The 10 Best Historical & Heritage Tours in Whitby, England

March 31, 2022 Veronika Gaddis

Whitby is a seaside town, port and civil parish in the Borough of Scarborough and English county of North Yorkshire. It is located within the historic boundaries of the North Riding of Yorkshire. Situated on the east coast of Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby has an established maritime, mineral and tourist heritage. Its East Cliff is home to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, where Cædmon, the earliest recognised English poet, lived. The fishing port developed during the Middle Ages, supporting important herring and whaling fleets, and was (along with the nearby fishing village of Staithes) where Captain Cook learned seamanship.
Restaurants in Whitby

1. Private Tour - Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from York

BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from York, just for your party, provides the opportunity to spend three hours enjoying Whitby, as well as exploring the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park. You will have a full three hours of free time in the fishing port of Whitby on this trip, to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! As well as photo stops on the moors, you will also stop at the famous Kilburn White Horse, the market town of Helmsley (with its quaint cafes, shops and medieval castle) and the beautiful, traditional English villages of Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and Lealholm (with its stepping stones across the River Esk).

Inclusions: Private tour just for your group, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, Driver/guide provides live commentary, Regular photo/refreshment/toilet stops

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

2. Whitby - Home of Captain Cook and Count Dracula

Ye Olde England Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

A private full day tour from York (and surrounding area) to the picturesque seaside town of Whitby. Famous for its beautiful harbour, Captain Cook, the ruined Abbey.  Not forgetting the famous steps that feature highly in the classic horror, Dracula.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Private tour

Exclusions: Food and drinks

Reviewed By mandywC2882US

Stephen is so knowledgable! This private walking tour was a super experience full of history that the average person would never see or notice. Thank you Stephen!

3. Rievaulx Abbey, Whitby & the Moors Afternoon Trip from York

York YO1 7EF, UK Grand Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Enjoy an afternoon tour from York to visit Rievaulx Abbey, the amazing scenery of the Moors and the Yorkshire coastline at Whitby on this great-value small-group day trip from York. See "the finest view in England", discover the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey, stroll through the idyllic village of Hutton-le-Hole and travel across the heart of the wild and rugged North York Moors National Park. Enjoy an hour and a half in the fabulous seaside town of Whitby, famous for fish and chips as well as its association with Captain James Cook and Bram Stoker's Dracula. On the return journey you'll enjoy a brief visit to Goathland (Hogsmeade) and a photo stop at "Giant's Fury" before returning to York.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Pickup from a centrally located meeting point, Hotel drop-off on request, Luggage space - bring your luggage with you if necessary

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions in Rievaulx and Whitby, Gratuities, Food and drinks

Reviewed By maggieo635

Spent about six hours walking around the ruins and then Studley park. Stunning place in a gorgeous setting along the river. The abbey itself has numerous ruins to see but also some high buildings and fabulous intact cloisters, some of the best I've ever seen. The scenery takes it's own pride of place and of course the history makes for a rewarding day out, go and enjoy.

4. 3-Day Yorkshire Dales and Peak District Small-Group Tour from Manchester

NCP Car Park Manchester Store Street, Store St, Manchester M1 2WD, UK Rabbie's
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Friendly, gorgeous, and fun: North England’s charms are irresistible. The Vikings loved it so much they decided to settle and shape the culture. Nature enthusiasts found the rolling hills so dazzling they created five national parks here. And pioneers found the fields to be so fertile they established this area as the home of the Industrial Revolution. So, on this tour, you find out what’s so special about the North. You travel to York and learn about an ancient Viking city. You try out Britain’s most famous cakes and cheeses. You venture through the legends of Robin Hood. And you roll over the green and scenic valleys of the Peak District. So, join this tour and explore the best of North England. And maybe by the end of this trip, you’ll have plans to settle here too.

Inclusions: Professional guide/driver, Small-group tour (maximum 16 people), 2 nights en-suite accommodation with breakfast, Transportation by top of the range Mercedes mini-coach

Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Admission fees

Reviewed By marswe

What a great day out. Travelled with a friend on the North Wales/Chester trip in September. From boarding the coach in Manchester to arriving back, we were fed history, myths, legends, jokes and music from our excellent guide Darren. He was so informative, even including history of Manchester and it’s music.The coach was clean and comfortable, the places we visited were stunning. We will definitely use Rabbies again, small group tours an added bonus.

5. Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from York

Duncombe Place, Duncombe Pl, York YO1, UK BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Spend three hours enjoying Whitby on our friendly, small-group, Guided Day Trip from York, as well as exploring the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park. You will have a full three hours of free time in the fishing port of Whitby on this trip, to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! As well as photo stops on the moors, you will also stop at the famous Kilburn White Horse, the market town of Helmsley (with its quaint cafes, shops and medieval castle) and the beautiful, traditional English villages of Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and Lealholm (with its stepping stones across the River Esk). Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group mini-coach​ tour, limited to 16 people.

Inclusions: Relaxed and friendly small-group tour, Driver/guide, who provides live commentary, Comfortable 16-Seat Mini-coaches with Air-con & WIFI, Pick up and drop off at centrally located meeting point near York Minster, Regular photo, refreshment, and restroom stops

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

6. Steam Trains, Whitby, and the North York Moors Full-Day Tour from York

York YO1 7EF, UK Grand Yorkshire
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4.9 based on 165 reviews

Explore the stunning North York Moors by road and steam train on this wonderful small-group day trip from York. You'll follow the back roads and farm lanes through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside and the North York Moors National Park, enjoying photo stops and chance to walk among the nature in the Moors. You'll visit the fabulous seaside town of Whitby, famous for its association with Captain James Cook and featured in Bram Stoker's Dracula, before boarding a steam train for a journey across the majestic North York Moors. You'll see the best of the Moors, spend time by the seaside and visit the charming railway station made famous as 'Hogsmeade Station' in the Harry Potter films.

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Local guide, Transport by climate-controlled minivan, Pickup from a centrally located meeting point

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions in Whitby and Helmsley, Ticket for the steam train journey - your guide will organise tickets for the steam train and take payment (£10 - £12) during the tour, Gratuities, Food and drinks, unless specified

Reviewed By maggieo635

Spent about six hours walking around the ruins and then Studley park. Stunning place in a gorgeous setting along the river. The abbey itself has numerous ruins to see but also some high buildings and fabulous intact cloisters, some of the best I've ever seen. The scenery takes it's own pride of place and of course the history makes for a rewarding day out, go and enjoy.

7. Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York

Duncombe Place, Duncombe Pl, York YO1, UK BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire
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4.8 based on 89 reviews

This small-group Guided Day Trip from York provides the opportunity to explore the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park, enjoy more than two hours in the seaside town of Whitby and take a Steam Train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway! You will also experience the traditional English moorland villages of Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and travel back to York through the Howardian Hills, passing by Castle Howard. In Whitby, you will be able to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! Enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group mini-coach​ tour, limited to 16 people.

Inclusions: Relaxed and friendly small-group tour, Comfortable 16-Seat Mini-coaches with Air-con & WIFI, Driver/guide, who provides live commentary, Regular photo, refreshment, and restroom stops, Pick up and drop off at centrally located meeting point near York Minster

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, including Yorkshire Steam Railway option , Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

8. North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York

Duncombe Place, Duncombe Pl, York YO1, UK Mountain Goat Tours
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4.7 based on 75 reviews

Explore the famous area or the North York Moors National Park. Famed for the largest area of heather Moorland in England, there is much more than meets the eye. The moors are one of the most important historical areas in Britain in terms of religion, farming, mining, fishing and smuggling It has more ancient scheduled monuments than anywhere in the country including, standing stones, Stone crosses and burial mounds. Explore historic towns, quaint villages and historic sites such as Whitby Abbey. Enjoy unrivalled views across the Yorkshire coast and for miles across the Yorkshire Dales. On a clear day views can exceed 50 miles.

Inclusions: Round trip transportation from York, Small mini-coach tour. Maximum of 16 passengers, Commentary from the driver guide in English

Exclusions: Food and drink, Additional entrance fees, Drivers Gratuity (optional)

Reviewed By angelcat2017

Excellent day tour of Yorkshire Dales in comfortable (Covid-safe) minibus with friendly and knowledgable local guide Lee. Got to see so many places that would have been impossible without a car, lots of time to take photos, grab a coffee and have a walk at multiple stops. Great National Park, stone walls, tales of castles and abbeys. Very peaceful and tranquil stops, waterfalls galore! Even a stop at the Wensleydale Creamery to buy local cheese and have a relaxing bite to eat. We even managed a quick stop in the 3rd smallest city in the UK, Ripon, with its medieval cathedral. Breathtaking scenery and the highlight of our week's holiday in York.

9. Essential Whitby: Discover the town’s legends on a self-guided audio tour

Captain Cook Memorial, Whitby YO21 3HA, UK VoiceMap Whitby
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4.4 based on 5 reviews

It’s not easy journeying to Whitby, so it’s important to make the most of your time here. On this self-guided GPS audio tour, I'll introduce you to major local characters, engrossing legends and hidden treasures in this historic town, over a millennium in the making. Whether this is your first visit or your thirtieth, this tour is certain to make you look at Whitby in a new light. It also provides an ideal introduction to sites like the Whitby Abbey, the Captain Cook Memorial Museum and the Endeavour Experience, which you can return to at the end of the tour. On this tour, you'll hear about: • Some of the greatest voyages of exploration of all time • Why people once thought the town was infested with serpents • How Whitby jet, a gemstone, inspired the novel Dracula • An illiterate poet • Why there’s a polar bear in the town centre • Why the houses with the best views were some of the cheapest • The Hand of Glory and where to find it

Inclusions: Lifetime access to this tour in English, VoiceMap App for Android and iOS, Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata

Exclusions: Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route, Smartphone and headphones, Transportation, Food and drink

10. Private Tour - Whitby and The North York Moors Day Trip from Harrogate

BOBH – Day Tours of Yorkshire

For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from Harrogate, just for your party, provides the opportunity to spend three hours enjoying Whitby, as well as exploring the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park. You will have a full three hours of free time in the fishing port of Whitby on this trip, to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours! As well as photo stops on the moors, you will also stop at the famous Kilburn White Horse, the market town of Helmsley (with its quaint cafes, shops and medieval castle) and the beautiful, traditional English villages of Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and Lealholm (with its stepping stones across the River Esk).

Inclusions: Private tour just for your group, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Comfortable air-conditioned vehicles, Driver/guide provides live commentary, Regular photo/refreshment/toilet stops

Exclusions: Entrance fees to optional attractions, Food and drinks, Gratuities

Reviewed By emmablackwell00

The tour was a thoroughly enjoyable day seeing beautiful countryside. Our tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable. Just the right amount of time at each stop. I would definitely recommend this tour.

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