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The Ultimate Guide to Whitby Pubs
No trip to the seaside would be complete without nipping into a local pub. As you wander Whitby’s old town and harbour, you’ll find no end of options. Some of the best pubs in Whitby are situated right on the quayside, while some are hidden away in back streets – or even perched on the clifftops.
How Many Pubs Are There in Whitby?
The short answer is: enough! For a small coastal town, Whitby sure packs in a huge selection of pubs. From rowdy inns full of the echoes of jolly sailors to quiet, cosy nooks, Whitby’s pubs have something to offer everybody. To help you decide, we’ve put together our list of the best pubs in Whitby.
The Best Pubs in Whitby
In no particular order of preference, here is a list of pubs in Whitby to help you plan your next visit…
Abbey Wharf, Market Place
Up first, the Abbey Wharf Bar is not only a great place to stop for a drink – it also offers some of the best pub food in Whitby. Enjoy a tipple from their great drinks menu before tucking into some famous Whitby fish and chips, delivered daily from local fishing boats.
The Abbey Wharf is situated on the waterfront within Whitby harbour, close to Tate Hill Beach.
Arch & Abbey, Skinner Street
The Arch & Abbey describes itself as a “micropub” located a few streets back from the harbour. Real ale fans, in particular, should consider heading here. On the menu, you’ll find local beers, ciders and spirits, with a wide menu of craft beers in particular.
If you’re walking the old town with your four-legged friends, the Arch & Abbey is also one of the most dog-friendly pubs in Whitby.
The Black Swan, Baxtergate
For a truly local pub vibe, head to the Black Swan on Baxtergate. Here, you’ll meet the friendly staff and cheerful locals over a pint from nearby North Yorkshire breweries. It’s situated just a short walk from the quayside.
The Buck Inn, St. Annes Staith
The Buck Inn is a great choice for fans of live sports and entertainment. Located right on the waterfront, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Whitby pub in a better location. For horror fans, the Buck Inn is just a short walk to the starting point of the Whitby Dracula Experience.
The Duke of York, Church Street
The next on our list of pubs in Whitby is a fantastic choice for families. Situated on the famous Church Street, the Duke of York pub offers a family-friendly atmosphere with stunning harbour views. They also serve a great choice of food; their children’s menu makes for a perfect choice after a day exploring Whitby’s family activities.
The Endeavour, Church Street
For a traditional pub right on the harbour, head to The Endeavour. It’s located on the east side of the river and offers a warm welcome with a great selection of drinks. Inside, you’ll find a cosy retreat from the bustle of Whitby waterfront. Visit for a quick lunch, or bring your own fish and chips in the evening.
Not only is The Endeavour is one of the best pubs in Whitby – it even made our best pubs in North Yorkshire list!
The Granby, Skinner Street
On the other side of the harbour is The Granby, a traditional pub with a great choice of ales. You’ll also find a good selection of home-cooked food – with the roast dinners getting a mention from locals and visitors alike.
The Little Angel, Flowergate
The Little Angel describes itself as a “proper pub”. Its accreditations agree: the Little Angel is a multi CAMRA award-winning pub with Cask Marque backing, making it a perfect stop for cask ale fans. Pop by Flowergate for an authentic Yorkshire pub with a great atmosphere.
Middle Earth Tavern, Church Street
No Whitby guide would be complete without a mention of the Middle Earth Tavern. It’s one of Whitby’s most popular pubs, offering refreshing drinks and log fires in a gorgeous harbourside location. The downstairs bar is also a great choice for those with dogs.
The Pier Inn, Pier Road
Overlooking the quayside, The Pier Inn is an excellent place to stop on your day out in Whitby. It’s just a short walk from the town centre, on Pier Road towards Whitby beach. Choose from a range of cask ales and enjoy them inside or on the terrace.
The Quirky Den, Grape Lane
The Quirky Den lives up to its name. From the outside, it almost looks like an antiques shop, with its oldy-worldy colour scheme and bay windows. But inside, you’ll find a micropub that offers a warm North Yorkshire welcome. Choose from their range of cask ales, keg beers or gins and spirits – all in a stunning harbourside location.
The Ship Inn, Marine Parade
To make the most of Whitby’s nautical atmosphere, head to the Ship Inn on Marine Parade. On offer are beers, pale ales and gins, all in friendly local surroundings. While the Ship Inn isn’t the biggest, it certainly offers a lovely spot for a drink or two.
The Station Inn, New Quay Road
Heading into town, the Station Inn is one of the livelier pubs in Whitby town centre. Live music takes to the stage most nights, with regular quiz nights popular with tourists and locals. It also attracts beer fans with its varied selection of guest ales.
The Waiting Room, Whitby Station
Located at Whitby railway station, the Waiting Room is one for fans of a quiet local. There’s no music, no TV – and even no lager. Instead, you’ll find a call to pubs of the past, with conversation filling the air over glasses of award-winning ciders and great wines.
Whitby Brewery, East Cliff
The final stop on our list is an excellent choice for pubs near Whitby Abbey. Whether you’ve arrived via the Cleveland Way or 199 steps, Whitby Brewery offers a fantastic selection of refreshing Yorkshire Ales. Brewery tours are available – or simply sip your brew in this stunning clifftop location.
Spotted your new favourite Whitby pub? What are you waiting for? Browse our selection of Whitby holiday cottages and start planning your North Yorkshire holiday today.