Wonderful Whitby

1. The Beach

For children of all ages, the beach is the perfect destination on a fine day. For sandy beaches, Whitby has the large West Cliff Beach. West Cliff Beach has approximately 2 miles of sand and stretches from the West Pier, past the colourful beachhuts and along to Upgang. In the summer months there are lifeguards in attendance. Deckchairs and windbreaks are available to hire from the slipway near the West Pier. Donkey rides, close to the West Pier, are a favourite with the children.

Robin Hood's Bay has a rocky shore, which is great for searching in rock pools, although take care, the rocks can be slippy. Footwear, with a good grip is also a good idea, the barnacles can make the rocks quite sharp (see Yorkshire Coast, Robin Hood's Bay page). There are toilets at top of slipway. Beaches can be fantastic fun for children, but always take care, tides can come in very quickly and currents can be strong.

2. Pannett Park

The regeneration of Whitby's Pannett Park has provided a wonderful children's play area for kids (see Pannett Park page). Built on Whitby's maritime theme, it incorporates designs from local children and caters to children of all ages. The play area is easily accessed from the top of Chubb Hill Road or St Hilda's Terrace. Note, for parents of smaller children, avoid the large stones around the hammock. They look nice, but children could easily slip on them.

3. Whitby West Cliff

On the West Cliff, there are a number of activities suitable for children. There is a 'pitch and put' golf green for older children, close to the leisure centre. Near the Cliff lift, is the Crazy Golf, always a favourite the old and young alike! On the West Cliff there is an outdoor paddling pool with public conveniences closeby. A new skateboarding area has recently been built.

4. Whitby Abbey

The impressive ruins of Whitby Abbey have breathtaking panoramic views of the town of Whitby and the surrounding coastline. From Whitby Harbour the abbey can be reached on foot via the 199 Abbey Steps or up the steep cobbled Donkey Path, and through the church yard of St Mary's Church. Alternatively a well signposted road leads from the towns outskirts to the clifftop location, which might be easier if you have a push chair. There is chargeable parking close to the abbey grounds.

5. Whitby Pier and Pier Road

On Pier Road there are three amusement arcades. As well as the usual bingo, slot machines and small children�s rides, there is a crazy golf with a pirate theme, shooting gallery, mini ten pin bowling and a soft play centre for younger children, alongside a caf� for the parents to supervise from. Pier road has a lots of ice-cream shops and traditional seaside sweet shops, and huts selling buckets and spades etc.

6. Boat Trip from the Harbour

There are a number of pleasure craft willing to take paying passengers either upstream or out to sea. These include a replica of an old sailing ship, an old lifeboat, and larger craft that takes sunset cruises, twilight cruises and whale watching trips! These too can be found along the harbour on the west side.

7. Ruswarp Boats

Along this stretch of the River Esk is Ruswarp Pleasure Boats where boats can be hired to row down the River Esk till nearly as far as Sleights. This is a lovely, tranquil stretch of river, bordered by overhanging branches and inhabited by ducks and some swans. Fishing is available from here. There is a minature railway, with a small car park, the train runs on a weekend Easter to October and all the school holidays.(see Ruswarp village, in the moorland village section).

8. Steam Trains

Steam trains run from Whitby to Pickering at various times all through the year. The trains stop off at stations along the way including Grosmont and Goathland. Please check the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website for details of special events and timetables, by clicking on the following link.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway

9. Cycle Hire

Trailways is a cycle hire centre at the Old Railway Station at Hawsker, on the A171 between Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay. The Scarborough/Whitby Coastal Cycle Rail Trail follows the old coastal railway cindertrack along some of the most stunning coastline in Noth Yorkshire. Check out the website for prices and opening times, by clicking on the following link (the centre is not always manned) Trailways Cycle Hire

10. Go Ape at Dalby Forest

For older children, age 10 or older, Go Ape Tree Top Adventure is certainly a physically challenging activity. Activities include climbing a 30 ft rope ladder, a tarzan swing into a giant rope net and a zip wire through the trees.To find out more about Go Ape, prices and directions, check out their website, by clicking on the following link. GO Ape at Dalby Forest

1. Mini Monsters

Mini Monsterz in Ruswarp, is open all year and includes a pottery painting studio, indoor laser tag, outdoor laser combat, farm park and adventure play and a welcome caf� bar! The Indoor Play Area is a good size and suitable for children aged from 0 to 16. Amongst the many facilities within the four level play area are a wide variety of exhilarating slides, including a terrifying death slide for those brave enough to take the plunge. There are cargo nets, and miniature zip-lines as well as bash bags and interactive lights that keep children entertained.

2. Whitby Leisure Centre

Whitby Leisure centre has a swimming pool, tennis courts, gymnasium and badminton court.

3. Whitby Museum

Visiting Whitby Museum is a good indoor activity for older children. It is home to many fascinating collections. The Archaeology Collection displays Bronze Age weapons and Roman lamps amongst other things. The Captain Cook collection contains many historically important artifacts, that illustrate his association with Whitby and events of his voyages (1768-1779). The museum houses one of the best collections of Jet artifacts in the world. There are many examples of jewellery (broaches and pendants), a chess table and even a model of Whitby Abbey!

4. The Amusements on Pier Road

On Pier Road there are three amusement arcades. As well as the usual bingo, slot machines and small children�s rides, there is a crazy golf with a pirate theme, shooting gallery, mini ten pin bowling and a soft play centre for younger children, alongside a caf� for the parents to supervise from.

5. Doodlepots

Doodlepots is located on Skinner Street in Whitby. Children Choose a piece to paint, either a plate, mug vase etc. They paint their pot in the colours and designs they want. Then the pot is glazed and fired at Doodle pots. Customers can either come back and collect their piece or arrange for Doodlepots to post it to them. Hot and cold drinks and a selection of cakes are also available!