Where to Stay in Whitby: Best Hotels, B&Bs and Guesthouses (2026)
Whitby’s accommodation is split between the atmospheric east side of town (old fishing village, close to the abbey steps and harbour) and the west side (main shopping streets, easier parking). Both work well as bases. Book far ahead for Goth Weekend weekends (late April and late October) — these weekends fill every property in town months in advance.
Hotels in Whitby
White Horse and Griffin (£110-£180/night)
A coaching inn on Church Street on the east side of town, dating to 1651. Charles Dickens stayed here. The rooms are atmospheric and slightly uneven — some small, some very good. The location directly below the 199 Steps is as good as it gets for walking access to the abbey and harbour. Excellent for a historically-minded visitor who values character over uniformity.
Bagdale Hall Hotel (£120-£190/night)
An Elizabethan manor house on Bagdale, a short walk from the harbour on the west side of town. Rooms in the original building have genuine character with period features; rooms in the extension are more standard. The restaurant is reliable and the bar is warm. A strong mid-range choice.
The Stakesby Manor Hotel (£100-£160/night)
A Georgian manor house set back from the town centre, converted to a hotel with comfortable rooms and a good breakfast. Quieter and more residential than the harbour-side properties. Good choice for families or those who want a bit of distance from the evening harbour activity.
B&Bs and Guesthouses
Dunsley Hall Country House (£140-£220/night)
A Victorian country house 3 miles north of Whitby in the village of Dunsley, converted to a hotel with an indoor pool and 4 acres of grounds. A more peaceful and spacious alternative to the in-town options. Good restaurant on site. Best for those with a car who want a countryside base close to the coast.
La Rosa Hotel (£80-£140/night)
A distinctive, heavily decorated Victorian guesthouse on the West Cliff in a theatrical style — think velvet, chandeliers, and strong visual themes in each room. Not for everyone, but popular with visitors who want an experience rather than a standard room. Ask to see the room before booking if possible.
Shepherd’s Purse Guesthouse (£75-£120/night)
A well-run guesthouse in the centre of town with a good breakfast and knowledgeable hosts. Central location, clean rooms, good value. One of the more reliable mid-budget options in Whitby.
Budget Options
Several budget guesthouses and B&Bs operate along the West Cliff and in the streets behind the harbour — expect £55-£85/night for basic but clean rooms. The Whitby YHA hostel on Church Lane provides dormitory and private rooms from £25/person — a well-positioned budget option on the east side near the abbey steps.
When to Book
| Period | Demand | Lead Time |
|---|---|---|
| Goth Weekend (Apr/Oct) | Extreme | 6-12 months ahead |
| Summer (Jul-Aug) | Peak | 8-12 weeks ahead |
| Bank Holidays | Very High | 2-3 months ahead |
| Off-peak (Nov-Mar) | Low | 1-2 weeks usually fine |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to stay on the east or west side of Whitby?
The east side (old town, Church Street, under the abbey) is more atmospheric and closer to the 199 Steps, the Magpie Cafe, and the Captain Cook Museum. The west side has more parking and the main shopping streets. Both sides are connected by the swing bridge and are a 5-minute walk from each other.
See our complete Whitby destination hub for things to do, itineraries, and hidden gems.
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