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Where to Stay in Whitby

Where to Stay in Whitby

Whitby Yorkshire, England Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Whitby has a wide range of options.

Common Types

  • Hotels

    Independent and chain hotels are available.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs) / Guesthouses

    Most prevalent, personal experience, breakfast included, often in historic buildings.

  • Self-Catering Cottages & Apartments

    Popular for longer stays, families, or groups; with kitchen facilities. Find them through online platforms like Vrbo.

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly dorms and private rooms. YHA Whitby is a well-known choice, near the Abbey.

Other Options

  • Campsites & Holiday Parks

    Just outside town, pitches for tents and caravans; some with static caravans or lodges for rent. Consider bringing your own Camping gear.

  • Unique Local Options

    Many historic buildings converted to B&Bs. Former ship captain's houses as self-catering properties.

  • Vacation Rentals

    Widely available through platforms like Booking.com and Agoda.

  • Homestay / Community-Based

    Less formal homestays are not common. B&Bs share a personal connection with local hosts.

Whitby Neighborhoods

Whitby's areas offer different atmospheres.

East Cliff Old Town

Character
  • Historic, cobbled streets, independent shops.
  • Strong "Dracula" connections.
  • Highly scenic views.
  • Immersive in Whitby's past.
Considerations
  • Can be noisy.
  • Parking is extremely limited.
  • Hilly terrain.
  • Busiest area for tourists.

West Cliff

Character
  • More modern and expansive.
  • Larger hotels, guesthouses.
  • Whalebone arch, Captain Cook statue.
  • Access to West Cliff Beach.
Considerations
  • Good access to sandy beach.
  • More available parking options.
  • Less historic feel than old town.
  • Generally quieter in some parts.

Town Centre / Harbour

Character
  • Bustling area connecting cliffs.
  • Many shops, restaurants.
  • Fish and chip takeaways.
  • Working harbor for boat activity.
Considerations
  • Central for dining, shopping, boat trips.
  • Lively and dynamic part of town.
  • Very busy and crowded during peak season.
  • Direct access to train and bus stations.

Safety & Proximity

Safety

All areas are generally very safe. Apply standard urban precautions, like watching for pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

Outskirts

Quieter, often residential areas or charming smaller villages. Ruswarp or Sandsend need transport to reach the town center attractions.

Booking Strategies

Plan your booking based on the season.

Advance Booking

  • High Season: Book 3-6 months ahead, 9-12 months for popular events (e.g., Whitby Goth Weekend).
  • Shoulder Season: Book a few months ahead for popular B&Bs and good rates.
  • Low Season: More flexibility; book a few weeks ahead for better choice and prices.
  • Price Fluctuations: Prices are significantly higher during high season and major events.

Trusted Platforms

  • Online Travel Agencies: Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia are widely used.
  • Direct Booking: Many B&Bs and independent hotels offer better rates when you book directly.
  • Local Agencies: For self-catering cottages, local agencies often have good selections.
  • Policies: Always check cancellation and deposit policies carefully before booking.

Negotiation

Walk-in Rates
  • Negotiating walk-in rates is less common in Whitby.
  • Most prices are fixed for established B&Bs and hotels.
Specific Advice
  • Deposits are common, especially for self-catering properties.
  • Peak season sees higher prices.
  • Low season generally has lower prices.

Booking Events

Special Events

For events like Whitby Goth Weekend, book 9-12 months in advance.

Other Considerations

Accommodation sells out quickly during peak times.

Direct Deals

Look for specific property websites for direct booking deals.

Accommodation Recommendations

Here is a guide to choose based on your travel style.

Travel Styles

Family-Friendly

Self-catering cottages offer space and flexibility.

  • Many B&Bs provide family rooms.
  • Campsites with play areas are popular for outdoor families.
Solo Traveler

Hostels (like YHA Whitby) offer social interaction and are budget-friendly.

  • Small, welcoming B&Bs offer a comfortable and safe base.

Long Stay & History

Long-Stay

Self-catering cottages or apartments are best for extended stays.

  • They allow you to settle in and explore at a leisurely pace.
Cultural/Historical Significance

Many B&Bs are housed in charming Victorian or Georgian buildings.

  • Staying on Church Street (East Cliff) immerses you in the historic heart of Whitby.

Budget & Mid-Range Options

  • Hostels

    £25-£45 (dorm), £60-£90 (private). Basic, communal atmosphere. YHA Whitby is a known choice.

  • Budget B&Bs

    £50-£80. Basic room, breakfast included, homely atmosphere. Many are family-run.

  • Mid-Range B&Bs

    £80-£150. Comfortable rooms, varied breakfast, good amenities. Common type, good balance of comfort and value.

  • Luxury Hotels

    £150-£300+. High-end amenities, attentive service, prime locations. Fewer options, premium experiences.

Self-Catering & Camping

  • Self-Catering Cottages

    £100-£300+ (varies by size/stay). Full kitchen, living space, privacy. Good for managing food costs and having more space. Book via Vrbo or Booking.com.

  • Campsites

    £20-£40 (pitch). Outdoor experience, basic facilities for camping/caravanning. Located outside the town center. Remember your Camping gear.

  • Holiday Parks

    Offer pitches for tents and caravans, and some also have static caravans or glamping pods for rent.

  • Beach Access

    Many accommodations offer easy access to Whitby's beaches.

General Accommodation Tips

Review Feedback

Always check recent guest reviews for any accommodation before booking.

  • Look for comments on cleanliness.
  • Consider feedback on staff friendliness.
  • Check for noise levels mentioned by guests.
  • Verify accuracy of descriptions.
Location Benefits

Think about your itinerary when picking a neighborhood.

  • East Cliff for historic immersion.
  • West Cliff for beach and promenade.
  • Town Centre for central access to dining.
  • Outskirts for quieter stays.

Considerations for Your Stay

Parking

Parking can be challenging in central Whitby; verify if your accommodation offers parking or nearby options.

Accessibility

Many historic buildings have stairs; check for accessibility features if mobility is a concern.

Pet-Friendly

A number of accommodations welcome pets; confirm policies directly when booking.