One of the most popular things to do in Whitby, especially now that the days and nights are getting colder, is to sit in and get warm in one of Whitby’s many excellent pubs with a well-deserved drink. The town has a huge array of drinking holes for a variety of tastes, so you’ll definitely find something right up your street. To help you, we have put together this insightful guide on the 12 best pubs in Whitby you need to visit this autumn.
We’ll explore the pubs that offer great beer, fine wines, energetic music, sporting events, quizzes, karaoke – you name it, we’ve covered it. So, let’s jump right in and start with one of the most popular pubs in Whitby.
1. The Little Angel
The Little Angel is one of the great traditional community pubs in Whitby. With a reputation for its friendly bar team, delicious and hearty food, and excellent selection of drinks, it is little wonder why this CAMRA multi-award-winning pub is a favourite among locals and visitors.
Due to their customers’ love of cask ale, they have expanded and opened their own Lady Luck Brewery, where they produce some amazing and unique brews, including a session blonde and whiskey-infused porters. Not an ale drinker? Don’t panic! There are plenty of other fine options, including lagers, gins, ciders, and wines.
If you’d like some entertainment, then the Little Angel has it in abundance. Here are a few highlights:
- Live Sports Events – Three widescreen TVs show all the major sporting events, so you can cheer on your team while enjoying your drink.
- Live Music – If live music is more your thing, then you’ll catch high-quality local talent taking the stage on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Music ranges from blistering rock to chilled acoustic to toe-tapping folk, so there really is something for everyone’s tastes.
- Karaoke – If you see yourself as a bit of an Elvis or Taylor Swift, then head down to their karaoke nights on Tuesdays and Sundays and get ready to sing your heart out.
- Quiz Night – Test your knowledge against our friendly (but competitive!) quiz crowd every Thursday evening.
It is no surprise that the Little Angel is considered one of the best pubs in Whitby. If you fancy a visit, you’ll find it on 18 Flowergate, Whitby YO21 3BA.
2. The Endeavour
Another classic traditional pub with a roaring open fire in Whitby, The Endeavour can be found overlooking the River Esk on the east side of Whitby. It has welcomed people since the 19th Century and continues to be a popular hub of the local community. Sporting maritime-inspired decor and breathtaking views of the river, this dog-friendly pub serves a fine selection of cask and craft ales along with wines, prosecco, teas, coffees, spirits, and liqueurs. If gin is your thing, you are in for a treat; they have a selection of over 25 different types to offer you, along with a range of mixers.
It is also one of the best spots for live music in Whitby, showcasing a variety of excellent local acts on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. On the third Sunday of every month, the pub hosts its long-running Irish folk session. This 25-year tradition draws in musicians from all over the North for an afternoon of energetic tunes.
The best part is still to come. You’ve heard of BYOB (bring your own booze), well, The Endeavour has ‘bring your own fish and chips!’ So, you can get your food from one of Whitby’s many fine fish and chips restaurants, and then enjoy them while you have your drink. If you fancy something smaller, then their bar snack menu boasts fresh seafood and locally produced ploughmans and cheese platters.
If you want to head down to The Endeavour and see why it is one of the best pubs in Whitby, you’ll find it on 66 Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4AS.
3. The Station Inn
Found in the heart of the town opposite the train station, this popular pub in Whitby prides itself on its selection of real ales, welcoming atmosphere, and is very dog-friendly. Don’t just take our word for it. The Station Inn won the Cleveland CAMRA Pub of the Year 2011 and has featured in the Good Beer Guide since 2009.
The pub offers eight rotating cask ales, most of which are sourced from local and Yorkshire breweries, making it a paradise for beer lovers. However, if you’re not a beer drinker, there is a huge drinks menu on offer. They have 241 alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, including old favourites such as Long Island Iced Tea and Porn Star Martini. They also offer a wide selection of gins, tequila, wines, and champagnes (if you’re feeling fancy!).
The Whitby pub has a great ambience with roaring open fires as well as live music from local musicians to keep you entertained every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. They’re also one of the best pubs in Whitby for live sport, which includes football, rugby, and horse racing. So, whatever the day of the week, you’re sure to stumble off the streets into fun and laughter, which is just what you want on those colder autumn nights.
If you want to check out The Station Inn, you’ll find it on New Quay Rd, Whitby YO21 1DH.
4. The Black Horse
‘Little pub, big choice’ is the slogan that The Black Horse swear by. And we can assure you, it’s true! It is certainly one of the tiniest but best pubs in Whitby, and this traditional two-bar pub is found in the heart of the old town, serving up award-winning cask ales from local and national breweries. They have an excellent range of cask beers, gins, rums, and wines, along with a Yorkshire Tapas (Yapas) menu. The pub is also very dog-friendly, and they provide water bowls in each bar, along with treats that are normally available.
In addition to being a great place to eat, drink, and be merry, the pub boasts a rich history dating back to the 1600s. It was originally called The White Horse Inn, but was forced to change its name to The Black Horse Inn in 1828. It also features what is believed to be one of the oldest public-serving bars in Europe, having been installed soon after its invention in the US in the 1870s. The pub was declared a building of Special Architectural and Historical Interest in 1973.
So, take a step back in the town’s history and visit The Black Horse on 91 Church St, Whitby YO22 4BH.
5. Whitby Brewery
After exploring the history of The Black Horse Inn, next on our list of best pubs in Whitby is a relatively new kid on the block. Whitby Brewery was created in 2013 in a beautifully converted barn. Fast forward to 2025, and it now brews a range of cracking Yorkshire ales, which are found in bars, shops, and pubs in Whitby and across North Yorkshire.
If you’re not sold on the beers alone, then they also provide some of the best live music in Whitby. They have a diverse lineup of acts for a wide range of tastes. This year has seen artists such as folk heroes The Duncan McFarlane Band, Indie powerhouses The Yabbas, and Yorkshire’s finest Metallica tribute band Metallicish. Entry to the music nights is free of charge, and you can also get delicious wood-fired pizza.
Get yourself down and dancing at Whitby Brewery, which is located next to the historic Whitby Abbey at East Cliff, Whitby YO22 4JR.
If you’d like to learn more about the best places for live music in Whitby, then discover our guide – Trying To Find Live Music In Whitby? Here’s The Ultimate Guide.
6. The Duke of York
Next up is the Duke of York. This historic pub in Whitby is found at the bottom of the iconic 199 steps, and the building can be traced back to the Doomsday Book. It has been an ale house and then a pub for the last 150 years.
So, stepping into the pub feels like going back in time, deep into Whitby’s history. As you sit and relax with your drink, you can enjoy views of the Whitby Harbour and spend time admiring the historic memorabilia and photos placed around the venue.
The pub is very dog-friendly and serves a great range of drinks, including your favourite beers, wines, gins, and cocktails. If you are feeling something a little bit special, then try their fantastic afternoon tea. Feeling hungry? They also boast a wide food selection, with standout items on their menu including a Yorkshire Wagyu burger, a fish platter, and a steak and venison pie.
Fancy some great food and drink before taking on the challenge of climbing the 199 steps? Then call in at the Duke of York at 124 Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4DE.
7. The Dolphin Hotel
Next on our list of best pubs in Whitby is The Dolphin. Originally known as the Custom House Coffee House, this harbour-side building was turned into a public house in 1823. Located at the end of the Swing Bridge, it is on the doorstep of many of the town’s most popular attractions, such as the Captain Cook Museum, Whitby Abbey, and the Dracula Experience. So, after you’ve done your sightseeing, you can stop in for a well-earned rest and drink, while taking in the incredible harbour views.
The Dolphin Hotel is far more than just a place to drink, priding itself on its wide range of entertainment. First of all, you’ll find loads of live sporting action, including football and darts. It is also one of the best live music venues in Whitby, making it a hub of activity every day of the week.
So, don’t miss out on the fun and head down to The Dolphin Hotel, found on Bridge St, Whitby, YO22 4BG.
8. The Fleece
The Fleece is another pub in Whitby, which is a real hub of the community. It is located on the harbour away from the hustle and bustle of the town centre. This little pub boasts a roaring real fire, which will keep you warm in the colder months while you enjoy your drink. What could be more magical? For the warmer days and nights, there is a spectacular outdoor seating area overlooking the harbour, making for a beautiful backdrop.
It is also a great place for live music in Whitby. They put on an incredibly diverse range of musical acts from folk bands to soul music, and they have even had a harpist, something you don’t normally see in a pub! Calling all dog owners, the pub is also very dog-friendly, so you can enjoy your drink and the music, along with your beloved pooch.
So, head on down to The Fleece at Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4AS.
9. The Elsinore
Do you know this small, intimate, and traditional pub in Whitby was the starting point of one of the biggest events on the Whitby calendar? It was the location of a small gathering of 40 pen pals organised by Jo Hampshire, who wanted a venue where they could share their love of goth culture, music, and aesthetic. Over the years, this initial meeting grew and later became the much-loved Whitby Goth Weekend.
As well as being a must-visit due to its significance in Whitby’s history and culture, it is also a cracking little pub popular with locals and visitors alike. Serving a range of draught beers, lagers, and quality cask ales, they host regular quiz nights and are a great venue for live music in Whitby.
So, visit the original home of the Goths and one of the best pubs in Whitby at 25 Flowergate, Whitby, YO21 3BB.
10. The Golden Lion
The Golden Lion is one of the most iconic and best pubs in Whitby. Dating back to 1714, this Grade II listed building is home to the town’s oldest existing pub, and with that record comes centuries of character and charm. It is the town’s only Irish pub, making it the perfect place to warm yourself in those colder days with a pint of perfectly poured Guinness in your hand.
The pub is ideally positioned just across from the famous Swing bridge. The moment you step inside, you hear the hum of traditional Irish folk music, and on selected nights throughout the year, you’ll be treated to live musical performances. With its cosy interior, friendly crowd, and excellent selection of drinks, you’ll never not have a good time in The Golden Lion.
So, go down for a quiet afternoon pint or join the crowd for a night of music and fun. You’ll find it at 8 Golden Lion Bank, Whitby YO21 3BS.
Ready for a Seaside Trip to Experience the Best Pubs in Whitby?
We hope our guide to the 10 best pubs in Whitby has inspired you to want to make a trip to one of our favourite seaside towns. If you want to learn more about the best things to do in Whitby, discover our archives, which have insightful guides to help build your itinerary.
If you want to go further afield and want to discover more about Yorkshire, then check out our travel section for information about our beautiful county.
Read More: 11 Of The Best Whitby Restaurants You Need To Visit
Feature Image Credit: Whitby Brewery
