Whether you’re into your gothic literature and fancy seeing the glorious Abbey that inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, or you’re just looking for a quaint seaside town to jaunt around in for a weekend, you’ve probably been recommended (or even already been to) Whitby before in your lifetime.

But, have you been recommended Robin Hood’s Bay? Nestled technically inside Whitby itself, just a short 15 minute drive from the famous Abbey sits this small, picturesque village with its own character and cobblestone streets, sloping down towards the rugged bay which was used for smuggling tea, tobacco and brandy, once upon a time.

Today though, the village is less about smuggling and more about slow living, with its lovely artisan shops, traditional pubs and warm, welcoming guesthouses like the Hotel Victoria; a Victorian hotel, restaurant and bar steeped in tradition and boasting plenty of character.

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel — **Hotel Victoria** Credit: Confidentials

Sat atop a cliffside overlooking the scenic Heritage Coast below, Hotel Victoria is an impressive property first built in 1897. In 2024, it reopened after undergoing a multi-million pound refurbishment which turned it into the elegantly-decorated 30-bedroom abode it is today.

Each bedroom has been thoughtfully decorated to retain the traditional character and history of the area whilst featuring all the home comforts and modcons guests could want from their stay, such as a rainfall shower, smart TV and coffee machine.

Some of the newly refreshed rooms are family- and dog-friendly while there’s two specially designed accessible suites to ensure all guests have a comfortable stay. Limited private parking is available for guests too, including an electric charging point.

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel Bedroom — **One of the tastefully decorated bedrooms at Hotel Victoria, overlooking Robin Hood's Bay** Credit: Confidentials

Inside, you’ll find The Loxley Pub; a cosy, traditional bar with roaring fires and comfortable, worn-in seats for enjoying catch ups over classic gastropub favourites like beer-battered fish and chips and steak & ale pie.

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel Loxley — **The lovely Loxley Pub** Credit: Confidentials

Those looking for a more elevated dining experience can visit the hotel’s sister haunt, Osborne’s Restaurant - a stunning area with floor to ceiling windows providing panoramic views across the bay. Headed up by award-winning chef Ryan Osborne who has helmed the kitchen since 2022, the hotel has since bagged an AA Rosette Award in May of this year.

Here, guests can enjoy polished modern takes on classic dishes, such as prawn and smoked salmon cocktail with marie rose sauce and herring caviar, as well as a quintessentially British Afternoon Tea. A full continental breakfast buffet is also served here in the mornings with hot menu items available to order at the table.

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel Osborne Food — **Focaccia ordered at Osborne's Restaurant** Credit: Confidentials

Once you’ve settled into your surroundings, you can take the steady stroll down towards the bay, passing the local businesses and pubs that have stood the test of time on North Yorkshire’s rugged coastline. Just be prepared for the steep walk back up the cobbled streets and maybe factor in a few stops along the way. Or, take advantage of Victoria Hotel’s chauffeur offering which sees you driven down to the bottom of the village and back up in style.

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel Robin Hoods Bay Shops — **Shops at Robin Hood's Bay** Credit: Confidentials

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel Bay View — **Robin Hood's Bay** Credit: Confidentials

Just a quarter of an hour’s drive from Robin Hood’s Bay (or 18-minute bus ride if you fancy leaving the car where it is), you’ll find bustling Whitby town, full of eateries, independently owned shops and gothic splendours to marvel at, including, of course, the famous Whitby Abbey which welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each and every year.

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel Whitby Abbey 1 — **The fabulous Whitby Abbey** Credit: Confidentials

Climb the 199 steps and you’ll find the imposing Abbey ruins looking out to see, with stones that tell stories dating back well over a thousand years to its original Anglo-Saxon foundations. Included in your ticket to enter the Abbey ruins, you can opt to use an audio guide headset to learn more about the history of this marvellously moody structure. There’s also an indoor museum and gift shop where you can observe artifacts which have been uncovered on the Abbey grounds and purchase local produce from vampire-themed wines to handmade Dracula Christmas tree ornaments.

2026 11 03 Dracula Ornament — **Dracula Christmas tree ornament, anyone?** Credit: Confidentials

If you’re looking for even more gothic eccentricities to explore, the free-to-enter Whitby Jet Museum will be right up your street. Part jewellers, part collectors, the Whitby Jet Museum has a large display of the rare, antique black gemstone in various forms as well as a room dedicated to showcasing how the jewellery would have been made back in the Victorian era.

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel Whitby Jet — **Inside the Whitby Jet Museum** Credit: Confidentials

And of course, all good explorations should end at the pub. The newly opened House of Momento Mori is a gothic-themed craft bar from the same team behind the popular ‘Valhalla’; a Viking-themed bar in York. Located on the quaint and picturesque Grape Lane, Memento Mori serves up specialty cask and bottled beers and often has bands performing on weekends.

2026 11 03 Victoria Hotel Momento Mori Bar — **Inside Momento Mori bar** Credit: Confidentials

Fact File

Overnight stays at Hotel Victoria start from just £109 per night on a bed & breakfast basis. The hotel also offers bespoke packages for weddings and celebrations, with the opportunity to hire its bedrooms, entertainment and dining spaces.

For more information and to book a room or table for Osborne’s Restaurant, visit victoriarhb.com.

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