Tag: north yorkshire places to see

9 Prettiest Streets in the Village of Whitby, England (2026)

Paola TamboLeave a comment

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a booking or purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my site and allows me to continue writing detailed travel guides.

The captivating seaside village of Whitby in North Yorkshire, England, is known around the world for its dramatic clifftop abbey, Gothic heritage, connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and maritime history that includes Captain James Cook. But beyond its famous landmarks, one of the best ways to experience Whitby’s charm is by wandering its historic streets.

From steep, cobbled lanes to winding alleys lined with independent shops, Whitby’s streets reveal the soul of this coastal town. In this guide, I share nine of the prettiest streets in Whitby, each offering its own atmosphere, views, and character. You can also see 18 Places to See in Whitby for a full town experience.

Before you start exploring, consider booking your stay in Whitby! There are excellent hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals available through Booking.com, Expedia, or Vrbo that put you right in the heart of the village.

Sandgate

Sandgate is one of Whitby’s most atmospheric streets. It is known for its selection of Whitby jet shops where visitors can browse traditional jewelry and handcrafted pieces made from fossilized jet. Toward the end of Sandgate, you will arrive at the Market Place, a trading area since the mid seventeenth century that continues to host local stalls today.

This street is especially lovely in the morning light when the stone buildings glow and fishermen’s cottages cast long shadows across the cobbles.

For walking tours or local craft experiences, check out these options on GetYourGuide and Viator.

Church Street

Originally called Kirkgate, Church Street is one of the oldest thoroughfares in Whitby. Lined with shops, cafés, cozy restaurants, and historic cottages that date back to the fifteenth century, this street feels quintessentially Whitby.

Church Street lies at the base of the famous 199 Steps that lead up to Whitby Abbey and St Mary’s Church. It is a great place to stop for lunch or dinner—Mister Chips is a local favorite for classic fish and chips.

  • The shops on Church St

Grape Lane

Grape Lane is a charming pedestrianized lane just off Church Street. It is lined with a good variety of independent retailers including a jet shop, coffee shop, gift shops, and the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, which tells the story of the famous explorer’s connection to Whitby.

This street feels especially cozy in the early morning and at dusk, when the shadows from the narrow lane add to its storybook atmosphere.

  • Grape Lane on a quiet evening

Blackburn’s Yard

Tucked behind Church Street, Blackburn’s Yard is one of the most picturesque spots in Whitby. This award winning courtyard has received accolades such as “Perfect Picture Yard” and “Whitby’s Best Kept Garden.” Within the yard is the Wash House Pottery, where you can browse beautiful handcrafted pottery and ceramics—a perfect stop for unique souvenirs.

The yard’s stone cottages, blooming gardens, and narrow walkways make it a favorite for photographers and quiet exploration alike.

  • Blackburn’s Yard in early spring

Henrietta Street

Henrietta Street was once known as Haggerlythe in the thirteenth century and was later renamed after Henrietta Cholmley, wife of eighteenth century parliamentarian Nathaniel Cholmley. The street was historically desirable for its easy access to the sea and panoramic views.

Today, Henrietta Street remains one of Whitby’s most scenic spots. From its elevated position, you can enjoy sweeping views of the harbor, the North Sea, and Whitby Abbey perched dramatically on the cliff above.

  • Partial view of Henrietta Street

Tate Hill

Tate Hill is a small but incredibly scenic street that offers one of the prettiest viewpoints in Whitby. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views over the cottage rooftops toward Whitby’s piers and lighthouses, making it a perfect spot for photography. If you are looking for a quiet place to pause and take in the town from above, Tate Hill is well worth adding to your walk.

  • View from Tate Hill

Church Lane and Donkey Road

The steep and cobbled Donkey Road dates back to 1370, although the stonework you see today was laid in 1774. The path runs parallel to the famous 199 Steps and leads up toward the iconic Whitby Abbey.

Donkey Road earned its name from the donkeys that once lived on the abbey plain and made their daily journey down to the beach, where they gave donkey rides to visitors. While the donkeys no longer walk the route themselves, the historic name remains.

As you make your way down Donkey Road, you are treated to a striking view over the rooftops, shops, and the sea beyond. And trust me, the walk down is far easier and just as rewarding as the climb up!

  • Descending from the steep Donkey Road

Pier Road

Pier Road in West Whitby feels like classic seaside England. This street leads directly to the main beach and is lined with amusement arcades, ice cream stalls, fish and chip shops, and a local fish market. It is one of the liveliest streets in the village and a great place to experience Whitby’s maritime energy.

  • View from Pier Road

Cliff Street

Cliff Street is a lovely street to wander, offering wonderful views over the coastline and the village below. It is lined with charming houses and holiday cottages, making it a peaceful yet central place to stay.

From Cliff Street, you are only minutes from Whitby town centre, the beach, the pier, and many of the village’s main attractions, which makes it a great base if you plan to spend the night in Whitby. You can check for accommodations here and around the area through Booking.com, Expedia, or Vrbo.

  • The houses on Cliff St

Getting to Whitby

Whitby is located on the North Yorkshire coast and is accessible by both car and public transport.

• By car: Whitby is around 1.5 hours from York and makes a great stop on a North Yorkshire road trip. You can rent a car through Expedia or Booking.com.
• By train: The Esk Valley Railway connects Whitby to Middlesbrough and passes through stunning countryside.
• By guided tour: If you are based in York or Leeds, many visitors choose to visit Whitby on a day tour of the North York Moors and coast.

How Long to Spend in Whitby

To truly enjoy Whitby, plan to spend at least one full day, although two days is ideal. This allows enough time to explore Whitby’s prettiest streets, climb to Whitby Abbey, walk the harbor, visit museums, enjoy local seafood, and explore the coastline without rushing.

Final Thoughts

I would love to know what you think of these street recommendations. Is there one you are most excited to explore? Let me know in the comments, and do not forget to add these nine prettiest streets in Whitby to your Whitby itinerary!

If you want to discover even more about the town’s history, legends, and hidden corners, you can book a self-guided Whitby walking tour here and explore at your own pace.

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Visiting Goathland Railway Station in Goathland Village, North Yorkshire (2026 Guide)

Paola Tambo2 Comments

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to make a booking or reservation, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support my blog and allows me to continue creating detailed travel guides.

Goathland Railway Station serves the picturesque village of Goathland in the heart of the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England. Surrounded by rolling moorland, stone cottages, and scenic walking trails, Goathland is one of the most charming villages in northern England and a popular stop for visitors exploring Whitby, the Yorkshire coast, and the North York Moors.

The station first opened in 1865 under the name Goathland Mill, chosen because of its location near a watermill on the Murk Esk River. With very few alterations over the last century, Goathland Railway Station has beautifully preserved its historic character and remains an active stop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world who come for its heritage trains, nostalgic atmosphere, and famous television appearances.

Whether you plan to ride a steam train or simply explore the platform and surrounding countryside, Goathland Railway Station is a wonderful place to include in any North Yorkshire itinerary. If you are building a North York Moors road trip, this is also a great place to base yourself.

You can browse charming inns, countryside hotels, and cozy cottages in and around Goathland on Booking.com, Expedia, or Vrbo.

A Ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Goathland Station is one of the most popular stops along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a preserved heritage railway that runs between Pickering and Whitby. The journey takes passengers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including open moorland, deep valleys, and forested countryside.

You can check the official timetable and pre book tickets here if you would like to ride one of the historic steam or heritage diesel trains. Many visitors choose to travel between Whitby and Goathland, making this station a perfect addition to a Whitby day trip. Guided heritage railway experiences and North York Moors tours that include Goathland are often available through platforms like Viator.

The Goathland Station Café

One of the highlights of a visit is the Goathland Station Café, a unique tea room located inside the station within a converted 1920s style goods shed. The café is walker friendly and dog friendly, and guests are welcome to sit indoors or outside on the platform to watch the trains arrive and depart.

The café serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, savory items, homemade cakes, sweet treats, and ice creams. Their sandwiches, classic scones, and hot chocolate are especially popular. It is a perfect stop after a countryside walk or before boarding a train.

Opening times vary according to the railway timetable. Because hours change seasonally, it is always a good idea to check ahead if you are planning a visit around the café. You can check opening times HERE.

  • Inside the Goathland Station Café

Film and Television Appearances

Goathland Railway Station is famous for its on screen roles and has appeared in several major film and television productions.

It was used as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films, making it a must visit spot for Harry Potter fans. The station is also well known as Aidensfield Station in the long running British series Heartbeat. In addition, it has featured in All Creatures Great and Small, Keeping Mum, and Carrington.

Because of this, Goathland is often included on themed film and television tours of North Yorkshire. A private tour like this one is a great option if you would like deeper insight into the area’s film and television appearances.

  • View of Goathland Railway Station from the top of the red bridge

Stay in a Vintage Train Carriage at Goathland Station

One of the most unique experiences in Goathland is the opportunity to stay overnight in a vintage camping coach located just behind the station platform. This restored carriage offers a truly memorable way to experience the railway and countryside.

The camping coach includes a living area, a kitchen, a twin bedroom, a double bedroom, and a shower room. Staying here allows you to wake up surrounded by moorland scenery and historic trains, making it a fantastic option for families, couples, and railway enthusiasts.

If you prefer a traditional stay, there are also beautiful guesthouses, inns, and countryside cottages throughout Goathland and the surrounding villages, many of which can be booked through Booking.com and Vrbo.

Click here to check availability and book the camping carriage

  • A green vintage train carriage at Goathland Railway Station

Parking and Practical Information

There is a car park located next to Goathland Railway Station that allows all day parking for a single fee. This makes the station an easy stop for visitors exploring the North York Moors by car.

Public buses also connect Goathland with Whitby and other nearby villages, making it accessible even if you are not driving. If you are arriving from a nearby airport such as Leeds Bradford or Manchester, Welcome Pickups and Kiwitaxi are convenient options for arranging private transfers.

Things to Do Near Goathland Station

A visit to Goathland Railway Station pairs perfectly with exploring the rest of the village and surrounding countryside. Consider adding these nearby experiences to your itinerary:

• Walk through Goathland village to see traditional stone cottages and local tea rooms
• Visit the famous Goathland Waterfall, also known as Mallyan Spout, located about a mile from the village
• Hike across the North York Moors for sweeping views and peaceful nature trails
• Take a scenic train journey to Whitby and spend the afternoon exploring the harbor, abbey, and historic streets
• Explore Heartbeat filming locations throughout the village

Outdoor tours, walking excursions, and North York Moors day trips are often available through Tripadvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Goathland Railway Station is like stepping back in time. Between the historic platform, scenic railway, cozy station café, and famous filming history, it offers one of the most atmospheric experiences in North Yorkshire.

Whether you are a Harry Potter fan, a railway enthusiast, or simply looking to explore one of the most beautiful corners of the North York Moors, Goathland is well worth adding to your travel plans.