Camping in Whitby

The charming town of Whitby, sitting at the mouth of the River Esk is the perfect base for a seaside getaway. Surrounded by blue flag beaches and beautiful scenery, this quaint fishing port also has bags of culture and a fascinating history.

For great views over the harbour and along the coast, take the 199 steps from the town up to Whitby Abbey. This incredible site, not only boasts 2000 years of history, it also provided the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. Head to the visitor centre to discover more about the gothic ruins and follow this with a visit to The Dracula Experience which offers an interactive tour through the haunting story and its connection to the town.

Whitby holds a significant place in seafaring heritage, as a prominent fishing port and the town from which Captain Cook set sail across the Pacific in the H.M Bark Endeavour. For a truly interactive experience, visitors can hop on board the authentic replica of Cook’s famous vessel, built in Whitby, and set sail on one of the regular trips through the harbour and along the coast to Sandsend, following in the footsteps of the iconic Captain.

There are also a number of pleasure cruises and fishing trips setting out from the town for plenty of opportunity to get out on the water and take in Yorkshire’s beautiful Jurassic Coast.

Just a short drive outside of the town you’ll find Robin’s Hood Bay. This stunning seaside village, once a major location for smugglers in Yorkshire, has become a perfect tourist haven with plenty of cafes, tearooms and interesting trails to explore on foot or by bike.

Moving inland, Whitby is an excellent base from which to explore the North York Moors National Park, an area bursting with breathtaking views, diverse wildlife and exhilarating walks. The Cleveland way is a fantastic path that stretches out either side of Whitby along the coast and inland around the moors, perfect for a day hikes or longer expeditions.