Whitby - Eastside, Abbey & Pier

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Whitby’s east side, old town, abbey heights and waterside, with Detectives helping DCI Olly Phish investigate the suspicious case of local kipper curer Kip Kildare.

The investigation covers approximately 1.7 miles and should take around 2+ hours to complete. You’ll patrol from the marina area towards the swing bridge, slip through Grape Lane, climb towards the Abbey, explore St Mary’s Churchyard, tackle the famous 199 steps, investigate Henrietta Street and Sandside, then head towards the old harbour and lifeboat station.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route includes cobbled streets, steep narrow paths, the climb towards the Abbey and the descent down the 199 steps, so sturdy footwear is strongly recommended for the whole squad.

You’ll also be working close to the marina, harbour, causeway and pier, with some sections having no railings. Keep younger Detectives and sniffer dogs close at all times, especially near water, steps, cobbles and busy visitor areas.

Getting There

Time to gather your squad and begin this fishy investigation:

By car - The investigation starts near the roundabout at the end of Langbourne Road, in the paved area opposite the train station and next to the marina (YO21 1YN).

To park the squad car, use one of the marina car parks at the far end of Langbourne Road (YO21 1YW). At peak times, using the Park & Ride is recommended between April and October.

By public transport - Make your way to Whitby train station, then head to the paved area opposite, near the marina and the roundabout at the end of Langbourne Road, to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Even the sharpest Detectives need a comfort break before a kipper case gets slippery. Public toilets can be found across the road from the start point, at the Abbey car park before Clue 05, and near the end of the route just before the final clue.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the outdoor investigation 🐾

This route includes cobbles, steep paths, churchyard paths, narrow streets, steps, harbour areas, causeway sections and waterside edges. Keep canine colleagues close throughout, especially near the marina, harbour, pier, causeway and 199 steps. Sniffer dogs with seagull ambitions should be kept firmly under control.

Food & Drink Stops

Solving a smokehouse mystery can leave the whole squad feeling peckish.

As the route works through Whitby’s old town, there are plenty of places to pick up provisions near the start and end points. There are also lots of scenic picnic spots along the way, especially if your squad fancies pausing with a view while debating who had it in for poor Kip.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Whitby Old Town and Church Street

The investigation takes you through Whitby’s old east-side streets, with cobbles, narrow lanes, shopfronts and plenty of maritime character. It’s a brilliant area to linger once the case is cracked, especially if your Detectives enjoy old-town atmosphere with a salty edge.

Whitby Abbey

The route climbs towards the Abbey, one of Whitby’s most dramatic landmarks. The first monastery on the site dates back to 657, was destroyed by Danish Vikings in 867, and was later rebuilt by the Normans in 1220. The ruins make a striking extra stop if your squad has time.

St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church dates from the 1100s and is famously fortified against Whitby’s wild weather. Inside, you can find box pews, galleries and a three-tiered pulpit, while the churchyard gives wide views over the town and harbour below.

The 199 Steps

The famous Church Stairs were first recorded in 1390 and are said to be much older. They were originally wooden, which is why they’re known as stairs rather than steps. Take them slowly, count them if you dare, and don’t let the fish puns knock you off balance.

Henrietta Street and the Kipper Smokehouse Area

The case heads down to Henrietta Street, right into Whitby’s kipper-curing territory. This atmospheric stretch gives the mystery its proper smoky flavour, with old buildings, harbour views and plenty of fishy business in the air.