This section features some of the most notable Whitby visitor attractions and places of interest. We've provided descriptions of each one together with pricing, opening times and contact details, where appropriate. Web links have also been included. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum - This museum is set in the 17th century house once occupied by a ship-owner to whom Cook was apprenticed. Located on the harbour, It was here that the young man learnt about the ways of the sea which eventually led to his great expeditions. Highlights include letters by Cook's own hand, original maps and charts and an impressive model of the Endeavour. Also featured is work by those closely acquainted with the seafarer such as William Hodges, an artist who accompanied Cook on his second voyage. This award-winning museum also runs special exhibitions throughout the year and frequently adds new items to its impressive collection.
Opening times : 1 March - 31 October, DAILY. March 11.00 - 3.00 April - October 9.45 - 5.00 | Tel:01947 601900 | Ticket prices: £4.50
adults, £3.00 children
Captain Cook Monument - The Captain Cook Monument is situated on a cliff near East Tce. The monument was presented to Whitby by Sir Gervase Becket MP in 1912 and was created by sculpture John Tweed. It stands over 6 feet and depicts the great seafarer looking out to sea. The monument has an inscription which reads: 'For the lasting Memory of a great Yorkshire seaman this bronze has been cast, and is left in the keeping of Whitby, the birthplace of those good ships that bore him on his enterprises, brought him to glory, and left him at rest.'
Dracula Experience - This award-winning visitor attraction vividly tells the story of Bram Stoker's Dracula through a dramatic-walk through experience, which features live actors, animated scenes and special affects. Situated at 9 Marine Parade, the experience features 10 scenes relating to the famous book. Visitors will also find a number of Dracula-related items and movie memorabilia such as the cape worn by Christopher Lee in the second Dracula film as well as opening coffins and an animated galleon. Special guided tours are available by prior arrangement - its open throughout the year with the exception of Christmas and New Years Day.
Opening times : 9.45am to 5.00pm | Tel:01947 601923 | Ticket prices: £2.50 adults, £2.00 children
St Mary's Church - St Mary's Church overlooks Whitby and is situated close to the abbey. It sits atop the 199 steps and has a fortress-like exterior which shields against the coastal winds of the North Sea. The Church can be traced back to the early 11th century and is best exemplified by its Norman tower. The interior is of later design and displays styles and influences typical of the 18th century, such as skewed, tilting galleries and box pews. The triple-decker pulpit is perhaps the centerpiece and can be traced back to the late 1700s. The church yard is large and filled with monuments to long-lost sailors, fishermen and life-boat men who braved the tempestuous waters of the North Sea. St Mary's is open to visitors from 10am to 5pm from April to October and 4pm from March to April.
Whitby Abbey - This famous landmark dominates the Whitby skyline and dates back to the 11th and 14th centuries. Reached via the 199 steps, the Abbey features massive solid pillars and arches with gaping windows, dramatically set against the backdrop of the North Sea. The iconic ruin inspired the likes of Bram Stoker and attracts religious and literary pilgrims from all over the world. There's a museum and visitor centre adjoining the historical site, which showcases the history of the Abbey through artifacts and interactive displays.
Opening times : 10am to 6pm | Tel: 01947 603568 | Ticket prices: £5.50 adults, £2.80 children
Whitby Museum and Art Gallery - Overlooking the town in Pannett Park, stands Whitby Museum. It exhibits an eclectic mix of items such as fossils, Cook memorabilia, strange inventions and ships in bottles. Visitors will also find the biggest collection of jet artifacts in the world. This black mineral is found all over the North Yorkshire Moors and is made into jewellery by a number of craftsman in and around Whitby. The gallery shows the work of the Staithes group of artists and includes paintings of ships and local landscapes. The museum is run by the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society which has been a registered charity since the early 18th century.
Opening times : 9.30am to 4.30pm | Tel:01947 602908 | Ticket prices: £3.00 adults, £1.00 children (free for under-5's)
Whalebone Arch - Situated on West Cliff, the Whalebone Arch celebrates Whitby's whaling history and the exploits of Captain James Cook. The original was erected in the mid-18th century before biting coastal winds and inclement weather took their toll. The replacement, which stands today, was presented to the town by the Norwegians in 1963 and is a striking commemoration of Whitby's long and illustrious sea-faring history. The first Whalebone Arch can now be found in the Whitby Archives Heritage Centre, where it's preserved for posterity.
199 Steps - One of Whitby's most distinctive features, the 199 steps date back to the 18th century and were originally wooden in their construction. They provide a challenging climb but once traversed, afford some panoramic views of the town with its red-topped roofs as well as the picturesque harbour area. The ascent begins at the end of Church Street on the East side of Whitby and leads to St Mary's Church and abbey ruins. Fortunately there are rest-stops on the way for visitors to catch their breath, although care should be taken not to lose count of the steps. Tradition requires visitors to count each one!
