Fabulous Events in February 2026
Here at the Riviera Guesthouse in Whitby, we look forward to February!
The long month of January is ‘done and dusted’ and the daylight hours are definitely getting longer.
Snowdrops pop up and there’s always something to look forward to here on the Yorkshire Coast.
February events
While it’s the shortest month of the year, the are numerous events taking place this month.
As well as half term, there is also that important romantic of all days, St Valentine’s Day, which this year falls on a Saturday.
Whitby Steampunk Weekend
The first of two steampunk events take place on 6th, 7th and 8th February 2026.
And the second event takes place on 24th, 25th and 26th July 2026.
A family friendly event, the weekend includes activities, workshops, presentations, demonstrations, the famous Steampunk Retails Emporium.
Dark Skies
This hugely popular event this year takes place from 13th February to 1st March 2026 inclusive.
Dark Skies takes place in the magnificent North York Moors National Park (and the Yorkshire Dales National Park).
The event in the nearby North York Moors National Park includes the Fringe Festival as well as 17 days of stargazing safaris, nocturnal nature, ghost walks, starlight runs, mindfulness sessions, kids’ events, works shops and more.
Whitby Abbey
Events take place throughout the year, with this year’s expected events for February yet to be announced at the time of writing.
Find out more about this historic landmark.
The Whitby Pavilion
This entertainment venue is just a few minutes’ walk from the Riviera.
It has a stunning location, which overlooks beaches and the sea, includes a theatre and a cinema, perfect for indoor entertainment throughout the year.
February’s entertainment includes pop music, football legends, tribute acts, and bingo nights.
Visit Whitby Pavilion’s website here.
Other key anniversaries in 2026
100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II – our late Queen was born on the 21st April 1926.
Winnie the Pooh, 100 years
Surely one of the best-known children’s books, AA Milne’s Winnie the Pooh was first published in 1926.
The adventures of Piglet, Eeyore, Rabbit and other characters still seem magical to children and adults alike.
Another children’s classic, Alice in Wonderland, was first published in 1865.
Author Lewis Carroll has some Whitby links, discover them here!
Whitby Folks
Some well-known local folk have anniversaries in 2026.
Here are some of them!
Francis Haydn Williams (1836 to 1910) – 190 years since his birth, and famous for his campaign against Lord of the Manor, Sir Charles Strickland, who encroached on common land thereby restricting access to it.
Francis was able to recover parts of Abbey Plain and West Cliff along with a footpath to Mallyan Spout.
Francis Pickernell (1796 to 1871) – 230 years since his birth, he was the harbour engineer for Whitby, who helped the building of two lighthouses, designed Whitby Bridge, and oversaw the construction of the landing quay at Dock-end.
Margaret Storm Jameson,(1891 to 1936) – 90 years since her death, she was a famous novelist, who penned more than 50 books.
William Fortune (1829 to 1886) – 140 years since his death. He founded Fortune’s Kippers which still operates today. Even royalty enjoys their smoked fish!
