There are so many incredible sights to see in Whitby – the abbey, 199 steps, the beach – the list goes on! If you are planning a family day out or holiday in the town, it is essential to have an itinerary that provides them with fun activities and exciting experiences, ensuring they gain memories that last a lifetime.
So, to help you with planning your next trip, we’ve put together this guide to show you our five best things to do in Whitby with kids. We’ll explore activities ranging from crabbing to ghost walks to help you plan the perfect seaside adventure. Let’s dive right in!
1. Visit One of the Many Child-Friendly Museums
Looking for something fun AND educational? Well, one of the best things to do in Whitby is to visit one of the many child-friendly museums. Here are just a few of our favourites:
- Whitby Museum – The Whitby Museum has something for children of all ages, with fascinating collections including fossils, whaling, the natural world, and local history. It is also located in the beautiful Pannett Park, perfect for a picnic and has a great play area.
- Captain Cook Museum – Get ready to learn all about the adventures, endurance, and survival of one of the world’s greatest maritime figures. Learn about the life and times of Captain James Cook in the very 17th-century house where he lodged.
- RNLI Whitby Lifeboat Museum – Located in an ex-RNLI lifeboat station, the museum is a celebration of Whitby’s rich lifeboat history. Children can explore this treasure trove of lifeboats, historic rescue equipment, and interactive exhibits that showcase their incredible work and brave rescues from over the years.
2. Crabbing at Whitby Harbour
One of the simplest but best things to do in Whitby is to spend an afternoon crabbing down by the harbour. This long-running tradition is loved by children of all ages who excitedly lower their lines into the water and see what they can pull up. The most popular spot for crabbing is next to the swing bridge, where there are designated spots. This will give you the best chance of catching the best crabs.
Part of the fun experience is the preparation. You’ll easily pick up buckets, lines, and bait from the local shops in Whitby harbour. The best part is crabbing requires no experience or special skills, just a bit of patience (especially from the little ones) and a little luck. It is also educational; your kids will learn how to set up a bucket with seaweed and seawater to keep their new catch cool and comfortable. Once their bucket is all set up, they’ll then wrap their bait around the end of their line. Crabs love lots of different foods, but their particular favourites are bacon, chicken, and oily fish.
The crabs you catch are small and inedible, so another part of the fun is learning to be gentle and care for them. Kids can watch and study them scuttling around in the bucket before releasing them back into the water. Be sure to take your kids crabbing, as it’ll make for an experience they will long remember after the trip has finished.
3. Go Fossil Hunting in Whitby
Did you know that the beautiful North Yorkshire coast is also called the Dinosaur Coast? (We can already imagine your kids’ ears are pricking up at the sound of this). The bad news is that they won’t be able to see a real-life Tyrannosaurus Rex (phew), but the good news is that this stretch of shoreline is one of the best fossil hunting areas in the UK. It allows families to step back in time millions of years and discover ancient finds that have been washed up along the seafront.
So, where is the best place to do fossil hunting in Whitby? Head towards East Cliff, also known as Whitby’s fossil beach, where you can search for fossils when the tide is out. After a storm or rough sea, this area can be highly rewarding, especially with ammonites often turning up on the shore. If the little ones are looking for a mini adventure, you can also take a gentle walk to Saltwick Bay. This more secluded spot is just a mile and a half from town and is ideal for mixing fossil hunting with spectacular coastal views.
This is definitely one of our best things to do in Whitby with kids, as it’s free, fun, and educational. So, add fossil hunting in Whitby to your itinerary and get ready to get hands-on with history, while enjoying the fresh sea air and stunning scenery.
4. Go on a Coastal Cruise or Boat Trip
Ahoy, matey! What better way is there to see the sights and nature of the beautiful Yorkshire coast than taking one of Whitby’s many boat trips and cruises? With so many options to choose from, you’ll easily find a trip that suits you and your children – from short, 20-minute pleasure cruises to longer sea life watching tours, where your little sailors could spot seals, dolphins, and even whales.
A couple of Whitby’s most popular cruise and boat trips include:
Whitby Coastal Cruises
Whitby Coastal Cruises is one of the best-known companies in the town. They offer a range of cruises and boat trips suitable for people of all ages, including:
- Sea Boat Trips – Sail on the high seas on either the Summer Queen or Esk Belle III, which depart from the harbour every 20 minutes throughout the day.
- Harbour Tour – Get ready to sail through the heart of Whitby on Dash II. You and your little shipmates will explore the River Esk, the famous Whitby harbour, and the incredible viaduct towards the village of Ruswarp.
- Coastal Cruises – This unforgettable trip allows you to experience some of the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the Yorkshire coast. Refreshments are provided, so you can all sit back, relax, and experience a trip that will live long in your children’s memories.
Bark Endeavour
You reckon your kids would love to time-travel? Well, with Bark Endeavour, they can! You can climb aboard an authentic replica of HMS Endeavour – the ship famously sailed by Whitby maritime legend Captain James Cook. Local craftsmen have traditionally built the ship, which is 40% of the size of the original Endeavour.
It is a voyage designed to entertain all. Kids will love the thrill of being on this incredible ship, pretending to be sailors or even pirates, while the adults can relax and soak up the stunning landscapes. You’ll sail along the Yorkshire coastline, keeping your eyes peeled for the fascinating wildlife – including swopping seagulls, seals popping up to say hello, and if you are really lucky, you may spot a dolphin or whale.
As well as being fun, it is also educational. You’ll hear fascinating tales about Captain Cook, Whitby’s maritime history, and what it is like to live at sea. So, whether your kids are history lovers, brave adventurers, or really want to spot a seal, the Bark Endeavour offers a truly memorable family experience.
For more ideas for your upcoming trip to Whitby, be sure to check out our guide – Is Whitby Worth Visiting? 8 Reasons You’ll Love This Seaside Gem.
5. Go on a Whitby Ghost Walk
Last on our list of best things to do in Whitby with kids are the town’s famous ghost walks. Perhaps for slightly older children (we don’t want any sleepless nights!), but the ghost walks are a SPOOKtacular way to hear about the haunting history and tales of this famous gothic town. One of the most famous and popular options is Dr Crank’s Whitby ghost walks.
He invites you to join him on a 75-minute tour to discover ‘strange and supernatural tales of murder, mystery, and suspense’. Just some of the ghoulish tales you will hear include:
- The Headless Horseman
- The Haunted Lighthouse
- The Whitby Witches
- Dracula’s Bench
- The Grey Lady
For more information about these spine-tingling walks, visit the dedicated Whitby Walks page.
Want More Inspiration for the Best Things to do in Whitby?
As you can probably tell (by our name alone), we live and breathe Yorkshire here at The Yorkshireman! If you want to keep exploring and find out more information about Whitby or the countless other incredible places in our county, then check out our travel section for more guides that will help inspire your next trip.
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