Whitby Abbey Family Guide
Whitby Abbey has plenty for everyone to enjoy. Discover more about the history of Whitby Abbey, pick a spot for a picnic and enjoy the stunning views over the sea and Whitby town while the kids play hide and seek among the ruins.
Family Essentials
- Food and drink: Grab a drink and a snack fromThe YHA operated coffee shop in the gatehouse. Or get organised and bring your own lunch and have a picnic in the abbey grounds!
- Toilets: Toilets, including baby changing facilities, are located in the visitor centre.
- Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome on short leads, as are assistance dogs.
- Parking: A pay and display car park operated by Scarborough Borough Council is located 100 metres from the entrance. Accessible parking is available. The abbey can also be accessed by climbing the 199 steps from Whitby town centre.
- Access: There is a paved pathway from the car park to the visitor entrance, and most of the abbey ground is flat and buggy friendly. Some of the ground might be uneven, so we’d recommend sturdy footwear. Wheelchair users should note that pathways through the site are grassed and include some slopes.
EXPERIENCE THE STORY OF DRACULA
Polish your fangs and imagine yourself back in the time of Dracula in the very place that inspired the story. Get involved in our interactive Dracula performance during the Summer holidays, or sink your teeth into any of the other activity packed family-friendly events in our year-round programme.
Find an eventTop things to do
- Dracula leapt up the 199 steps to the abbey disguised as a black dog – follow in his footsteps when you visit.
- Have a relaxing picnic out on the headland.
- Play hide and seek amongst the abbey ruins.
- Grab your wooden sword and travel back in time to the 9th century, when the Vikings raided the town and abbey.
