![Walking and Rambling in Whitby](/sites/default/files/styles/teaser_4_3/public/media/image/eeb4bf2a__whitby.jpg?itok=H7YNxtuf)
Walking and Rambling in Whitby
If you're planning on staying at YHA Whitby, why not download a free map and get out exploring? All our self-guided walks start and end at a YHA hostel and are graded so that you can explore the area...
YHA Whitby is a magnificent Grade I listed mansion situated immediately beside the historic ruins of Whitby Abbey. Enjoy views over the harbour and the North York Moors, with the town just a short walk away via the famous 199 steps. The hostel provides the ideal accommodation for exploring Whitby and its year round attractions.
YHA Whitby offers an unforgettable experience with many original artefacts throughout the hostel. Look out for the interpretation boards with information about features including a 13th-century carved oak Viking beam and stunning Victorian stained glass.
With nearby attractions ranging from fossil-hunting on the Jurassic Coast, Dracula heritage and the traditional British seaside to Flamingo Land within driving distance, you won't run out of things to do!
Reception opening hours: From 07:30 - 22:00.
Food and drink: Breakfast is served to guests from 07:30 – 09:00 on weekdays and 07:30 – 10:00 at weekends. Meals are also available from 10:00 – 20:30.
Licensed bar: This hostel has a licensed bar offering a range of alcohol and soft drinks. It is not possible for guests to bring their own alcohol.
Self-catering: Guests have access to a self-catering kitchen.
Café and restaurant opening times: YHA Whitby's Abbey House Café & Bar is open to the public from 11:00 - 20:30, Monday to Sunday.
Parking: There is parking at this hostel. The car park is controlled by an ANPR parking system. Upon arrival, motorists are required to validate their presence by entering their car's registration number at reception. Parking is available for Blue Badge holders in designated bays, other guest parking is limited. Alternative parking is available 0.4 miles away at Abbey Headland car park.
WiFi: Free WiFi is available in on the ground floor near reception and in the café bar.
Dogs: Pets are not permitted to stay at YHA Whitby, except in our Camping & Cabins accommodation. They are allowed in communal spaces and café areas. Assistance dogs are welcome - please notify us at the time of booking.
Guest access: Our lift takes guests to most floors, except the mezzanine level. Some of our bedrooms are located on the mezzanine with access via stairs only.
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We are very grateful for all of the help and support that our generous volunteers give to YHA. We are proud of our “Investors in Volunteering” accreditation and have a wide range of opportunities available across the country, all of which will provide great learning or social experiences and help us to create even more opportunities for young people.
Volunteering is a great way to meet people, visit new places, gain experiences and have fun. Full details of all of our various volunteering programmes can be found through YHA volunteering.
Our hostel is housed in a magnificent Grade I listed mansion situated immediately beside the iconic ruins of Whitby Abbey.
The Whitby headland had seen Bronze Age and Roman settlements, before an Anglian monastery was founded there by Hild, the daughter of an Anglian nobleman, in about 627. Then things get a bit mysterious; no one is sure why, but the Anglian settlement and monastery were abandoned a few centuries later.
By the end of the 12th century a new monastery had been founded and built in stone. This building underwent various projects of rebuilding and expansion, during which the Abbey House was built. We aren’t sure what the Abbey House was used for, but it is likely that it was the abbot’s lodging.
In the 16th century the Monastery was suppressed and the abbey site was bought by the Chomley family. The Chomleys, and later the Strickland family, used the abbot’s lodgings as a house and over the next two centuries several extensions and a courtyard were added to the building.
In 1920 the Strickland family gave the abbey to the Ministry of Works. Then for around 80 years archaeological excavations were carried out on the site. By the early 2000s the Abbey House had fallen into a dilapidated state, but when its lease came up for tender in 2006 YHA jumped at the opportunity! A £3.5m renovation was carried out making the building into the fantastic hostel enjoyed by many today.
We pride ourselves of friendly service and do our best to accommodate any of our guests’ requirements. You’ll see everyone doing their part working across all areas of the hostel, either serving and making drinks in our busy tearooms, welcoming you on reception, cleaning your room or delivering activities to school groups. Everyone has a good knowledge of the local area and we’re happy to recommend some things to do during your visit
Manager recommends: Walking the Cleveland Way to Robin Hood’s Bay. It’s a great way to see the coastline and look out for seals, whales and dolphins. You can catch a bus back, come back the way you came or hop on to the Cinder Track which is a more gentle route back to Whitby.