What to Do in Whitby in 2 Days: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

What to Do in Whitby in 2 Days: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary


We took a much-needed escape to the beautiful North Yorkshire coastline. Our destination? The historic town of Whitby and the charming village of Robin Hood’s Bay. With so much to see and do in these coastal gems, we wanted to make the most of our two days, soaking in the history, the scenery, and local flavours. If you’re wondering what to do in Whitby in 2 days, here’s how we spent our weekend exploring the best things to do in Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay.

What to Do in Whitby in 2 Days

What to Do in Whitby in 2 Days: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Day 1: Immersing Ourselves in Whitby’s Charm.

Our adventure kicked off in Whitby, a place we’d always heard about for its dramatic cliffs, gothic ruins, and ties to Dracula. We were eager to discover the best places to visit in Whitby and what made this seaside town so special. Two distinct parts of Whitby require a climb, the most famous being the 199 steps leading to Whitby Abbey and the Whalebone Arch on the other side of the bay. For us, the 199 steps were a bit tricky with our three-month-old in a baby carrier, so we opted for a gentler ascent that led us to the abbey without the need to climb all the stairs. I’ve crafted an itinerary based on our visits, but feel free to customise it to suit your preferences and needs.

1. Coffee Kickstart at Hopes & Beans Café

We started the morning by visiting Hopes & Beans Café on St Ann’s Staith. This cosy spot was the perfect place to kickstart the day. We found a snug table by the window upstairs, a great place to watch the town come alive or enjoy the view if the weather’s on your side. It also turned out to be the ideal spot for a breastfeeding break, surrounded by this hidden gem’s warm, welcoming vibes.

2. Exploring the Iconic Whitby Abbey

Next, We made our way up to the famous Whitby Abbey, one of the best historic sites in Whitby. We didn’t go inside the abbey itself, but only standing outside the abbey walls gave us a sense of its historical grandeur. The views from up there were breathtaking, overlooking the North Sea with the town of Whitby laid out below us. Instead of braving the cold wind outside, we slipped into the cosy café in the nearby hostel for a warm drink. It was a hidden gem, with stunning sea views and a lovely atmosphere.


3. St. Mary’s Church and the 199 Steps

After the abbey, we went to St. Mary’s Church, a fascinating place with its unique box pews. We even caught a glimpse of the bell ringers in action, which was a delightful surprise. From there, we carefully descended the historic 199 Steps—an iconic Whitby experience that felt like walking through a living piece of history.

4. Fortune’s Kippers: A Taste of Tradition

This was one of the stops I’d been most excited about. Locals had raved to me about Fortune’s Kippers on Henrietta Street, and I wasn’t disappointed! Nestled beneath the cliffs, this little shop has been smoking kippers traditionally for over 140 years. When you step inside, the smoky aroma fills the air, a reminder of Whitby’s proud fishing heritage. We picked up some kippers to take home, and my husband and I still talk about how we must return just for more!

5. Sweet Treats and Seaside Delights

As we continued our stroll through Whitby, we couldn’t resist stopping by Justin Confectionery on Church Street. This little shop was a treasure trove of handmade sweets, perfect for a family treat. We later grabbed some classic fish and chips at Terry’s on Pier Road, enjoying them by the harbour—a quintessential seaside experience.

6. The Whalebone Arch and West Pier Stroll

Our next stop was the Whalebone Arch, a symbol of Whitby’s whaling heritage. Standing beneath the arch, we could see the abbey across the bay, framed perfectly against the sky. To wrap up our day, we took a leisurely walk along the West Pier, soaking in the sunset over the North Sea before returning to our hotel in the north Promenade. It was the perfect end to our first day in Whitby.


Day 2: Exploring the Charm of Robin Hood’s Bay

My second day of exploring the North Yorkshire coast has led me to Robin Hood’s Bay, a a charming old fishing village known for its stunning coastal views, narrow streets, and historical significance, I couldn’t wait to uncover its hidden gems. There’s a car park before descending where you’ll need to park as it’s restricted to going by car down to the bottom. The walk down to Robin Hood’s Bay was like stepping back in time, with narrow lanes and little red-roofed old fishing cottages guiding my way.

The Story Behind Robin Hood’s Bay

Interestingly, there’s a legend that Robin Hood encountered French pirates who had come to pillage the northeast coast. He forced them to surrender and returned their loot to the villagers. Whether fact or folklore, the name stuck, adding another layer of intrigue to this already captivating place.

Robin Hood’s Bay: A Smuggler’s Haven

Did you know that Robin Hood’s Bay was once a notorious smuggling hub in the 18th century? Its maze-like streets were designed to baffle customs officers, making it the perfect place for hiding contraband goods. For those interested in diving deeper into this fascinating history, there’s the Smuggler’s Tour of Bay, where you can walk through the village and hear about it. If you’re up for some storytelling adventure, check out the Smuggler’s Tour here.

The Fish Box: A Seafood Stop with a View

I’ve heard that the Fish Box at the top of the hill is known for its delicious fish and chips. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a fish and chips with a view, especially if the weather is good enough to sit outside. Unfortunately, when we passed by, it was closed—to my husband’s utter dismay!

A Missed Adventure at Boggle Hole

Boggle Hole is a secluded spot steeped in legends of goblins and surrounded by stunning coastal views. Like many along this coastline, smugglers once used its caves to hide contraband such as rum and tobacco. Unfortunately, we weren’t quite prepared for the adventure this time, especially with our three-month-old baby in tow. Usually, hiking would be our go-to activity here, but we’ll save it for another visit when we’re ready to tackle the trail! If you’re up for a scenic walk, we highly recommend exploring nearby paths like the Cleveland Way, which leads to Boggle Hole, or The Cinder Track, both offering some of the best hiking experiences around Robin Hood’s Bay.

Rock Pooling and Fossil Hunting Fun

One of my favourite parts of visiting Robin Hood’s Bay is exploring the beach, especially when the tide is out. The rock pools here are a treasure trove of marine life. You’ll find an array of starfish, other sea creatures, and fossils to hunt down from the Jurassic period. It’s a perfect activity for families and those passionate about nature. Always check the tide times so you don’t get cut off.

A Meal with a View at The Bay Hotel

For lunch, we chose to dine at the Bay Hotel, which sits right on the shoreline and offers gorgeous sea views. The atmosphere was unbeatable, and the food made it even better. If you’re looking for something more intimate, the Smugglers Bistro is also a fantastic option—a candle-lit bistro hidden in the heart of Robin Hood’s Bay, perfect for a romantic dinner or a cosy meal.


After our coastal explorations, we stopped at The Laurel Inn, the smallest pub in Robin Hood’s Bay. This cosy little spot, with roaring open fires, was the perfect place to warm up. It also turned out to be a strategic breastfeeding and pint stop—two essentials on our journey back up the hill 😅.

A Weekend Well-Spent in North Yorkshire

Our weekend exploring Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay was everything we needed and more—a blend of history, breathtaking scenery, and delicious local treats. We left with a whole heart, a camera roll packed with memories, and a promise to return to this beautiful part of North Yorkshire soon.

This itinerary is a great starting point if you plan a trip to the North Yorkshire coastline. Don’t forget to pack your hiking gear if you’re up for some coastal trails, and save room for the fish and chips at the Fish Box when it’s open! Until next time, North Yorkshire—you’ve captured our hearts!

Additional Tips for Your Visit

  • Where to Stay in Whitby: Consider booking accommodations near the harbour or in a cosy bed and breakfast with views of the abbey.
  • How to Get to Robin Hood’s Bay: The drive from Whitby is scenic and straightforward, but the best experience is the walk down the hill to the bay.
  • Best Time to Visit: Both Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay are delightful year-round, but visiting in spring or summer allows you to enjoy the outdoor views and coastal walks fully.