Find My Favourite Holiday Cottages in Whitby

The Abbey, the harbour and vampires are probably most people’s perceptions of Whitby, a historic seaside town and fishing port on the beautiful North Yorkshire coast. Whitby holiday cottages come in all shapes and sizes, from converted fishermen’s cottages to swanky sea-view apartments. Whitby’s skyline is dominated by the striking hilltop ruins of St. Hilda’s Abbey, which overlooks the bustling harbour around which clusters the old town of Whitby. The town is a maze of alleyways and tiny streets made famous by the images of the photographer Frank Meadow Sutcliffe. The picturesque fishing harbour is home to a wide range of sea-going craft, from traditional fishing cobles and yachts to North Sea trawlers and cargo vessels. The writer Bram Stoker was inspired by the churchyard of St Mary’s, the parish church, to write Dracula, forever associating this town with gothic tales.

Exterior of a stone-built station-master's house overlooking a platform of a steam railway.
  • Sleeps 11
  • Bedrooms 5

For a stunning retreat that pulls out all the stops, The Station House is a large North Yorkshire holiday home full of charm. The Grade II listed Victorian property is ideal for large family groups, offering exquisite accommodation from which to explore the North York Moors and the Whitby coast.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Cycling Holidays
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays
Exterior of a heritage railway station building in North Yorkshire.
  • Sleeps 2
  • Bedrooms 1

The Ticket Office is a unique, quirky romantic cottage in the heart of Ruswarp in the North York Moors. The Grade II listed former ticket office features a cast iron fireplace and mullion windows encased in stone walls. The pet-friendly property is ideal for couples seeking something different.

  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Quirky Cottages
  • Romantic Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Small Cottages
Stone built Whitby holiday home with terracotta tiles and Velux windows on the roof overlook a lawn and parking space
  • Sleeps 8
  • Bedrooms 4

Rural character dominates this large coastal holiday cottage in Whitby: exposed beams, a feature brick fireplace and a whalebone in the wall transport guests back to yesteryear. Four bedrooms and two bathrooms sit within the stone walls of the pet-friendly holiday home, offering easy access to the North York Moors National Park.

  • Child-Friendly Cottages
  • Coastal Cottages
  • Countryside Cottages
  • Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages
  • Farm Cottages
  • Fishing Holidays
  • Large Holiday Cottages
  • Short Breaks
  • Walking Holidays

Although whaling from Whitby ended in 1837, you can still see some of the leviathans by taking a whale-watching boat trip from the Harbour. A replica of Endeavour, the ship Captained by James Cook, a son of Whitby, welcomes visitors on board while on-shore are plenty of other museums and galleries to lose yourself in as you delve into the arts and culture of Whitby. Again, on track with the Victorian theme, visit the English Heritage building Whitby Abbey, which seems to overlook the whole town, and see the stunning ruins that enchant whoever has the pleasure to experience them. They hold works of art, architectural masterpieces, and a collection of Victorian toys and dolls.

There is also a golden Blue Flag beach across the front of the town, framed by the unusual whalebone archway pointing to Whitby's maritime heritage and history as a whaling port. Within the town is a range of eating places ranging from award-winning seafood restaurants to gnarled old sea-shanty inns, all serving delicious locally sourced food. Local shops selling local produce such as Whitby cod, mussels, seafood ravioli and Halder's Farm steak ensure mouth-watering aromas will issue forth from your Whitby holiday cottage's kitchen every evening.

Travel a little further along the coast to explore Saltburn-by-the-Sea, a picture-perfect elegant little clifftop town. Take the water-powered cliff railway down to sea level and stroll along the pier (the last one still surviving on the North East Coast). Pick up fresh fish or organic meats for supper at the Real Meals delicatessen. Foodies should book a holiday home in Whitby for the end of July to spend time at the Saltburn Food Festival!

As well as the connection to the sea and oceanic activities, you can find yourself in the sprawling North York Moors National Park, trekking or cycling across the stunning countryside that hugs the North Sea coastline. Whitby is also within easy reach of other Yorkshire resorts, such as Scarborough and Bridlington, while a day trip to York is highly recommended. Whitby has something for everyone – it holds the beautiful countryside and ocean views alongside the beautifully detailed history of legend and Victorian life - and has some very welcoming and cosy seaside holiday homes. What more could you want for self-catering holidays in North Yorkshire than a quaint and beautifully restored fisherman's cottage in Whitby?