Heritage Open Days, Whitby September 2026
September is not only the start of a new academic year, it’s also the month of Heritage Open Days in Whitby!
Heritage Open Days are England’s largest festival of history and culture.
These annual dates offer a chance for history and heritage lovers to see ‘behind the scenes’ at some of Whitby’s iconic buildings.
Please ensure you check the events are taking place in case of last minute alterations, and if you have restricted mobility then please check with the venue/organisers before you book or attend.
Book your stay with us so you can relax and enjoy these Heritage Open Days.
Abbey House YHA, Whitby
Tour of Abbey House YHA Whitby
Taking place at YHA Whitby, Abbey House, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT
16th Sep 2026
10am to 4pm
Meet in the café/bar
Pre-booking preferred
This Grade 1 listed building dates back to around 657, take the opportunity to enjoy an informative tour of the house and grounds followed by a game of croquet.
Fylingthorpe Methodist Church
Fylingthorpe Methodist Church, Thorpe Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4TT
12th to 20th September 11am to 4pm (Sunday different opening times may apply.
Pre-booking not required
A hall full of over 100 Fishermens’ Ganseys old & new. Discover what a gansey is, and how varied they can be. An important part of our maritime past!
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Grosmont
North Yorkshire Moors Historical Railway Trust, Grosmont Station, Front Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5QE
13th to 16th September, 20th September
11.45am
Pre-booking not required
Explore Grosmont Station which is one of the stations on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one of the most famous heritage railway lines in the UK.
Learn about the history of this beautiful station which has kept all of its charm and character.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Grosmont
NYMR Behind-the-scenes access to Armstrong Oilers at the MPD, Grosmont
North Yorkshire Moors Historical Railway Trust, Grosmont Station, Front Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5QE
13th, 14th, 15th 16th September 10am to 1pm
20th September 10am to 1pm
Meet Brian and Tammy, the team behind the fascinating Armstrong Oilers manufacturing and production facility based at the MPD in Grosmont, featured in the recent Channel 4 TV series ‘Steam Train Diaries.
Discover how important Armstrong Oilers are to locomotive engines across the world.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Grosmont
Grosmont, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5BJ
14th, 15th and 16th September 1pm and 3pm.
Meet a railway guide at the front of the engine shed to talk about the work of the MPD and what you can see from the public areas accessible in front and around the shed: a unique chance to see ‘behind the scenes’.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Grosmont
Grosmont, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5BJ
12th and 13th September 11am to 3pm
Pre-booking not required
See what happens behind the scenes at the locomotive sheds in Grosmont, the operating hub of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Goathland
Location: Goathland Station, Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5NF
Multiple dates available
14th, 15th and 16th September
10.30, 12noon and 2pm
Pre-booking not required
Explore Goathland heritage station.
Harry Potter fans will love this as Goathland became Hogsmeade Station, and it was also featured in the popular Heartbeat TV series.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Pickering
At Platform 2, Pickering Station, Park Street, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AJ
14th, 15th and 16th September 10am to 12noon and 12.30 to 2pm
Hands-on fun with our exciting signal box demonstrations, explore the role of the signaller and even have a go at changing the signal … how can you resist!
If you love history, or are simply curious about Whitby’s multifaceted past why not visit our blogs?
Whalebone Arch and Scrimshaw Art
About the Riviera Guesthouse
A stay at the Riviera is all about the views. Most of our bedrooms are sea-facing and we can happily boast they are some of the most sought-after views in the whole of Whitby!
Most of our guests are smitten and one stay is never enough. We regularly welcome back guests who have fallen in love with Whitby and fallen in love with our sea views.
Our 15 spacious en-suite bedrooms are renowned for their originality. Each has been uniquely designed to suit individual tastes. And what’s more, they are beautifully furnished with lots of modern comforts so you enjoy a restful and cosy stay.
There is a choice of Four Poster Superior King, King Size, Deluxe Double, Standard Double, Family, Twin and Single bedrooms.
All are comfortably furnished and feature flat screen LCD televisions and complimentary WiFi.
On arrival you’ll find a well stocked refreshment tray in your room which is topped up daily with a selection of teas, coffee, hot chocolate, milk and biscuits. We supply both sugar and sweetener (in case you aren’t sweet enough).
