Whether you're a music lover, a foodie or you want to enjoy some retail therapy, there's plenty going on in Whitby and the North York Moors over the next few weeks
Here's our run down of the unmissable events and autumnal activities visitors can enjoy throughout the coming season.
Whitby Events
Musicport World Music Festival
Musicport is celebrating 25 years of world music and culture at this year's festival. Running from 24th - 26th October 2025, the weekend will be filled with extraordinary music and inspiring workshops. Tickets are available via the Musicport website.
Musicport has grown from a local celebration of world music into a nationally acclaimed festival. It is known for its eclectic mix of world-class artists and a commitment to bringing people together through music. The festival really does offer something for everyone. The festival's family-friendly activities, vibrant marketplace and fantastic food & drink add to the enjoyment of this unique event. It's a must for music-lovers!
Illuminated Abbey
This autumn, the world-famous Whitby Abbey will once again come to life after dark. The Abbey's dramatic gothic ruins will be illuminatinated, bringing colour and drama to the night sky above Whitby's east cliff.
There are plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy too. These include a trail of lights around the historic ruins, and the opportunity to enjoy food and drink from local vendors. Getting dressed up in a costume of your choice is encouraged! This annual event has become a firm favourite, and dressing up has become a much-enjoyed part of the event.
Time Will Tell theatre will also be performing their new show, The Dead Shall Walk the Earth, which features shadowy figures, supernatural powers and perhaps even Dracula himself!
This is a ticketed event, running from 24th October - 1st November. Book via the English Heritage website.
Whitby Goth Weekend
Whitby's official Goth Weekend runs from 30th October - 2nd November this year. Whitby Goth weekend is renowned as one of the world's premier Goth events. Drawing visitors from around the globe, the event brings together like-minded individuals to enjoy a few days of Goth culture in our historic town.
Goth Weekend features live music in venues across town, market stalls, plenty of food & drink and eye-catching clothing. Over the years the event has grown dramatically, attracting Goths as well as those who simply enjoy the spectacle. The weekend also attracts other alternative subcultures including steampunks, Victorian vampires, punks and rockers.
Find out more about Whitby Goth Weekend.
North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival
The North York Moors Dark Skies Fringe Festival celebrates the amazing stargazing opportunities afforded by the National Park. Running from 24th October - 2nd November 2025 it marks the beginning of the stargazing season.
There are a number of scheduled events at various location around the North York Moors, including:
- Festival Stars Skies (18th October, 7:30pm, Sutton Bank National Park Centre)
To mark the North Yorkshire Fringe Stargazing Festival expert of the stars Richard Darn will take you on an amazing journey to discover Saturn, along with the great Autumn constellations and the amazing Milky Way. He may even take you all the way to another galaxy altogether! - Whitby Night Photography Workshop (24th October, 7pm, Abbey Tea Rooms, Whitby)
Do you fancy trying your hand at photographing something different? If so, then why not join local landscape photographer Richard Burdon and learn how to shoot stunning images of the lights reflected in the calm waters of Whitby harbour. - The Cistercian Walk at night – A circular walk from Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey and back to Helmsley
This is a 7 mile circular walk linking ancient monuments set within the beautiful North York Moors and their incredible starry nigth skies.
Find out more about the full programme of events on the Dark Skies website.
Whitby Lit Fest
Whitby is hosting its very own Literature Festival for the first time this year! Ladycross is proud to be supporting this event (look out for us in the official programme).
Running from 6th - 9th November, Whitby Lit Fest is bringing together a diverse and inspiring programme of events. A celebration of authors past and present, across many genres, some of which have been inspired by Whitby in some way.
Several well-known names have joined the line-up including Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher novels. The event also features some famous faces from stage and screen including Miriam Margolyes and Ace Bhatti who will both be performing readings from Shaun Usher's Diaries of Note.
Events are taking place in a number of venues around town, including the Spa Pavilion Theatre and Eighteen91 on Brunswick Street. Tickets are now available for all events via the Festival website.
We're so excited for this brand new event and wish it every success!
Whitby Blues Festival
Held at Whitby Pavilion on Saturday 8th November, Whitby Blues Festival is a celebration of blues music throughout the years. With non-stop live music from 2pm - 10pm this event is set to be a great day out for blues aficionados. Tickets are available now, priced from just £34.50.
Whitby Christmas Market
Whitby's annual Christmas market returns this year, from 14th - 16th November. This popular event helps kick-off the Christmas season in Whitby. Whitby Christmas Market feature local vendors offering unique gifts, fabulous food & drink, live music and even fireworks!
Many of the stalls are set up within Whitby's colourful beach huts (relocated to the Marina Car Park). This makes Whitby Christmas Market an extra-special event and something you won't see anywhere else!
This is a family-friendly event, with plenty to see and do. Get your Christmas shopping done while enjoying a mulled wine or delicious hot chocolate.
Robin Hood's Bay Victorian Weekend
Running across the 6th and 7th December, Robin Hood's Bay Victorian Weekend is a thoroughly festive affair. Expect plenty of eye-catching Victorian clothing and Christmas decoration around the village. The event draws locals and visitors alike, who enjoy the traditional feel of this wonderful event.
A fantastic opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done whilst enjoying the hospitality of local pubs, cafes and street vendors.
Robin Hood's Bay is a lovely village to visit throughout the year. It's cobbled alleyways and quaint cottages hark back to a bygone era of shipwrecks and smugglers. The Victorian Weekend keeps some of that rich history alive.
And don't forget, Whitby Storyteller Rose Rylands runs her fantastic Robin Hood's Bay Ghost Walk throughout the year. This family-friendly guided walk brings to life some of the strange and curious happenings recorded through the centuries. Follow Rose on Facebook or check her Whitby Storyteller website for times and meeting points.
Made in Whitby Christmas Festival
The Made in Whitby Christmas Festival has quickly become a firm favourite in Whitby's Christmas calendar. Held at Whitby Brewery, the event runs from 13th - 14th December 2025.
Made in Whitby is a group which aims to promote the manufacturing businesses based in Whitby and the surrounding area. The Made in Whitby Festival offers an opportunity to meet some of these businesses, do some Christmas shopping, treat yourself to some delicious food & drink and enjoy live music.
Whitby Brewery courtyard makes a perfect venue for this unmissable event. Dressed up with a Christmas tree, lanterns and featuring a warming brazier, visitors can enjoy toasting marshmallows and relaxing with friends and family.
Christmas at the North York Moors Railway
The North York Moors Steam Railway is a magical way to explore the National Park. How much more so at Christmas time!
The NYMR runs a number of festive events throughout the season, including:
- Santa Express
A family-friendly event which brings Christmas to life. Expect songs, jokes and the magic of Christmas brought to life by Santa's elves. - Christmas North Yorkshire Pullman
Available on various dates from 25th November to 4th January guests will enjoy a delicious festive meal served in a classic Pullman coach while journeying through the dramatic wintry landscape of the North York Moors National Park. - Festive Travel & Treats
Enjoy a 36 mile round trip from Grosmont Station to Pickering and back. Guests can enjoy a specially-selected picnic hamper featuring delicious home-made sandwiches and snacks. - Christmas Afternoon Tea
This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Christmas with family and friends and enjoy a delicious festive afternoon tea while travelling in style. - Pickering to Whitby Winter Excursions
From 27th December to 4th January enjoy a beautiful steam-powered journey from Pickering to Whitby.
If any of these wonderful outings sound like just the ticket, you can find out more and book yours via the NYMR website.
Autumnal Activities
The North York Moors National Park is a magical place to visit whatever the time of year. During the autumn and winter there's so much to experience and enjoy - particularly on two feet, or two wheels!
Here are some of our favourite winter walks and cycling opportunities.
Woodland Walks
- Explore Falling Foss and May Beck
Sneaton Forest is a lovely sheltered woodland only a few miles from Egton. There are a couple of car parks to choose from - either May Beck or Falling Foss, and footpaths which run between. If you're looking for a slightly longer walk, then a circular route via Littlebeck village is a great option. - Dalby Forest
Dalby is a much larger woodland. There's an excellent visitor centre and cafe, children's play area and lots of walking and cycling routes to be enjoyed. A circular walk around the Bride Stones is a favourite. - Egton Bridge to Glaisdale
Keep it local. From Ladycross head down into the village, carry on down the hill into Egton Bridge and then follow these instructions. This beautiful circular walk will take you along ancient stone trods, past Beggar's Bridge and following the River Esk. Relax and enjoy!
Cinder Track Cycle Hire
Cinder Bike Hire is a new business, recently established in Robin Hood's Bay. Cinder Bike Hire is located close to the main visitor car park, next to the Village Hall. They provide a range of bike hire options including both traditional mountain bike and e-bikes. Children's bikes, trailers and accessories can also be hired.
Perfectly situated on the route of the Whitby to Scarborough railway line, you'll easily find your way onto the Cinder Track. Head south if you want to visit Boggle Hole, Ravenscar and Hayburn Wyke. Alternatively, head north and you'll soon find yourselves in Hawsker where you can either continue on the cinder track into town, or follow the lane from Hawsker Church to Whitby Abbey. Whitby Brewery makes a great stop for refreshment!
Visit cinderbikehire.co.uk to make your booking
Winter Wildlife
Ladycross is a haven for wildlife. We often have deer, foxes, badgers and more roaming the park. This is especially true in winter when the park is less busy with visitors.
If you're interested in find out more about the local wildlife here in the North York Moors we'd recommend visiting Danby Lodge, the North York Moors Visitor Centre. Here you'll find bird watching facilities, and be able to ask their knowledgeable staff about recent sightings.
Wintry Food & Drink
No trip to Yorkshire would be complete without enjoying some wonderful food & drink. We've plenty to choose from right on our doorstep. Here are some of the highlights.
Cosy Pubs
- The Witching Post Inn
This is the first pub you'll find as you walk into Egton from Ladycross. They serve great food, a traditional pub-grub menu. - The Wheatsheaf Inn
A little further down the lane you'll find The Wheatsheaf, renowned for its excellent food. Definitely worth a visit. - The Postgate Inn
Located in Egton Bridge (2 miles from Ladycross), this is another local pub serving delicious food.
Honestly, if you don't already have your favourite you'd be best off trying all three. They each offer something different. Take a look at their websites to find out more about their particular menus and what they offer.
Local Restaurants
If you're after something a little more 'fine dining' we'd recommend Pete and Cecily's place in Goathland. The Homestead Kitchen has quickly gained a reputation for excellent food and service, picking up a coveted 3 rosette award from the AA. Their inspector says:
A little hidden gem with an emphasis on regional specialties.
The Homestead is small but perfectly formed, so booking ahead is recommended. The menu changes with the seasons and reflects the ingredients found locally. This is increasingly the case as their kitchen garden takes shape and yields delicious produce all year round.
Take-Away Options
If you're staying in one of our wonderful holiday lodges, and fancy treating yourself to a take away, here are the ones in Whitby we'd recommend:
- Passage to India
Whitby's Indian restaurant. They will deliver but you're probably best off arranging an order for collection. A good range of dishes and well priced. They've recently launched an online ordering service which is very efficient. - Long King's
Chinese restaurant located in The Metropole on Whitby's West Cliff. They don't offer delivery, so again - order over the phone or in person for collection. - Fish & Chips
Where should we start? Royal Fisheries on Baxtergate. Quayside on Pier Road. The Fish Box on Langbourne Road. Trenchers right in the centre of town. Honestly, in Whitby you can't really go wrong when it comes to fish and chips!
Conclusion
There's so much going on in and around the North York Moors National Park, all year round. Out of the busyness of the summer season guests can enjoy a slower pace. Take your time to enjoy all that Whitby and the surrounding villages have to offer.
Slow down, relax and unwind.
That's what a holiday's all about, right? Finding the pace that suits you. Pick one thing from our list, or tackle them all - it's up to you.
Ladycross is the perfect location from which to enjoy the North York Moors and coast. Only a short drive from Whitby, walking distance from a handful of cosy pubs serving great food. A stone's throw from the romantic and beautiful North York Moors Steam Railway.
We hope to welcome you to Ladycross very soon. Our woodland lodges are available (almost) all year round and make the perfect accommodation for families and couples looking to switch off, and reconnect with nature.
As well as lodges available to rent we're also delighted to offer the opportunity to buy and own a holiday lodge at Ladycross. A woodland escape to call your own. A place to enjoy with family and friends, or just to relax and reset.
If you'd like to know more, please sign up to our mailing list (use the form at the bottom of the page) or get in touch with our team. We'd be delighted to hear from you.
Whatever you're enjoying this autumn, and however you're spending Christmas, we hope you have a wonderful time.
