North East Community guide

Whitby Beach

Whitby, North Yorkshire · YO21 3EN

Experience Whitby Beach: historic abbey views, sandy stretches, and Gothic charm, ideal for family fun and cultural discovery in a picturesque setting.

Whitby sands with the West Pier and lighthouse in the distance
Photo: “Whitby sands and West Pier” by John Winterbottom, CC BY-SA 2.0

About Whitby Beach

Whitby Beach, located near the historic town of Whitby, is renowned for its beautiful stretch of sandy coastline, offering stunning views of the North Sea and Whitby Abbey. The beach is divided into two main sections: West Cliff Beach and Tate Hill Beach. West Cliff is expansive and popular for its amenities and leisure activities, while Tate Hill is smaller and more sheltered. Whitby is famous for its connections to Bram Stoker's Dracula and its rich maritime heritage, enhancing the cultural experience of a beach visit. The beach is ideal for families, sunbathers, and those interested in fossil hunting along the Jurassic coast.

Visiting Whitby Beach

Getting there
From York, take the A64, then the A169 towards Whitby. Follow signs to the town center or beaches. Parking is available at several locations near West Cliff Beach and around the town center. Tate Hill Beach can be accessed more directly from the east side of the town. During peak seasons, it's recommended to arrive early to find parking, especially near West Cliff Beach.
Parking
There are multiple car parks near West Cliff Beach and in Whitby town center, offering convenient access to the beach areas. Parking can be competitive during busy times, so consider using park and ride services available on the outskirts of Whitby during the summer.
Toilets
Public toilets are available near both West Cliff Beach and Tate Hill Beach.
Safety
Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.
From the community

Hunters' photos of Whitby Beach

From the community

Hunters' reviews of Whitby Beach

    Been to Whitby Beach? Leave a review

    Reviews are checked before they appear, usually within a couple of days.

    Your rating (optional)
    What did you find? (optional)

    Sign in to post under your profile and keep track of the beaches you've hunted, or just add your name.

    Your name, rating and review will be shown publicly. See our privacy policy.
    Community forum

    Discussions about Whitby Beach

    Start a discussion

      No discussions yet. Been recently? Post a beach report and tell other hunters how it was.

      Last updated 16 March 2024

      Nearby

      More sea glass beaches near Whitby

      All beaches in North East
      Yorkshire © David Robinson · CC BY-SA 2.0

      Sandsend Beach

      Sandsend, North Yorkshire · 2 miles away

      The north end of the long Whitby sands, a favourite collecting ground for local jewellery makers looking for pale green and white sea glass.

      Yorkshire © Anthony Foster · CC BY-SA 2.0

      Robin Hood's Bay

      Robin Hood's Bay, North Yorkshire · 5 miles away

      A rocky, fossil-rich bay below an old smugglers' village where sea glass turns up among the scars and pebbles at low tide.

      North East © Mark Anderson · CC BY-SA 2.0

      Saltburn Beach

      Saltburn-by-the-Sea, North Yorkshire · 16 miles away

      Discover Saltburn Beach: Victorian charm, surfing hotspots, and scenic cliff lifts, ideal for a mix of historical intrigue and beachside activity.

      North East © habiloid · CC BY-SA 2.0

      Redcar Beach

      Redcar, North Yorkshire · 20 miles away

      Enjoy Redcar Beach: expansive sands, iconic pier, and lively seafront, perfect for traditional seaside fun and scenic walks.