Campsites Near Whitby

Whether you’re camping in Whitby with your family and friends, partner or on a solo adventure, you’ll find that there is a diverse range of things to do in the town. Here are some of the top recommended activities and sites.

1. Visit Whitby Abbey

Situated on a headland high over the stunning seaside town, Whitby Abbey is one of Britain's most romantic and haunting ruins. Discover the fascinating stories of saints and poets and enjoy the beautiful but brooding destination that is featured in Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The 199 steps leading you up to the abbey are a challenge that visitors to the town cannot resist. Whitby Abbey is less than a 30-minute drive from our Scarborough Camping and Caravanning Club Site.

2. Discover May Beck and Falling Foss

Avid walkers will love this scenic trail, which winds through enchanting woodland and even passes a charming tea garden (open from April to September) – perfect for a mid-walk treat. This circular 2-mile route takes you over the top of the impressive Falling Foss waterfall and along the peaceful banks of May Beck.

Just a short detour from the main trail, you’ll discover The Hermitage, a fascinating 18th-century cave carved out of a massive boulder. It’s a hidden gem for the adventurous and adds a touch of mystery to your walk.

3. Walk up to the Whale Bone Arch

The Whale Bone Arch is a celebrated landmark replica of a whale’s jawbone. The amazing views over Whitby and the harbour make the big climb up to the 25ft arch worth it.

4. Wander through Whitby’s Old Town

Step back in time as you wander through the cobbled streets of Whitby’s Old Town. The winding lanes are lined with quirky independent shops, cosy cafés, and charming traditional pubs, all tucked beneath some of the town’s most beautiful historic architecture.

5. Relax on Whitby Beaches

You can’t go camping in Whitby without a visit to the beach! With around 20 beaches in the area, there’s no shortage of stunning coastal spots where you can enjoy golden sands or shingle shores, paddle in glistening waters, fly a kite, sunbathe, or tuck into a seaside picnic.

Here are some of the most popular beaches to explore:

1. Whitby Sands

Setting the standard for all beaches in the area, Whitby Sands proudly holds Blue Flag status for its cleanliness, excellent water quality, safety, and commitment to environmental education. No wonder this beach is a favourite among locals and tourists. Enjoy swimming, paddling, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the sun on this beautiful stretch of golden sand.

2. Tate Hill Beach

If you’re camping with your dog, Tate Hill Beach is the perfect spot. This smaller, quieter beach is dog-friendly all year round, with a mix of golden sand and shingle. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll or a romantic walk at sunset, away from the crowds.

3. Upgang Beach

Upgang Beach is a small, dog-friendly beach on Whitby's west side, nestled between Sandsend and Whitby Sands. It’s an excellent spot for those looking for something a little more off the beaten path. Make sure you bring a bucket because when the tide is low, you’ll get to explore the hidden rock pools and discover some incredible species.

4. Sandsend Beach

Just a short walk or drive from Whitby, Sandsend Beach offers expansive sands, breathtaking views, and a more rugged, natural feel. It’s a fantastic spot for fossil hunting, surfing, and long coastal walks. At low tide, you can even walk all the way from Whitby along the shore, taking in the fresh sea air and dramatic scenery.

6. Enjoy Dracula’s Experience

Whitby is perhaps most famously known for inspiring some of Bram Stoker’s 1897 iconic gothic novel, Dracula. Spine-chilling and eerie, the Dracula Experience playfully brings the novel to life. The tour uses animated scenes, electronic special effects, and live actors to tell the story of Dracula.

7. Climb aboard the Captain Cook Experience

Climb aboard the Bark Endeavour Whitby, and re-live the path of the famous explorer Captain James Cook. Set sail across North Yorkshire’s Jurassic coastline, journeying around Whitby Harbour and along the coast to Sandsend. Take in the views of spectacular cliffs and bays while listening to traditional Whitby sea shanties and hearing about the life of Captain Cook. This voyage is dog-friendly, so make sure to bring your pooch along to practice being a seadog for the day.

8. Wind down at Whitby Brewery

Positioned on the top of Whitby’s cliff top and brewed in the shadow of Whitby Abbey, Whitby Brewery is a truly unique destination to enjoy a pint. The brewery’s delightfully delicious Yorkshire ales and dedication to creating the finest beers around, make it widely popular among locals and tourists.

9. Explore Whitby Harbour

A stunning harbour with magnificent views overlooking the North Sea, Whitby Harbour is a lovely place to walk, bike or catch a boat around.

10. Uncover the Whitby Museum

To truly experience Whitby’s unique history as a seaside town in North Yorkshire, make sure to visit Whitby Museum. Weird and wonderful, the museum tells the story of the beloved coastal town, from the Jurassic Period to the present day. Check out ancient fossils, costumes and model ships that have been carefully preserved for centuries.

11. Eat the best fish and chips

You cannot go to Whitby without tasting their fish and chips. Here is a list of some of the best-rated fish and chip shops in Whitby.

• Hadley's Fish and Chips
• Trenchers
• Abbey Wharf
• Quayside
• Angel Fisheries Harbourside
• Magpie Café
• Royal Fisheries