Plan a Perfect Weekend in Sandsend, Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay
This dramatic stretch of the coastline offers a frighteningly good day out with its winding streets, scrumptious treats and a story or two to tell
What to See and Do
If you’re starting in Sandsend, the beach should be your first port of call. The vast family-friendly sandy expanse is great for swimming and popular with paddle boarders too, and there are plenty of cafés near the beach for when you need to refuel.
You can walk from Sandsend to Whitby and you’ll want to spend the best part of a day to make the most of the sights in this popular seaside town. Top of the must-see list is obviously Whitby Abbey (whether you choose to park up at the abbey itself, or climb the 199 steps), but don’t forget about Whitby Museum in Pannett Park – it’s not only a lovely lunchtime picnic spot but with more than 200 years of collecting, there’s plenty of history to explore here. A great way to discover this part of the coast is to take advantage of Whitby’s many boat trips – we love the 30-minute Captain Cook Experience, a short ride out to sea on an authentic replica of HMS Endeavour, where you’re told many tales of this iconic explorer. When you’re back on dry land, join story walker ‘Dr Crank’ on a fascinating walk to learn more about the history of Whitby, Dracula and the town’s many ghosts. It’s also worth popping into some of the many independent shops in the town including the famous W Hamond, the original Whitby jet shop, dating back to 1860 and made popular by the Victorians. For fun for the whole family head to the amusements and pirate-themed adventure golf, or check out The Whitby Sculpture Trail with interesting sculptures by Hull-born artist Emma Stothard dotted across the seafront.
Just to the south of Whitby, Saltwick Bay is famous for the shipwreck of the Admiral Von Tromp which rests in the shadow of Black Nab, the brooding rocky outcrop which guards the bay. Round off the weekend with a spot of fossil-hunting, beach-combing and rock-pooling in Robin Hood’s Bay. The Coastguard’s Station museum reveals many of the secrets behind this part of the coast, and you can even join a ghost walk should you want to learn more about the bay’s rich smuggling history. The tightly-packed cottages tumble down to the sea and it’s worth exploring some of the the tiny cobbled lanes to understand what life was like when this was a busy fishing village. Climb the steep hill out of the village (but not before enjoying a pint in The Bay Hotel overlooking the beach) to Old St Stephen’s church, built in 1822 and crammed with local history, where you’ll find memorials to shipwreck victims and a model of SS Pretoria.
Where to Eat
Tuck into breakfast at Sandside, the café-in-a-cabin, a firm favourite for families, surfers and dog-walkers before a day on the beach. Just off the beach, sit outside and soak up the sun at Fish Cottage Sandsend, a seafood restaurant and takeaway serving locally-caught seafood (everything from tacos to regular fish and chips) and you can even order a takeaway to enjoy on the sand. If you prefer wining and dining, try the award-winning restaurant at Estbek House (there’s an impressive wine list here too). Nothing says a trip to the seaside like fish and chips, and Whitby’s Magpie Café is one of the finest (and most famous) fish restaurants in the area (but prepare for a queue). Browse the brasserie menu at The Moon & Sixpence which overlooks the harbour. The new harbour-side Pescado Lounge and Bar is where to head for everything from tapas to Thai curry, and in Robin Hood’s Bay, Brambles Brasserie is a great brunch and grill place in the heart of the Bay.
Where to Stay
In Whitby, the award-winning Riviera Guesthouse has 15 comfortable ensuite bedrooms. With one of the best views in Whitby and once a favourite of Lewis Carroll, La Rosa Hotel’s rooms have been inspired by the town’s rich heritage. If you like seafood, check into one of The Marine’s four stylish rooms, but if self-catering is more your style, we love Bird’s Eye View which welcomes up to 10 guests and has views of the sea and both of Whitby’s piers, and Raven House in Robin Hood’s Bay which has plenty of space for al fresco dining.
Article last updated August 2024.
