Access

Details on accessibility can be found in the drop-down boxes below. For more help planning your visit, take a look at our short Whitby Abbey film further down this page.

You might also find this simple of map of Whitby Abbey useful.

Please contact the site directly if you have any questions on Whitby.Abbey@english-heritage.org.uk. 

Mobility / Older Visitors
Accessible Toilets
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Adult Changing Area
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Handrails
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Easy-use Cutlery
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Assistance Dogs Welcome
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Wheelchair Loan
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Site Folders
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Dog Bowl and Toileting
Dog bowl available at the entrance to shop. Bin provided by the entrance from the car park.
Wheelchair Access
Step free access from parking to main site. Most of the site is covered in grass, however a smooth pathway covers some areas. Ramps are in place that lead up to and then through the ruins. The nearest Changing Places toilets are at the Green Lane Centre (cavca.org.uk/green-lane) or Whitby Leisure Centre (www.everyoneactive.com/centre/whitby-leisure-centre)
Entrance / Set Down
Those with access needs can be dropped in the turning circle near St Mary’s Church. There is a ramped entrance to the shop/museum close by.
Disabled Parking
4 accessible parking bays are available in the council car park next to the site and 3 accessible bays near the shop/museum. The three accessible parking bays are located at the What Three Words location: ///eventful.hello.functions Please ask a member of the team for directions.
OnSite Transport
No
Stairs
Ramped access to site from car park entrance and shop/museum. Ramps in various locations within the Abbey grounds to enable access.
Lift Access
Yes
Seating And Restpoints
Benches with back support and armrests within the Abbey grounds. Stone benches available in front of the shop.
Pathways Surface And Gradients
Abbey grounds are on a sloped grass surface with smooth pathway leading from car park. Areas around the shop, museum, and perimeter pathways are stone and pavement.
Blind / Visually Impaired
Accessible Toilets
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Handrails
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Assistance Dogs Welcome
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Braille Guides
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Braille Signage
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Torches
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Sensory Experiences
Whitby Abbey is situated at the top of the cliff by the sea. Hear the sounds of waves and sea birds and smell the sea.
Dog Bowl and Toileting
Dog bowl available at the entrance to shop. Bin provided by the entrance from the car park.
Audio Tours
Yes
Tactile Models
Tactile exhibits in the visitor centre.
Large Print
No
Deaf / Hard of Hearing
Assistance Dogs Welcome
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Vibrating Fire Alarms
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Tour Transcripts
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Film Subtitles
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BSL Tours
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Audio Installation Transcripts
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Dog Bowl and Toileting
Dog bowl available at the entrance to shop. Bin provided by the entrance from the car park.
Induction Loops
Yes – loops at both entrances and in the shop.
Learning Difficulties
Accessible Toilets
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Adult Changing Area
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Easy-use Cutlery
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Sensory Experiences
Whitby Abbey is situated at the top of the cliff by the sea. Hear the sounds of waves and sea birds and smell the sea.
Basic Language Audio Tours
No information available
Easy Read Material
Yes
Large Print Material
Large print sheet with a basic overview on the abbey.
Dyslexia Friendly Material
No information available
Culinary / Dietary
Easy-use Cutlery
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Bottle / Food Warming
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High Chairs
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Special Diets
No information available
Health And Safety
Deep Water
There is an open pond that is both obvious and signed.
Sheer Drop
Some drops on site these are signed.
Slip Hazard
Grass and stone areas may be slippery when wet.
Steep Slope
Abbey grounds are on a sloped grass surface with smooth pathway leading from car park. Areas around the shop, museum, and perimeter pathways are stone and pavement.
Steep Stairs
Please note: from the Whitby harbour area, the abbey can only be directly reached on foot via the 199 'abbey steps' (or Caedmon's Trod). Alternatively a well-signposted road leads from the town outskirts to the cliff top abbey.
Beware Of Traffic
Pedestrian and vehicle access mixes at the main entrance.
Uneven Ground
Some undulation

Whitby Abbey: Pre-Visit Information

Follow our Visitor Assistant, Georgia, around the abbey for helpful tips and advice to help you make the most of your visit. A BSL version is also available here.