Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue
Iconic Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue on Whitby's West Cliff, offering stunning coastal views and historical insights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue on Whitby's West Cliff, offering stunning coastal views and historical insights.
"Breathtaking views of the harbor, sea, and Whitby Abbey from this historic spot."
🚶♀️ Walk the 199 Steps
Climb the iconic 199 steps for access to Whitby Abbey and incredible views. Wear comfy shoes!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue offer fantastic photo opportunities with the sea.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Captain Cook Statue
West Cliff
An impressive tribute to the famed explorer, offering stunning views of the harbor and sea.
Whalebone Arch
West Cliff
An iconic landmark providing a unique photo opportunity with the sea as a backdrop.
Panoramic Coastal Views
West Cliff
Soak in sweeping vistas of Whitby Harbour, the North Sea, and the historic Whitby Abbey.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Views
Understanding Captain Cook's Legacy
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the 199 Steps
Climb the iconic 199 steps for access to Whitby Abbey and incredible views. Wear comfy shoes!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue offer fantastic photo opportunities with the sea.
🕰️ Historical Insights
Learn about Captain Cook's voyages. Plaques offer great context for his explorations.
🪑 Relax and Enjoy
Benches are available to sit, relax, and soak in the beautiful harbor and sea views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the 199 Steps
Climb the iconic 199 steps for access to Whitby Abbey and incredible views. Wear comfy shoes!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
The Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue offer fantastic photo opportunities with the sea.
🕰️ Historical Insights
Learn about Captain Cook's voyages. Plaques offer great context for his explorations.
🪑 Relax and Enjoy
Benches are available to sit, relax, and soak in the beautiful harbor and sea views.
🌅 Catch the Golden Hour
Visit during sunrise or sunset for the most stunning light and fewer people.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning panoramic views of Whitby Harbour, the sea, and the Abbey from West Cliff. The Captain Cook Statue and Whalebone Arch are noted as significant historical landmarks and excellent photo opportunities. While generally well-received, some find the climb to the area challenging.
"Captain James Cook was a famous character from Whitby. He was a British explorer, navigator, cartographer, and captain in the British Royal Navy. He got fame for discovering Australia. Captain Cook is one of Whitby's most famous modern heroes.
Its one of best place in Whitby for having stunning views of this beautiful place."
UK Photo Journey
"The statue is in a prominent position on West Cliff overlooking the harbour. Unveiled in 1902 with a plaque presented by the people of Australia added in 1970 and another from New Zealand in 1984. There's also a plaque commemorating the men who built Whitby ships. Cook was a great explorer who sought to engage with indigenous peoples in previously unknown lands with enlightenment. His ships had on board astronomers, botanists, scientists and artists. Unfortunately there are those who wish to tarnish his legacy through uninformed ignorance."
Nuts
"Good opportunity to educate yourself and your children about James Cook and his contribution to geography and travel and seacraft. Beautiful view on the harbour, the sea, and Whitby abbey. There are benches around to sit on quiet and enjoy the view. Easily accessible."
Halyna Miasoid
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue are located on West Cliff in Whitby. You can reach them by walking from the town center, often involving a climb up the famous 199 steps for the best approach to the Abbey area, which is near the statue. Parking is available in Whitby town, but be prepared for a walk uphill.
There are several car parks in Whitby town center. From there, it's a scenic walk up to West Cliff where the statue and arch are located. Some visitors mention it's a bit of a hike, so factor that into your plans.
While there isn't direct public transport to the exact spot, local buses will get you into Whitby town. From there, it's a walk. Consider it part of the adventure!
Many visitors recommend climbing the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey first, then heading towards the Captain Cook Statue. This offers a rewarding experience with stunning views along the way.
The paths leading up to the statue and arch can be steep and uneven, especially the 199 steps. While there are some flatter routes, accessibility might be challenging for those with mobility issues or large strollers.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Whalebone Arch and Captain Cook Statue on West Cliff is completely free. You can visit them anytime to enjoy the views and take photos.
The monument and arch are outdoor landmarks, so they are accessible 24/7. However, for the best experience and views, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.
There is no entrance fee for West Cliff itself. It's a public area offering beautiful coastal scenery and access to the landmarks.
While there might not be specific tours for just the arch and statue, many Whitby walking tours include this area as part of a broader historical exploration of the town.
Yes, you can visit the statue at night, and it can offer a different, atmospheric experience. Some TikTok videos show the area lit up, adding to its charm.
📸 📸 Photography
The classic shot is with the arch framing the sea or Whitby Abbey in the background. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale and the surrounding landscape.
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting, creating beautiful golden hues over the sea and town. Midday can be harsh, but still offers clear views.
Drone regulations can vary. It's best to check local bylaws and any restrictions in place for Whitby and coastal areas before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the arch and the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for details of Whitby Abbey or the distant coastline.
Yes, from the West Cliff, you can get excellent shots of the Captain Cook Statue with the picturesque Whitby harbor and town spread out behind it.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 30-60 minutes here, allowing time to admire the views, read the plaques, and take photos. If you combine it with Whitby Abbey, allow more time.
Yes, there are benches strategically placed around the West Cliff area, offering perfect spots to sit, relax, and enjoy the stunning coastal scenery.
The statue commemorates Captain James Cook, Whitby's most famous son, an explorer and navigator who charted vast areas of the world. Plaques detail his achievements and connection to the town.
From this vantage point, you get breathtaking views of Whitby Harbour, the North Sea, the coastline, and the iconic Whitby Abbey perched on the East Cliff.
Crowds can vary. Weekends and peak season will be busier. Visiting early in the morning or on a weekday can offer a more peaceful experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as facilities directly at the monument are limited. The open cliff top is ideal for letting kids burn off some energy, but always supervise them closely due to the proximity to the cliff edge. Consider visiting the Captain Cook Museum for a more in-depth historical experience that can engage younger minds.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Hikers
If you're looking for a more strenuous hike, consider incorporating the 199 steps and a visit to Whitby Abbey into your route. The Reddit community often shares tips for longer circular walks in the North York Moors, many of which can be accessed from or near Whitby, offering varied terrain and breathtaking scenery.
📸 Photographers
Don't forget to capture the iconic view of Whitby Abbey from West Cliff, especially during the golden hours. Experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grand vistas and the finer details of the maritime history etched into the landscape. The changing tides and weather can also add dramatic elements to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legacy of Captain James Cook
Cook's expeditions were pivotal in expanding European knowledge of the world and had a profound impact on geography, cartography, and natural sciences. While his legacy is complex and viewed differently across cultures, his contributions to exploration and navigation are undeniable. The monument serves as an educational point, encouraging visitors to learn about his life and impact on global exploration.
For those interested in delving deeper, the Captain Cook Museum in Whitby offers a comprehensive look at his life, voyages, and the era in which he sailed. Understanding his story adds significant depth to a visit to the statue and the surrounding historical landscape.
Exploring West Cliff and Its Views
The most striking view, however, is often directed towards the East Cliff, where the majestic ruins of Whitby Abbey stand sentinel. This iconic silhouette, especially when bathed in the soft light of sunrise or sunset, creates a truly unforgettable vista. Many visitors find themselves drawn to the benches scattered along the cliff path, perfect for quiet contemplation and appreciating the sheer beauty of the surroundings.
Beyond the main landmarks, West Cliff provides a wonderful starting point for coastal walks. Whether you're heading towards Sandsend or exploring the cliff paths closer to town, the ever-present sea breeze and the sound of the waves make for a refreshing experience. It's a place where history, natural beauty, and a sense of adventure converge.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit