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Nearby Day Trips from Whitby

Nearby Day Trips from Whitby

Yorkshire, England

Robin Hood's Bay: Smugglers' Coast

A picturesque fishing village with a long history of smuggling. It features narrow cobbled streets, a steep descent to the bay, and stunning coastal views.

To book day trips or find activities, consider browsing GetYourGuide's Day Trips.

Travel Details

  • Bus: Coastliner X4
  • Walking: Cleveland Way offers scenic routes
  • Car: Parking at village top, walk down
  • Time: Half-day to full-day

More Coastal Excursions

Explore further along the Yorkshire coast to discover charming villages and lively resorts.

Staithes: Captain Cook's Apprenticeship

A charming, historic fishing village, known for its quaint cottages, narrow streets, and its connection to Captain Cook's early life.

Getting There

  • Bus: Coastliner X4
  • Car: Parking often above the village
  • Time: Half-day exploration

Scarborough: Victorian Seaside Resort

A larger Victorian seaside resort with two distinct bays, a historic castle ruin, and traditional amusements.

Getting There

  • Bus: Direct Coastliner X4
  • Train: Via Middlesbrough/York
  • Car: Driving possible

Travel Styles & Timings

Independent Exploration

  • Flexibility and personal pacing
  • Cost-effective for single destinations
  • Suitable for easy public transport access
  • Ideal with own vehicle

Organized Excursions

  • Visit multiple stops easily
  • Knowledgeable local commentary
  • Logistics handled for you
  • Helpful for less accessible areas

Typical Day Trip Duration

  • Short visit: Staithes3-4 hours
  • Moderate visit: Robin Hood's Bay4-6 hours
  • Full exploration: Scarborough6-8 hours
  • Moorland trip: Goathland4-8 hours
  • Start early for maximum experiencePlanning
  • Flexibility
  • Consider morning or afternoon visitsEfficiency
  • Full day for extensive explorationThoroughness

Travel Insight

A car offers the most flexibility for day trips, especially for exploring the wider North York Moors. However, many coastal villages are well-served by local buses, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway provides an unique way to see the inland villages.

Natural Escapes Near Whitby

Whitby's location provides direct access to stunning natural landscapes, from rugged coastline to expansive moorlands.

National Park Status

The area around Whitby is part of this national park, with policies to protect landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.

Protected Coastline

The coastline is protected for its natural beauty and geological significance.

Responsible Waste Disposal

Recycling bins are available in public areas and at accommodations. Separate waste where indicated.

Dalby Forest Exploration

Located about 20 miles inland, Dalby Forest offers extensive walking and cycling routes for all skill levels.

Forest Activities

  • Mountain biking trails
  • Forest walks for all ages
  • Visitor center and amenities

Parks and Reserves

The North York Moors National Park surrounds Whitby, featuring heather moorland, ancient woodlands, and a dramatic coastline.

Activities & Features

  • Hiking and cycling trails
  • Wildlife spotting opportunities
  • Scenic drives across moorland

Scenic Views & Seasonal Changes

Coastal path offers clifftop viewsDiverse Landscapes
Sandy beaches near WhitbyDiverse Landscapes
Rolling hills and moorlandsDiverse Landscapes
Quiet rural villages dotting the areaDiverse Landscapes
Heather blooming in late August/early SeptemberSeasonal Highlights
Dramatic stormy seas in winterSeasonal Highlights

Exploring Nature

  • Stick to marked paths to prevent erosion.
  • Protect fragile habitats and wildlife.
  • Support local businesses with environmental standards.
  • Check local weather forecasts before hiking.
  • Pack appropriate gear for outdoor activities.

Cultural Excursions

Beyond Whitby, Yorkshire boasts a wealth of historical and cultural gems awaiting discovery.

Rural Villages & Agriculture

Explore villages like Grosmont, Egton, and Danby, accessible via the Esk Valley Railway for traditional Yorkshire life.

Village Charms

  • Grosmont: North Yorkshire Moors Railway hub
  • Egton: Rural farming village
  • Danby: Moorland National Park Centre

Pilgrimage & Heritage

While Whitby Abbey holds religious history, active pilgrimage sites are not prevalent in the immediate region.

Local Heritage Focus

  • Whitby Abbey: Historical religious significance
  • Local history and lore
  • English Heritage managed sites

Fountains Abbey & Water Garden

A UNESCO World Heritage site with a spectacular ruined Cistercian monastery and landscaped Georgian water garden.

Travel Logistics

  • Approximately 50 miles SW
  • A full day trip by car
  • UNESCO World Heritage site

Rievaulx Abbey

Another beautiful ruined Cistercian abbey, set in a secluded valley within the North York Moors. Managed by English Heritage.

Visitor Details

  • Approximately 25 miles SW
  • Managed by English Heritage
  • Secluded valley in North York Moors

Cultural Site Overview

These sites offer diverse historical and architectural insights, each with its unique allure.

Fountains Abbey Accessibility

A full-day trip by car, offering comprehensive exploration of an UNESCO World Heritage site.

Rievaulx Abbey Managed by

This Cistercian abbey is managed by English Heritage, set in a secluded valley.

Castle Howard's Fame

Renowned for its extensive gardens and its role as a filming location for 'Brideshead Revisited'.

Cultural Exploration

Many of these historical sites are outside Whitby, requiring dedicated transport. Plan your route for an enriching cultural experience.

Multi-Day Extensions

Extend your journey to explore more of Yorkshire and beyond, building on your Whitby experience.

Regional Exploration

1

Historic York

Add 1-2 days for York's Minster, Shambles, and Viking heritage (Jorvik Viking Centre).

2

Northumberland Coast

Head north for dramatic castles (Alnwick, Bamburgh) and stunning beaches.

3

Yorkshire Dales Park

Experience limestone valleys, dry stone walls, and picturesque villages to the west.

Next Steps from Whitby

  • Major train lines connect Whitby (via Middlesbrough) to York, Leeds, and Newcastle.
  • These cities serve as transport hubs for onward travel.
  • Edinburgh offers a natural progression for northern travel.
  • A car offers maximum flexibility for broader exploration.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

  • Coastal Route: Whitby > Robin Hood's Bay > Scarborough.
  • Moors & Coast: Whitby > North York Moors > Helmsley.
  • Yorkshire Heritage: Whitby > York > Fountains Abbey.
  • Combine interests for a rich experience.
  • Explore Yorkshire Dales for stunning landscapes.

Travel Modes & Itineraries

Car Travel

A car offers flexibility, especially for exploring the wider North York Moors and reaching less accessible spots.

Public Transport

Many coastal villages have local bus services. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway provides an unique way to see inland villages.

Itinerary Pacing

Mix different modes for variety.

Travel Advice

A car offers the most flexibility for day trips, especially for exploring the wider North York Moors. However, many coastal villages are well-served by local buses, and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway provides an unique way to see the inland villages.