The White Horse and Griffin

from CA$144
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“A 17th-century coaching inn, tucked beneath Whitby’s historic abbey, that creaks with character. Its ten quirkily shaped rooms mix original features with a cool, fresh look while the restaurant offers a bistro-style menu. Distinguished guests include the likes of Dickens and Captain James Cook.”

Hotel review

Tucked under the hillside leading up to Whitby Abbey, on one of the fishing town’s oldest streets, it’s easy to walk right past The White Horse and Griffin; its narrow frontage is half taken up by an archway leading to an inner courtyard; a remnant from its days as a coaching inn. This place has history in spades. Dating from the 17th century, it was the town’s first coaching inn on the run to York and London, and has been welcoming guests for most of the intervening years. After a major renovation in the 1990s, to remove layers of inappropriate decoration, it now mixes original features with a cool, spare look. The 10 quirkily shaped bedrooms, featuring original panelling, fireplaces and exposed timbers, are dotted over four floors in a maze of little passageways and corners. Decorated in muted shades, with splashes of colour in throws and cushions, the style is pared-down with a mix of modern and vintage furniture and perhaps the odd chandelier for a spot of sparkle. Some rooms have low ceilings; others are tucked under the eaves, while views are either over rooftops, courtyard or cobbled street. And there’s sherry and home-made biscuits, too. The dining room, with its flagged floors and raftered ceiling, is suitably atmospheric and offers a bistro-style menu with thoughtful but unfussy dishes such as beetroot and vodka cured salmon, and belly pork with smoked mashed potato and black pudding. Afterwards, have a drink in the bar, a tiny slip of a room that’s all wood panelling and well-worn floorboards. It reminds of a ship; and it’s no surprise to learn that the great explorer Captain James Cook, who served his apprenticeship in Whitby, used this inn to recruit his crews.

Helen Pickles
Helen Pickles Review published: 2024-02-26

Recommended for

  • Families

    • The spacious self-catering cottage sleeps up to six and offers families all the comforts of home yet with hotel amenities

  • Active Holiday

    • Located near to the Yokshire Moors, this is a cosy base to return to after a day hiking, cycling or fishing

  • Full of character

    • With wonky walls, sloped ceilings, exposed beams, and roaring fires this is a characterful historic stay

  • Historic

    • The building is one of the oldest and most iconic properties on the east side of the town

  • Fishing

    • The lively Whitby Harbour has seen fisherman come and go each day for centuries

  • Pet friendly

    • Small well behaved dogs are allowed in four of the rooms and the cottage

  • Museums

    • Whitby Museum and Captain Cook Birthplace Museum are both nearby

  • Local markets

    • Whitby Farmer's Market has a vibrant selection of local produce

  • Great walks

    • The North York Moors are all but on your doorstep

  • Restaurant

    • Classic pub food is served in the restaurant

  • Sights nearby

    • Whitby Abbey is a historic must see

  • Owner managed

  • Inn

  • Wedding license

  • Gourmet

  • Charming

  • Traditional

  • Child friendly

  • Quirky

  • Antiques

Facilities

  • Rooms

    10 rooms in this hotel

  • Pet friendly

    Small well behaved dogs are allowed in four of the rooms and the cottage

  • Restaurant

    Classic pub food is served in the restaurant

  • Parking

  • Fireplace

  • Wedding license

  • Bar

  • Wifi

  • Sitting Room

  • Child friendly

Activities

  • Fishing

    • The lively Whitby Harbour has seen fisherman come and go each day for centuries

  • Museums

    • Whitby Museum and Captain Cook Birthplace Museum are both nearby

  • Local markets

    • Whitby Farmer's Market has a vibrant selection of local produce

  • Great walks

    • The North York Moors are all but on your doorstep

  • Sights nearby

    • Whitby Abbey is a historic must see

Map & Location

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