is a coastal town in North Yorkshire, the biggest suburban county in England. Sitting at the mouth of River Esk, the picturesque town is known for its history, culture, and tourist attractions.

The River Esk divides the town of Whitby in two parts. The older of the two divisions is the East Cliff where the sombre ruin of the Whitby Abbey is nestled. The Abbey is the town’s most ancient landmark and its charm has been Bram Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula.

With Grade II listed piers, the Whitby harbour is a sight to behold. It holds some of the most exceptional coasts, cliffs, and golden sandy beaches in Europe. The Whitby Sands, which runs from the harbour mouth, is a classic spot to eat ice cream, build sand castles, and appreciate the breathtaking views. The beach is accessible through the Whitby Pavilion, or the cliff lift from the West Cliff.

Witby’s other section, the West Cliff, is home to the structures commemorating the town’s maritime heritage. Statues of Captain James Cook, a cartographer and explorer, and William Scoresby Sr., a whaler and scientist, are located here along with the Whale Bone Arch.

The swing bridge linking the East Cliff and West Cliff is another of Witby’s prominent features. It is the main passageway to cross the river and get to the other section of the city. And visitors especially gather around the bridge when it opens and lets vessels pass through the river.

Going out in Whitby may also mean embarking on a food adventure. Visitors never run out of options with the number of dining places offering a wide variety of culinary treats. Restaurants in Whitby are all about awesome and delectable seafood plates, fish and chips, salads, and meat dishes, along with vegetarian choices.

Pubs in Whitby are highly traditional. With a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, the pubs make sure that patrons enjoy excellent cocktails, ales, and beer along with some musical performances.

Witby has made its charm known in the television and film industry. Aside from the novel Dracula, the town has taken the spotlight as the main shooting location for various shows like the movie “Possession” and the drama series “Heartbeat.”