Whitby Coastal Cruises Ltd

The harbour at Whitby fizzes with activity, and a boat trip out along the Yorkshire coast is genuinely one of the better ways to spend an afternoon here. Whitby Coastal Cruises operates from the working harbour itself, so you're looking at proper working boats rather than some sanitised tourist vessel. The cruises head out past the famous abbey ruins on the clifftop, and if you time it right, you'll see the seals lounging about on the rocks. The crew knows what they're talking about - they'll point out nesting spots, local landmarks, and the odd bit of maritime history without droning on about it.

It's the sort of thing that works for most people, really. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough before restlessness sets in, but anyone who actually likes being on the water or enjoys a bit of birdwatching will be content for longer. The views back towards Whitby town and the surrounding cliffs are proper worth the expense. Bring a jumper even in summer - it's windy out there and you will get salt spray.

If you're caravan-based at Whitby Cliff Top Touring Park, you're barely a ten-minute walk away, which makes it an easy addition to a day that might also include the abbey or a walk along the foreshore. The timing of tides matters here, so check before you head down. Book ahead during school holidays - spaces fill up quickly and you don't want to miss out on what's honestly one of the better activities the coast offers.