9 Big Family Days Out in Whitby

1. Hunt for treasure

If you're looking for exciting family days out in Whitby, the Eastside Mystery Treasure Trail is sure to be a hit with all the family. Instead of dragging the kids sight seeing, the treasure hunt provides a fantastic way to keep kids interested in monuments and buildings as you explore a new town.

The trail starts at the Tourist Information Centre on Langborne Road, taking you to the east side of Whitby and up to the Abbey. It takes about two hours to solve and can be downloaded in advance from the Treasure Trails website. When you're finished, enter the answers online to be in with a chance of winning a prize.

2. Get spooked by Dracula

Historic Whitby Abbey is said to have been the inspiration for Bram Stoker's spooky Gothic novel Dracula, and the town has made the most of the legend with the Dracula Experience (Marine Parade). This fun Whitby attraction for kids is a unique tour of the Dracula story and its connection to the Abbey with animation, special effects and live actors. The whole family will be entertained by this eerie show.

3. Ride the steam railway

Photo @Adam Wyles

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a wonderful journey back in time to a bygone age of steam locomotives. Running from Pickering to Grosmont, a few miles from the coast, the railway meanders through the rolling moors and makes for a great family day out near Whitby. Enjoy the beautiful countryside and the old fashioned stations as you pass, including Goathland which recently appeared in Harry Potter as Hogsmead station.

4. Experience the magic

A few miles away in Grosmont, Wizard's Workshop is one Whitby attraction for kids that's bound to impress fans of fantasy and science. The first hands-on interactive museum of its kind in North Yorkshire, it boasts an exciting collection of interactive exhibits for both adults and children.

5. Climb to the Abbey

Photo @Jennifer Boyer

Having tempted the kids with stories of Dracula, you can't miss climbing the steep steps up to the dramatic remains of the Abbey. It's easy to see how Bram Stoker was inspired for his spooky novel and, in terms of mystery and imagination, a visit to the ruins is one of the best family days out in Whitby.

6. Go paddling at Robin Hood's Bay

For outdoors adventures, Robin Hood's Bay must be the best thing to do with kids in Whitby. The beaches and cliffs are perfect for paddling and hunting, with ammonites, fossils and rock pools adding interest for even the most outgoing explorers.

7. Feel wild at Flamingo Land

In nearby Malton, Flamingo Land is 400 acres of family fun, including a theme park and zoo. This exciting Whitby attraction for kids makes for a white knuckle day out - try the Kumali, a suspended looping rollercoaster. There are also plenty of rides for younger kids.

8. Amuse yourself

Like all good English seaside towns, Whitby is home to traditional amusement arcades that'll keep the family entertained on a rainy afternoon. Pleasureland Adventure is one of the best complexes with so many things to do for kids, from video games to bowling and crazy golf.

9. Take a dip at Runswick Bay

Photo @The Richardson Fosters

Sheltered by Lingrow Knowle, Runswick Bay is a quiet beach and one of the few safe swimming spots in the area. For a family day out in Whitby at the beach, this is your best option. As well as safe swimming and plenty of room to let off steam, rocky outcrops that are perfect for beachcombing are revealed at low tide.

Cover image @Nono Fara