Trip to Whitby

A trip to Whitby is definately worth it. Nice town, fishing port, abbey, history and the surrounding Moors.
There is regular express bus service from York station to Whitby, but I would recommend hiring a car in York. A car allows you to take your own scenic route to and from Whitby. I would spend half the time in Whitby, and half touring the surrounding countryside.

Stop off at Rievaulx Abbey on the way there, then drive "over the moors" to Whitby.
Another place to visit is Robin Hood's Bay, on the coast just south of Whitby.

We visited Whitby quite a number of years ago. We were driving south from Edinburgh. We spent only one night. It is absolutely beautiful, and I was glad to have seen it! From there, only a short drive to Robins Hood Bay (I think I have the name right) - that is also worth seeing.

Also love Whitby and think 2 nights would be great. Reserve ahead as it's a popular getaway. I do recommend a car since you can explore the moors and nearby sites. The drive from York is very simple and low stress. Otherwise just take that bus mentioned above and enjoy the town.

I agree that a car is best , but you can also take a bus to Pickering , and change there to The North York Moors Railway ( An Historic preservation line , beautiful scenery ) for the balance of the trip to Whitby . We also loved Whitby , Just keep a bulb of Garlic in your pocket to ward off the vampires ; ---)

Whitby is a lovely destination and worth the short drive from York, lots to see and do near the centre, there's the great Humble Pie and Mash shop on the south side of the river near the swing bridge for lunch, can't get more traditional than pie n mash. http://humblepie.tccdev.com/

A day trip to Robin Hoods Bay http://www.robin-hoods-bay.co.uk/ is great but do not try to drive right into the village if you don't care much for driving, it is very steep and very narrow. Park at the top of the hill and walk down through the village to the sea. Lovely cobbled streets and some curiosity shops, fish n chips eaten out on the beach and hunting for fossils, makes a traditional English experience.

If you would like to visit somewhere on the moors I love http://www.fallingfossteagarden.co.uk/ it's a bit of a gem run by a lovely family and only been up and running a few years. You can take a walk in some beautiful beach woods with a rushing river below and the waterfall is surrounded by trees and other greenery and very tranquil. A genteel English Tea at Midge Hall is a very civilised way to refresh yourself.

I do not have any connection with any of the places I have added links to. I live nearby and love this part of England.
I hope you enjoy your visit.
Regards
Hilary

Thanks to all for the wonderful comments. We will definitely include Whitby on our itinerary. Does anyone have a recommendation for lodging?

My daughter and I will be going to Whitby in April. We are staying at the YHA hostel. It is a Grade 1 listed mansion and is right next to the ruins of Whitby Abbey. They have private family rooms available. http://www.yha.org.uk/hostel/whitby

Be sure to get down onto the beach after a storm and see if you can find any Jet which has washed down.

It is black - Jet Black - fossilized Monkey Puzzle trees - and can be carved into jewelry.

Whitby Jet is the best.