5 Best Family Things to Do in Whitby

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.

Whitby is inextricably connected to Dracula and his legacy, and horror fans, bibliophiles and vampire hunters alike will find The Dracula Experience a spooky and exciting adventure into the dark heart of Bram Stoker’s tale. Step right into scenes from this 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 all ages from the actual historical ruins and sightseeing.

If you’ve got any aspiring palaeontologists in your family, you’ll want to pay a visit to Whitby Museum to learn about the town's Jurassic past. The trees and rolling green areas of Pannett Park surround the museum, which houses 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.

Of course, with its coastal location, there are plenty of maritime artefacts for the boat-lovers, as well as a collection of historic clothing to enamour fashionistas.

Whitby's beaches provide a wonderful playground for little ones. After getting stuck in with their buckets and spades, they can enjoy a paddle in the sea. 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.

Perched on the cliffs over Whitby Bay you’ll find the Whitby Pavilion. This imposing Victorian entertainment complex has been expanded over the years and now includes a theatre and a cinema, which often host child-friendly shows and the latest animated feature films.

After taking in a show, head to the Whitby Pavilion Café where home-baked treats, delicious lunch options and filling hot meals are available alongside a glass of wine or a cup of tea. Floor to ceiling windows give the cafe incredible views out over the water, making it a picturesque lunch spot.