Autumn is a season with a particular romantic charm. The season evokes visions of walking hand-in-hand through leaves of beautiful shades of gold, red, orange, and brown, savouring hot drinks in the cool, crisp air, and spending evenings together by a roaring fire. With the season upon us, what better way to spend time with your loved one than heading down to our favourite seaside gem – Whitby.
To help build your itinerary, our guide will look at the best things to do in Whitby for couples this autumn. We’ll explore activities ranging from coastal walks to romantic meals to bungee jumps (yes, this can be a romantic experience). So, let’s jump in!
1. Take in the Stunning Views and Wildlife on a Boat Trip
What could be more romantic than sailing along the calm waters, taking in the breathtaking wildlife and views of the Yorkshire coastline? Yorkshire Coastal Cruises offers a selection of trips that will provide you with endless memories of your trip to Whitby. Here are a couple of the best trips:
- Coastal Cruises – This 2-hour trip provides the opportunity to see some of the incredible wildlife and scenery of the Yorkshire coast. If you’re lucky, as well as seabirds and other marine wildlife, you may spot whales and dolphins when you are out to sea.
- Twilight Cruises – The boat leaves the harbour at dusk as the sun sets over Whitby, and returns after dark to give you a unique opportunity to view the town at night from the sea.
- Harbour Tours – Sail through the heart of Whitby on ‘Dash II’. Together, you will explore the River Esk, the famous Whitby harbour, and the stunning viaduct towards the village of Ruswarp.
2. Go for a Romantic Meal at One of the Best Restaurants in Whitby
After a day’s sightseeing around the town, why not experience the culinary delights it has to offer? There are some incredible restaurants in Whitby that cater to a range of tastes. Here are a few of our favourites:
- The Marine – Are you a fan of seafood? Then The Marine is for you! They serve a variety of dishes from luxury treats like caviar, lobster, and oysters to wholesome classics like fish & chips and fish pie.
- Velveteen – Located on picturesque Grape Street, this charming French restaurant serves up exquisite dishes such as lobster thermidor, moules frites, and sweet treats like crème brûlée and croissants.
- Humble Pie ‘n’ Mash – If hearty and casual food is your perfect meal for two, the Humble Pie ‘n’ Mash restaurant will be right up your street. Surrounded by 1940s decor, you will be served up delicious pies made with locally sourced ingredients, followed by traditional desserts such as jam roly-poly and custard.
- The Moon and Sixpence – Located on the beautiful harbourside, this stylish bar serves up favourites such as tacos, fish & chips, and burgers. You can wash this all down with a wide selection of stunning cocktails.
For more information about the best restaurants in Whitby, read our guide – 9 Of The Best Whitby Restaurants You Need To Visit.
3. Go on an Adventure Together and Walk to Robin Hood’s Bay
Love a mixture of tranquillity and adventure? Then you must do the Whitby to Robin Hood’s Bay walk. This approximately 7-mile coastal route follows the Cleveland Way National Trail and will take around three to four hours to complete. You’ll start from Whitby Abbey, and then make your way along the dramatic cliffs, looking out on stunning views of the North Sea.
Along the way, you’ll come across historical and natural wonders that will make the walk extra special. You’ll stop at Saltwick Bay, a spot famous for its Jurassic cliffs and shoreline that dates back 180 million years! It is, therefore, an excellent spot for fossil hunting. Also, if there is a low tide, you will spot the shipwreck of the Admiral Von Tromp, which ran tragically aground in 1976.
The walk ends in the picturesque fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay. It provides historic cobbled streets, cosy pubs, museums, beach walks, and tearooms serving up delicious tea, coffee, cakes, sandwiches, and more.
To get back to Whitby, you have a few options. If you are up for the challenge, you can go back the way you came and experience the walk’s beauty yet again! Alternatively, taxis are available from Robin Hood’s Bay, or you can take a scenic bus ride back.
4. Take the Train Across the North York Moors National Park
One of the most enjoyable and romantic things to do in Whitby for couples is to step aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. You’ll take a traditional steam or diesel train on a nostalgic journey through 24 miles of breathtaking countryside of the beautiful North York Moors. As soon as that whistle blows, you’ll sit back, relax, and enjoy the views as the train chugs along.
You’ll stop at some fascinating stations, including the famous Goathland, which was the filming location for Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films. You can also hop off at the stations if you want to take a stroll around the moors or just soak up the atmosphere of each station. If you want to make your trip that bit more special, then book a table in the beautifully restored Pullman dining carriages. Here they serve seasonal menus featuring locally sourced food and drink.
So, add the North York Moors Railway to your itinerary and get ready to step back in time and enjoy together the landscapes that have captured the imaginations of generations of visitors, filmmakers, and writers.
5. Go Watch Live Music in Whitby
One of the best things to do in Whitby for couples is to experience the incredible music scene. Local and national bands and artists, from a variety of genres, frequent the pubs and bars dotted around the town. Whether your idea of a romantic dance is bopping along to soul, tapping your foot to folk, singing your heart out to pop classics, or banging your head to heavy metal, Whitby has something for everyone.
Here are some of our favourite places for live music in Whitby:
- The Endeavour – Hosting four sessions of live music every week, and known for its warm and friendly atmosphere, The Endeavour is the perfect place to enjoy live music. Music includes local acoustic artists, such as Simma, and Irish folk sessions. The best thing is that you can bring your own fish and chips to enjoy while you watch.
- Whitby Pavilion – Built back in 1878, the Whitby Pavilion blends Victorian charm with modern performance capabilities, making it one of the stand-out places to experience live music in Whitby. Performance this year has ranged from Shaun Ryder of the Happy Mondays, folk legends Lindifarne, and Taylor Fever (Taylor Swift Tribute), meaning there really is something for everyone.
- The Little Angel – A traditional and ‘proper’ Yorkshire pub that offers an excellent selection of live music. You’ll experience high-quality local musicians taking the stage on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, guaranteeing a great night out together. You both enjoy a bit of karaoke? You’re in luck, The Little Angel hosts karaoke nights on Tuesdays and Sundays.
For more information about the best places for live music in Whitby, check out our guide – Trying to Find Live Music in Whitby? Here’s the Ultimate Guide.
6. Do a Bungee Jump Together
We suspect some of you will be recoiling in horror at the thought of this, but if you are a couple who seek adrenaline, then what could be more romantic than doing a bungee jump together?
Hosted by the UK Bungee Club, you can take the 150-foot leap of faith on the historic Larpool Viaduct. It is the only bridge bungee jump in England, and it offers you maximum excitement alongside spectacular views of Whitby Abbey, the River Esk, and the surrounding areas.
Relive the jumping experience together with professional photos and videos, catching all your emotions, whether it be fear or joy (or a mixture of both!). The UK Bungee Club runs the experience regularly on weekends throughout the year. So cross this off your bucket list, take the leap of faith, and take home an exhilarating and cherished memory from your time in Whitby.
Check out the UK Bungee Club’s website for more details.
Want More Inspiration for Things to do in Whitby for Couples?
Autumn is a wonderful time to visit Whitby, but it is a seaside gem which can be enjoyed any time of year. If you want more ideas of the best things to do in Whitby for couples all year round, then discover our Whitby archives for more insightful guides on what this incredible place has to offer.
Want to go further afield? Then check out our travel section for more great reads on all things Yorkshire.
Read More: 7 Unusual Things to Do in Whitby You May Not Have Heard Of
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