There are so many incredible things to do in this seaside gem – the beach, 199 steps, the Abbey, the list is endless. However, one of the best things to do in Whitby is to visit one of the many music venues the town has to offer. Whether it be jazz, rock, folk, or classical, there really is something for everyone. But where can you find live music in Whitby?
Our ultimate guide is here to answer that very question. We will show you five of the very best venues to find live music in Whitby to ensure your next trip is full of fun, tunes, and dancing.
Our Top 5 Best Places for Live Music in Whitby
Visit any of these locations for live music in Whitby and you’ll be reaching for the air guitar and singing your heart out in no time. So, let’s dive in and start with one of our favourites.
1. The Little Angel
The Little Angel is a traditional and ‘proper’ Yorkshire pub where they will guarantee you a friendly welcome and an electric atmosphere. It has become famous for its friendly bar staff, hearty food, excellent selection of drinks – including unique brews from their own Lady Luck Brewery. It truly is a place that both locals and visitors alike feel right at home. It is located in the centre of the town, which makes it the perfect spot for anyone exploring Whitby for a well-needed drink, rest, and entertainment.
One of The Little Angel’s biggest appeals is its offering of live music. Real high-quality local entertainers take to the stage on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, drawing in lively crowds from far and wide looking for a great night out. With the music ranging from high-energy rock to toe-tapping folk, there really is something for all tastes. If you are visiting during one of Whitby’s many festival weekends, including Goth weekend, Folk Week, and Northern Soul Weekend, head down to The Little Angel to find it in full swing with music playing and drinks flowing.
If you fancy yourself as a bit of a Johnny Cash or Whitney Houston, then you’ll love their karaoke nights on Tuesdays and Sundays. Regulars and visitors alike grab the microphone to belt out some of the classics and make it an evening of fun and lasting memories. So, head down to The Little Angel for one of the best experiences of live music in Whitby. You won’t regret it.
2. Whitby Pavilion
Located on the town’s West Cliff and overlooking its picturesque bay, the Whitby Pavilion has created the perfect mix of Victorian charm with up-to-date performance capabilities, which has made it one of the best places to experience live music in Whitby. Built in 1878, it offers an electric and intimate atmosphere where you can truly connect with some of the best acts the country has to offer.
What kind of performances are on the Pavilion’s schedule? Good question, and the answer is very diverse, catering to all age groups and tastes. This year’s performance calendar for example, has included – UK Pink Floyd Experience, folk legends Lindisfarne, Steve Norman of Spandau Ballet, Taylor Fever (Taylor Swift Tribute), Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays, Thank Abba for the Music, as well as themed events such as the famous Whitby Goth Weekend and Motown and Soul Weekender.
If you fancy a drink before or after the show (you’ll definitely be thirsty from all the dancing!), then the Theatre Bar is a cosy spot which offers extensive sea views and a wide range of drinks.
So, if you are looking for high-energy performances from local and national talent at a beautiful and historic venue, then you have to put the Pavilion on your Whitby trip itinerary. We promise you, you’ll have a night of fun, boogying, and long-lasting memories.
3. Whitby Brewery
Located next to the famous Abbey in a beautifully converted barn, the Brewery has become a haven for lovers of quality Yorkshire ales, and it is truly one of the best things to do in Whitby. However, it is also one of the town’s most exciting music spots and somewhere you just have to visit (ale and music, we don’t think you’ll need too much convincing!). Since first opening in 2013, the Brewery has built an excellent reputation for its handcrafted beers, which are found in shops, bars, and pubs in Whitby and across North Yorkshire.
The live music nights at the brewery have such a relaxed and welcoming vibe. And if watching music with a fine pint of ale in your hand isn’t enough, they also serve delicious wood-fired pizza. The acts are varied and accommodate a wide selection of tastes. This year’s acts have ranged from the ferocious riffs of Yorkshire’s finest Metallica tribute band Metallicish to Whitby’s own Indie powerhouses The Yabbas to folk heroes The Duncan McFarlane Band.
We haven’t even told you the best news – entry to live music at the Whitby Brewery is free! So, wherever you are in town for one of its famous festival weekends or just fancy finishing a day drip with an evening of live music, head down to experience a night that is full of character, just like the town itself.
4. The Endeavour
Down by the historic harbour, you’ll find The Endeavour, which is next on our list of where to find live music in Whitby. Named after Captain James Cook’s famous ship, the ‘HMS Endeavour’, the pub has welcomed visitors since the late 19th century and to this day continues to be a hub of community life. With its warm and friendly atmosphere, mixed with maritime-inspired decor and incredible views of the River Esk, it really is the perfect spot for an evening of great music.
The Endeavour hosts four sessions of live music every week, allowing them to showcase a variety of exceptional local talent. Examples include Thursdays, which regularly feature the ever-enjoyable Mackie, Fridays, which have a rotation of talented guest singers, and Saturdays, which see the acoustic hero Simma take the stage. On the third Sunday of every month, it hosts its long-running Irish folk session. This 25-year tradition draws in musicians from across the North for an afternoon of lively, toe-tapping tunes.
But what if you are feeling hungry during your visit to The Endeavour? Well, the pub has a unique and brilliant policy of ‘Bring Your Own Fish and Chips’. So, you can get your delicious fish and chips from one of Whitby’s best restaurants (check out our guide for a great chippy), and enjoy them with your drink and the music. The pub even provides forks, salt, vinegar, and ketchup!
Flowing drinks, live music, and the UK’s favourite meal, what more could you ask for? So, get yourself down to The Endeavour for an unforgettable experience – it’s a spot that easily makes its way onto any list of the best things to do in Whitby.
5. The Station Inn
Last but certainly not least on our list of the top 5 best locations to find live music in Whitby is The Station Inn. Handily located opposite the train station, it is one of the most popular pubs in Whitby. We are certainly not surprised, as it is well known for being incredibly warm and welcoming, and it’s very dog-friendly. The moment you step through the door, you’ll feel right at home. The pub boasts eight rotating cask ales, most of which are sourced from Whitby and Yorkshire breweries, making it a haven for beer lovers who can pair high-quality pints with equally great tunes.
The Station Inn hosts live music performances four nights a week – Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. They feature talented artists such as Emily Lawler, Bethan Endicott, Dan Webster, and Marc Atkinson. The pub is dripping with atmosphere, especially in Summer, and particularly during the Goth Weekend and Whitby Folk Week. So, whether you are looking for a laid-back midweek acoustic set or a lively Saturday where you dance the night away, The Station Inn delivers a unique experience that keeps music lovers coming back year after year.
Ready to Experience Live Music in Whitby?
We hope our guide to 5 of the best venues for live music in Whitby has helped to add a touch of boogie and a dash of rock ‘n’ roll to your next trip. If you would like more ideas of the best things to do in Whitby and make it a visit to remember, then check out our guide – Is Whitby Worth Visiting? 8 Reasons You’ll Love This Seaside Gem.
Read More: 9 Of The Best Whitby Restaurants You Need To Visit
