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Visitor Attractions near Whitby

Places of interest and visitor attractions near Whitby are included below, with details of the towns, Robin Hood's Bay and Staithes. Both possess their own distinct charm, and character, as well as a collection of attrations well worth seeing during your time in the Whitby area. Opening times and admission prices may be subject to change.

Robin Hood's Bay - 6 miles from Whitby
This picturesque fishing village has an intriguing tradition of smuggling. The main street, New Road, winds through the old town and drops down steeply from the clifftop to the sea. Off this road, runs a warren of narrow cobbled streets, punctuated by tiny houses, pubs and little gift shops. Secret passageways, once used by smugglers are said to connect some of the buildings in this part of town. Fishing was once the main source of income before a decline in the 19th century. Now tourism dominates the town's economy. Located South of Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay is easy to get to, either by foot or on a bike. Buses 93 and 93A also run hourly between Whitby and Scarborough via the town.

Old Coastguard Station - Owned by the National Trust, this education centre explains how the landscape of Robin Hood's Bay was formed by the use of interactive models. Paintings by local artists are often on display on the second floor, when its not in use and there's also a small gift shop. Various activities are also organised during the summer months.
Opening times: 10.00am to 5.00pm | Tel: 01947 885900 | Ticket prices: Admission free

Robin Hood's Bay Museum - This museum is run exclusively by volunteers and display items relating to fishing, local geology and shipwrecks. Also featured is a model of a smuggler's house which shows how contraband could be concealed as well as a life-size model of a local fisherwife. Although small, the museum effectively depicts the history of Robin Hood's Bay and the surrounding area.
Opening times: 10.00am to 4.00pm | Tel: 01947 881252 | Ticket prices: Admission free

Staithes - 11 miles from Whitby
Staithes is a small fishing village tucked beneath high cliffs on the banks of the Roxby Beck River. It was at one time the busiest fishing port in the North East and an important source of minerals such as jet, iron and alum. However, the creation of the Whitby, Redcar and Middlesbrough Union Railway heralded the advent of tourism, which became the town's main industry. Despite this, Staithes seems less touristy than the nearby Robin Hood's Bay. James Cooke once worked here as a grocer's apprentice, before moving to Whitby to join the Royal Navy. William Sanderson's Shop, where he worked, was destroyed by the sea although its remains were incorporated into Captain Cook's Cottage. From Whitby, Staithes can be reached by buses on the Whitby to Middlesbrough run.

Captain Cook and Staithes Heritage Centre - This well-maintained museum is packed with nautical artifacts and memorabilia. Its collection includes a life-size recreation of William Sanderson's shop, mentioned above, original manuscripts, coins, letters from Cooke and copies of time-pieces by fabled English clockmakers, John Harrison.
Opening times: 10.00am to 5.30pm | Tel: 01947 841454 | Ticket prices: £3