The Best Hotels to Book Near Whitby Abbey

With a prime location by the beach at the mouth of the River Esk, La Rosa feels like going backstage at a vintage seaside theatre. Its eccentric rooms are full of eclectic paraphernalia – medical charts, embroidered comforters, old mirrors, buffalo horns, stuffed pike, gramophones, ship’s wheels – gathered from local thrift shops. No two rooms are alike, but they’re all full of character.

At the base of the hill crowned by Whitby Abbey, the White Horse & Griffin has served many a salty sea dog in its time. Set back from the abbey wharf, this historic black-and-white pub has bedrooms that pay a gentle nod to the building’s long history, named after literary characters. They’re calm and inviting, so you’ll be happy to retreat for the night after fish pie and a pint in the saloon bar downstairs.

Close enough to Whitby’s main beach to smell the sea spray, the Saxonville Hotel harks back to an earlier age, with silver art deco teapots at breakfast, old-fashioned fabrics in the bedrooms, and big soft duvets on the beds. Run by the same family since 1946, it’s a piece of vintage England brought into the present with bright colours and modern creature comforts.

High above Whitby on a green squiggle of a country lane, this 17th-century brick-and-stone mansion is a great alternative to staying downtown. Inside, an ancient staircase leads up from a chequerboard lobby and tartan lounge to elegant rooms squeezed into unusual spaces. Cast iron stoves glow warmly in brick fireplaces and curvy furniture fills the bedrooms, but the sleek bathrooms are pure 21st century.

When only the full stately home experience will do, look no further than Bagdale Hall. This awesome stone-fronted manor dates from the time Henry VIII was ransacking Whitby Abbey; inside, it’s all dark wood panels, tartan carpets, red leather sofas and vintage fireplaces. An oak staircase climbs to expansive rooms with patterned carpets, four poster beds and more wonderful old fireplaces. It’s just south of the centre, near Pannett Park and the Whitby Museum.

Right on the crescent behind Whitby Pavilion, Rivera Guesthouse has its eyes focused firmly on the sea. Set inside a towering, double-fronted Victorian house, it’s family-run, with friendly owners and slap-up Yorkshire breakfasts. Rooms have been decorated with respect for tradition, but also a touch of contemporary flair – expect stylish stripes and printed patterns alongside your wooden wardrobes and grand sea views.

Surrounded by sprawling lawns and perched above Whitby town, this handsome old stone house is one of England’s most charming YHA hostels. There are private rooms and dorms, all simply furnished but spotlessly clean, set just yards from Whitby Abbey. After roaming the ruins, retreat to calm communal spaces – an airy lounge, guest kitchen and fully licensed café – or take exhilarating moorland walks beginning right outside the front door.

High on the heath inland from Whitby, the Inn on the Moor is a warm haven in a sweeping expanse of purple heather, low forest and exposed crags. It’s a great hub for long, contemplative wandering, with a cosy bed and tasty meal waiting at the end of a full day. Bedrooms are filled with pretty fabrics and patterned papers, and some have uplifting moorland views.