Sitting pretty on the Yorkshire coast, the charming seaside town of Whitby has been welcoming visitors for centuries. Its rich heritage encompasses everything from fishing to vampires, and the historic streets have changed little over the years.

A day trip to Whitby from York is a must, especially if you love exploring ancient abbeys and treasure hunting on windswept beaches. Look hard enough and you might even find a piece of Whitby Jet.

You will find below all you need to know about Whitby, one of the most popular destinations for day trips from York.

How to get to Whitby from York?

You'll find Whitby up on England's Yorkshire coast just north of Scarborough. It's easy to take a day tour to Whitby from York by road.

From York to Whitby by car

If you have a vehicle, the drive between York and Whitby is straightforward and lasts just over an hour.

Take the A64 north before turning onto the A169 at Pickering. You'll then enjoy a scenic drive over the North York Moors to Whitby.

From York to Whitby by bus

If you want to keep costs down, you can travel to Whitby by bus.

The Coastliner 840 and 843 buses run a couple of times a day, with the journey from York to Whitby taking a couple of hours. You can catch the bus from York Railway Station.

Guided tour to Whitby from York

Booking a guided full-day trip from York to Whitby is a hassle-free way to explore. All the transport logistics will be taken care of so you can just come along for the ride.

Some tours offer convenient city center pickups, while others will come and collect you at your hotel.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Whitby from York?

Your minibus tour begins with a pickup after breakfast, either from your hotel or a central meeting point.

There will be a few stops during the scenic drive across the North York Moors. Highlights include the market town of Pickering and the moorland village of Goathland. Some tours include a ride on the heritage steam railway which runs between the two.

Your next stop will be Whitby, where you can explore at leisure and enjoy lunch on the waterfront. Fish and chips are always a popular choice.

After visiting picturesque Helmsley on the return journey, you'll arrive back in York during the evening.

What kind of tours are available to go to Whitby?

There are several different Whitby tours to choose from, but most follow a similar itinerary. You just need to decide whether you prefer a small group trip or a private experience.

Group tours to Whitby plus the North York Moors from York

A guided day trip to Whitby from York is the easiest way to discover this popular Yorkshire destination. All the arrangements will be taken care of, so you don't have to worry about organizing transport.

You'll be journeying by minivan with a small group of other travelers so the experience remains personal. Participant numbers vary, with some operators capping visitor numbers at just seven. There will be live commentary from the guide during the drive, so you can fully appreciate the scenery.

Once in Whitby, you will have a couple of hours to explore at leisure. Your guide will point you in the direction of the popular attractions. They can also give you some insider information to help make the most of your visit.

Private tour to Whitby plus the North York Moors from York

Private Whitby day tours from York offer a more exclusive experience and are popular with couples and families. You will travel in a luxury, air-conditioned vehicle with just your group.

The itinerary can be customized according to your interests, with plenty of free time at each location for independent exploration. As well as Whitby, highlights can include the White Horse of Kilburn, Helmsley Castle and the Hole of Horcum.

There will be lots of photo opportunities at scenic viewpoints along the route. If you need refreshments or toilet stops during the journey, just ask.

How much does a tour to Whitby from York cost?

For a small group Whitby jaunt, prices start at £50 per person. This covers a local guide and transport by minibus. Entrance fees and food are extra and payable on site.

A private day trip from York to Whitby costs around £500 for a group of up to 4 passengers. This includes an exclusive vehicle and driver, plus pickups and drop-offs from your York hotel. As with the group tours, attraction fees and lunch are at your own expense.

What will you see and do in Whitby?

Whitby Abbey

This imposing 13th-century abbey was the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's “Dracula”, and it's easy to see why. Up on the clifftop, the Gothic ruins are rather eerie, especially on a stormy day.

Visiting the abbey is a must during your Whitby excursion – it's an important part of the town's heritage and is a great spot for photos. There are 199 steps from the harbor up to the abbey. Your driver can drop you at the top if you'd rather avoid the climb.

The harbor and town

Enjoying fish and chips at the pretty harbor is one of the highlights of a day trip to Whitby from York. This quintessential English experience is repeated in coastal towns throughout the country – it's a fun way to watch the world go by. Just watch out for the swooping gulls who are partial to a bit of battered cod!

You can explore the cobbled streets of the historic center – there are lots of traditional shops and cafés to discover. Head down to the sands for a spot of beachcombing and keep your eyes peeled for the famous black Whitby Jet.

The Captain Cook Museum

This historical museum focuses on the life of Captain Cook, and his famous sea-faring expeditions around the world. Cook learned his sailing trade in Whitby, and during his apprenticeship he lived right here in this building.

The exhibition gives an eye-opening insight into Cook's life, with tales of endurance and survival vividly illustrating his story.

When is the best time to visit Whitby?

You can enjoy a day tour to Whitby from York at any time of year. The weather is best during summer, but this is the busiest season, and the town can get very crowded.

Spring and fall are quieter, while in winter you'll be able to take photos without lots of other people in them! Just wrap up warm.

Travel tips

Book your Whitby day trip in good time – these excursions are popular, and places fill up fast.
You will be able to purchase refreshments at many of the stops but consider taking a bottle of water and snacks for the journey.
There are a lot of steps in Whitby, so sensible shoes are advisable.
Some tours have a minimum age of 5 years, so check with your provider if you are traveling with young children.

Whitby: Day Trips and Tours from York