Whalebone Arch image

Whalebone Arch

Tourist attraction

One of the Most Reviewed Tourist attractions in Whitby


Address

North Terrace, Whitby YO21 3HA, United Kingdom

Website

www.discoveryorkshirecoast.com

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (2.5K reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: (Christmas Eve), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Christmas Day), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Whitby (25) views (15) visit (8) plenty (8) arch (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Northern W. 1 year ago on Google
    Whitby is a beautiful & historic place to visit with many attractions for the young & the older generation alike. the scenery is spectacular with plenty of places to eat & numerous pubs, plenty of walking to be done but remember hills are plenty, the views from the Whalebone's are glorious. The whalebones have been replaced over time but it makes for a good picture to line up the abbey Always worth a visit when you’re in Whitby! Captain cook memorial is just behind it . Enjoy
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jukejmen u. 7 months ago on Google
    The Whalebone Arch is a unique and captivating landmark! It stands as a testament to the maritime history of the area and is a must-see attraction in Whitby. The arch itself is impressive, and the surrounding views of the harbor and coastline are stunning. It's a wonderful spot for photos and a great place to soak in the history and beauty of Whitby. I highly recommend a visit to the Whalebone Arch when you're in town.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Amanda S. 8 months ago on Google
    What a fab location! The whalebone arch is a reminder about Whitby’s past when whaling was practised. Whaling was a chance for great wealth for those who managed a successful catch, but incredibly dangerous. Many boats were capsized and men killed. On a fleet’s return to port, eager onlookers would watch for the telltale sign of good news: Crews would tie a whale’s jaw bone atop the ship’s mast as a sign that they had killed the animal and not the other way around. There is a fantastic view of the Abby, the church and the cottages clinging to the cliffs across the bay on the East cliff.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James C. 8 months ago on Google
    One of Whitby's most iconic landmarks has seen better days but I would highly recommend making the walk up here if just for the views. Spectacular.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alan G. 2 years ago on Google
    A beautiful few hours spent at the east coast of Whitby. Such a wonderful place to visit. The old Whitby town is a must with its cobbled streets lined with independent shops selling some fine Whitby jet jewellery. Not to mention the superb cafe bars here and there. There is a vast choice of fish restaurants selling locally caught fish at its finest. There is so much more to offer all ages.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John W. 1 year ago on Google
    We called in here for a drink 39 years after we last visited back on our honeymoon back in 1984. Good views of the bay on yet another rainy day.

  • 5/5 bertie m. 2 years ago on Google
    If you are anywhere near Whitby then it is a must visit The town is so very picturesque, the coastal smell of the sea, the cliff with the Abbey on the top, it's like being in a virtual town where everything is just so. The market is worth seeing, Thursday when I was there, the swing bridge is worth catching as the boats come in and out. The benches up near the whale bone are a perfect spot for a sandwich. No hassle from sea gulls unlike the South coast.

  • 4/5 sam e. 9 months ago on Google
    Whale bone arch overlooking Whitby Harbour and Bay - that's all there is too it. Great views

  • 5/5 Darren H. 6 months ago on Google
    An idyllic part of Whitby with stunning views over Whitby and of the Abbey.

  • 5/5 Lucifer D. 2 years ago on Google
    Whitby is a beautiful & historic place to visit with many attractions for the young & the older generation alike. the scenery is spectacular with plenty of places to eat & numerous pubs, plenty of walking to be done but remember hills are plenty, the views from the Whalebone's are glorious.

  • 5/5 Rodica M. 1 year ago on Google
    Whitby is the best place to visit 😍. You will need at least 2 days to proper enjoy all the beauty of it .

  • 5/5 Melissa w. 7 months ago on Google
    As a frequent visitor to Whitby, I love to take in the views from the Whale bone arch and it is a must see for tourists. If you are visiting it's a must to see to take all the views of Whitby in.

  • 5/5 Villan C. 6 months ago on Google
    It's a replica of a whale's jaw bone that replaced the original arch thst was erected in 1853. The whaling was thriving industry in the coastal town of Whitby in Yorkshire in the last century. Sailing to the seas around Greenland hunting the whales for their oil. It was a way to earn lots of money but was very dangerous and sadly many ships and their crews never returned. A whale jawbone was attached to a ship's mast to signify that they had killed the mammal. And of course awesome views of the harbour and the Abbey.

  • 5/5 Ronald H. 1 year ago on Google
    Probably the most famous photo opportunity in Whitby, great views plenty of seats, can get very busy.

  • 4/5 M “Al” F. 1 year ago on Google
    The most expensive parking place for more than two hours. Coins only apps don't work. Plenty of spaces and great views, not forgetting the information boards if you want help with interpretation of what you can see

  • 5/5 Russell D. 1 year ago on Google
    Spectacular views of Whitby across the harbour and to the Abbey. If you can make it to the top of the hill then it's definitely worth the trip!

  • 3/5 Paul W. 10 months ago on Google
    Great views and place to sit and relax over Whitby.

  • 5/5 Gaming Hub U. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful views from the hill and would recommend to come during summers or if it's sunny.

  • 5/5 habeeb s. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is so calm and excellent view 😍 . You can see beach ⛱ you have loads of place to sit and relax with your friends and loved once

  • 3/5 Dylan C. 1 year ago on Google
    They're bones from a whale. Made into an arch. Visually its pretty cool, just not sure what kind of review to write for this. Step to the side and you get the same view. Joking side, its a cool little monument to the history of Whitby and its where the Ghost walks start!

  • 5/5 Adele T. 1 year ago on Google
    We had a great time in Whitby. Lots to do and plenty of nice options for meal times to enjoy typical seaside food. Beach was busy but not crowded. A perfect family seaside resort.

  • 5/5 Chandra G. 1 year ago on Google
    Another of Whitby's iconic historic heritage. Stop awhile and take in the view - or - meet up on an evening with the walking guide to take you through Whitby's heritage. Most of all - enjoy!

  • 5/5 Carol H. 1 year ago on Google
    Jaw bones at the top of some steps. You can see most of Whitby from there, the harbour, the 199 steps to the ruins of the church. I love Whitby years ago when my son's were young we used to go there regularly.

  • 5/5 Terence “Terry” P. 2 years ago on Google
    At the time we visited, beautiful! A sunny mid-week day in tranquil scenic place with beautiful lawn and benches. Will DEFINATELY be coming back for a picnic here. We had our flask of tea and a few snacks but next time........table and chairs in the boot! We have visited Whitby quite a few times at the harbour for fish and chips but not really appreciated the beauty of this spot. The only thing we didn't assess is whether there is a toilet or disabled toilet.

  • 5/5 Yoosuf P. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice place to visit. Good 👍 area for kids to play clean 👌. Love ❤ the place and will go again.


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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