Yorkshire seaside town with sandy beaches and five-star restaurants more like Cote D'Azur

Whitby, the North Yorkshire seaside town, has been recognised as one of the top holiday destinations for entertainment in the UK, scoring a solid 6.11 out of 10.

The charming coastal retreat is a popular choice among those seeking a traditional seaside getaway - and just an hour from Middlesbrough. Nestled on the North Yorkshire Coast at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby boasts a rich maritime, mineral and tourist economy.

Its appeal as a tourist hotspot is further amplified by its proximity to the high ground of the North York Moors national park and the heritage coastline, not to mention its association with the iconic horror novel Dracula.

The town's most ancient and prominent landmark is the abbey ruin perched atop the East Cliff. Other notable features include the swing bridge spanning the River Esk and the harbour, which is safeguarded by the grade II listed East and West piers.

Whitby's seafaring heritage is honoured through statues of explorer Captain Cook and whaler and scientist William Scoresby, as well as the whalebone arch that crowns the West Cliff. The town also has a strong literary tradition, having featured in various literary works, television shows and films, most notably Bram Stoker's Dracula, reports Yorkshire Live.

According to a recent YouGov survey, Whitby secured seventh place on the list of the UK's top holiday entertainment destinations.

The survey considers factors such as the number of pubs, restaurants, museums, parks, zoos and aquariums, water and amusement parks, arcades, beach review scores, hotel prices, Google searches, average temperature, average rainfall, and local train stations.

Why Whitby scored so high

Here's a glimpse into what this delightful Yorkshire seaside town has to offer.

Where to eat in Whitby

Whitby boasts a variety of top-rated eateries, from cosy coffee shops to gastropubs and restaurants with stunning sea views. There are three five-star rated restaurants on TripAdvisor that could be the perfect pit stop if you're peckish.

According to TripAdvisor, the first five-star establishment is Lush Coffee on Silver Street - which was voted the TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice for 2023. Promising a 'warm welcome', this coffee shop serves freshly brewed coffee, the essential Yorkshire Tea, full English breakfasts, hot and cold sandwiches, toasties, burgers and a selection of homemade cakes and treats.

They also provide outdoor seating and are dog-friendly.

For those seeking something a bit more upscale, Ditto, another five-star establishment that received the TripAdvisor Traveller's Choice for 2023, might be worth considering. Situated just a stone's throw away from the beach on Skinner Street, this family-run restaurant is an ideal spot for food lovers wanting to enjoy a special meal while visiting the town.

The third five-star rated eating venue in Whitby, boasts 875 TripAdvisor reviews and is none other than Beckett's, intriguingly just a few steps from Ditto on Skinner Street. This charming independent cafe dishes up an array of hot drinks, savouries, breakfasts, brunches, cakes and what they call happiness.

Many reviewers have lavished praise on them for their "excellent quality".

Other culinary gems in Whitby comprise the acclaimed Cranberry Swamp, celebrated for its breakfast offerings, as well as Al Taco and The Postgate Country Index.

Quenching one's thirst in Whitby

No seaside holiday is quite right without indulging in a pint, a glass of prosecco or even a cocktail under the balmy sun. Whether yearning for a peaceful sip or a boisterous evening with karaoke, Whitby serves up an array of locales to accommodate your drinking pleasures.

Listed are the eight foremost pubs and bars in Whitby according to TripAdvisors rankings:.

Lodging in Whitby

From tranquil couples retreats to buzzing family holidays, Whitby offers a plethora of accommodations to suit all needs - and for those fortunate enough, some spots even boast striking sea vistas.

A vast selection of hotels and B&Bs pepper the quaint town, providing rooms for a range of budgets.

According to TripAdvisor, Hillcrest is a top-rated hotel in Whitby. It's conveniently located just a short stroll from the town centre and close to Whitby's array of shops, eateries, pubs and attractions.

The hotel offers storage for bikes and other adventure sports gear, and with their local knowledge, they can recommend excellent spots for cycling, walking and water sports activities like paddle boarding and surfing. They also boast deluxe rooms that are spacious enough for families.

Other highly recommended accommodations in Whitby include The Stables, The Penny Hedge Lodge and The Belfry.

For those seeking tranquillity and relaxation, it might be worth holding off until September when a brand new hotel, equipped with its own spa and restaurant, will welcome guests in Whitby.

What are Whitby's beaches like?

Whitby boasts one of Yorkshire's cleanest and safest beaches. It is one of only three across the nation recently awarded a Blue Flag - an international accolade given to well-maintained beaches with outstanding water quality.

This signifies to visitors that they are at a clean, safe beach.

If you're looking to enjoy some seaside fun, there are several stunning beaches in Whitby and the surrounding villages.

Whitby West Cliff Beach, a popular sandy stretch with some rocky areas, is patrolled by lifeguards from May to September. The beach, which extends from Upgang Beach to the mouth of the River Esk, is conveniently located on the northern edge of Whitby town and is just a short walk from the town centre.

Access to the beach is available via several points along Cleveland Way, North Terrace, and North Promenade. On sunny days, families flock to the area between Upgang Beach and West Pier.

A row of vibrant beach huts, as well as deckchairs and windbreaks near the West Pier slipway, are available for hire.

A seasonal dog ban is in place on Whitby West Cliff Beach from May to September, but dogs are welcome all year round at nearby Tate Hill Beach.

Other beaches that draw crowds in Whitby include Sandsend Beach and Runswick Bay.

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