Our family-run guesthouse, the Riviera, is always ‘egg-cited’ about Easter!
The long Easter weekend this year begins Good Friday, (3rd April 2026) however there is lots going on during the entire Easter break.
Easter is a moveable feast, meaning it has different dates each year (next year, 2027, Easter falls in March!).
Whitby is always proud of its links to Easter.
The Synod of Whitby in the 7th Century was formed and it helped decide how the Easter date is agreed upon each year.
Of course, Easter is traditionally connected to the Christian belief system.
Yet everyone can enjoy the long weekend that Easter brings, regardless of their faith.
Whitby is festooned with fabulous things to do!
Made in Whitby Krampus Easter Festival at Whitby Abbey (3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th April) featuring folklore, music, and local crafts, family-friendly activities like chocolate trails at nearby attractions, while traditional events like afternoon teas and pub gatherings also offer festive fun for visitors.
For future reference, later dates for the Made in Whitby events are as follows:
2nd & 3rd July 2026 Made in Whitby Summer Festival, Whitby Brewery
5th & 6th December 2026 Made in Whitby Krampus Winter Festival, Whitby Abbey
12th & 13th December 2026 Made in Whitby Christmas Festival, Whitby Brewery
Forest Fun
ZooLab’s Easter Show will take place in Dalby Forest, Pickering, (postcode YO18 7LT).
Why not let the ZooLab gang, including snails, cockroaches and snakes tell you all about everything to do with Easter on Tuesday 7th April 2026?
Sessions available:
1:00pm to 1:45pm
2:00pm to 2:45pm
3:00pm to 3:45pm
Most suitable for kids aged 3+ years.
£8 per ticket, adults and children. £7 for Forestry England Members – proof of Membership must be brought to the session
Normal parking charges apply. Forestry England Members park for free.
Easter Fun HM Bark Endeavour
This replica Captain Cook ship is moored in Whitby Harbour and is always a fascinating place to visit.
While their Easter events have yet to be announced, it’s a great place to visit at any time of
year.
North York Moors National Park (Sutton Bank and also Danby Lodge).
These venues are celebrating its 50th birthday in 2026!
To help mark this special occasion, there will be a 50th Anniversary Children’s Trail (running in April until May 5 2026).
Sutton Bank National Park Centre Take part in the missing bird egg mystery trail (Apr 7–17) and family bike rides, just the ticket to help keep the younger members of the family entertained!
Whitby Abbey
Easter Adventure Quest at Whitby Abbey.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum, Grape Lane
This must-visit museum opens again 7th February 2026.
Events include:
1st April Easter Holiday Wednesday Workshop
Nic Stead
Clay Workshop. Entry £5.00
8th April Easter Holiday Wednesday Workshop
Ship in a Bottle. Entry Free (with your Museum entry)
9th April Thursday Talk
Sophie Forgan,
Captain Walker’s doorknob: an informal history of the Museum
FREE (with your Museum entry).
Pannett Park, Whitby Museum and Art Gallery
This popular hub is just a short walk from us here at the Riviera.
Spectacular gardens, a fabulous play area, a fascinating gallery (including Staithes Group of Artists and the Museum itself are well worth exploring.
The museum itself is a true treasure trove including dinosaurs, fossils, ship models, and much, much more.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
This fascinating heritage railway is one of the finest in the country.
Their Easter events have yet to be finalised, so we’ll update this article soon.
Some of the locomotives now puff their way into Whitby railway station, however the main track runs from Grosmont to Pickering and back again.
We love it and you can read our blog here.
Further afield
Easter Events Scarborough
Check out the Scarborough Castle website.
See what’s happening at the Rotunda and Art Gallery
Filey Food Festival & Malton
Taking place Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th April 2026 in this historic seaside resort.
https://visitnorthyorkshire.com/events/filey-food-festival
Eden Camp Modern History Museum(Malton): Easter Holiday Fun (March 30 – April 12).
Hit the Beach
If the weather behaves, then a trip to the beach is a must!
Whitby has fine beaches to explore, but always be aware of the tides.
You can read our ultimate guide here.
Stretch Those Legs
Whether you want a quick stroll or a real calf-burner, then Whitby is the place for you.
We’ve made the planning bit easy with our helpful blogs.This blog tackles some longer trails in Whitby and beyond
Or you could enjoy a stroll around Whitby itself and absorb some of its fascinating history.
What’s On Page
We have our own what’s on page which is a handy, thumbnail listing of local events.
Parking
Whether you are staying here in Whitby or perhaps here for a day, you’ll need our guide to parking.
Parking charges are in place usually from 1st March and also always check the signage.
About the Riviera Guesthouse
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.
Please note all dates and times are correct at the time of posting; you are advised to check events are taking place before starting your journey.
