7 Best Family Things to Do in Whitby

For a refreshing interlude, you can stop at Teare Woods for exotic flavors of luxury handmade ice cream. As you head to the beach along the quayside, it’s worth pausing for one of their Jersey ice creams. Only a 6-minute walk from the beach, the renowned parlor offers unusual flavors like lime and ginger cheesecake.

Whitby’s Benedictine Abbey and the Church of St. Mary were the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The haunting outline of the abbey’s ruins remains a major draw for visitors of all ages. From spine-chilling ghost walks to Gothic-themed souvenirs and sweets, the ghoulish side of the town never fails to pique kids’ interest.

Both young and old can try keeping count of the 199 steps that ascend to the clifftop abbey. Looking down over the town from this prominent position on East Cliff, kids will feel on top of the world as they explore the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey.

The Dracula Experience takes you through scenes of Bram Stoker’s famous story, featuring dark chambers filled with spooky effects and live actors. The ghost house experience takes you through the classic horror novel's connection to the town and can be a fun detour for al ages from the actual historical ruins and sightseeing.

To learn about the town's Jurassic past, pay a visit to the fossil collection at Whitby Museum. Set in leafy Pannett Park, Whitby Museum features an exceptional collection of Jurassic fossils among its many exhibits.

Kids will be fascinated by the remains of ancient sea creatures mounted on the walls and the collection of dinosaur footprints.

Whitby's beaches provide a perfect playground for little ones. After getting stuck in with their buckets and spades, they can enjoy a paddle in the sea or clamber onto a donkey for one of the regular rides along the beach. Brimming with little sea creatures and patterned stones, the many rock pools are a treasure trove for curious minds.

All you need is a net and you can get to work searching for the bright starfish, snapping crabs, and dormant mussels that inhabit the rock pools. The lower deck of the west pier is a prime fishing spot; younger or less experienced kids can go crabbing at “kiddies’ corner” by the swing bridge.

This Victorian entertainment complex often hosts child-friendly shows and the latest animated feature films. While the little ones are busy being entertained, parents can relax at the café with generous portions of cake.

Children can let their imaginations run wild at Doodlepots pottery painting workshops. Sometimes they’re even allowed backstage to watch their works get fired and glazed.