The Shepherd'S Purse Whitby * Family-Run Boutique

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Key details

About the Hotel

The Old Worskhops, Sanders Yard, Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4BH

Close to Whitby Harbour

Perfect

9.4

9.5

/10

4.6

4.8

Loved by The Shepherd'S Purse guests

Comfy beds

Ideal location

Lovely shower

Cute hosts

Beautiful courtyard

Clean rooms

"Each room has it's own outdoor seating area providing a relaxing space to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere."

Steve H from United Kingdom

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"We particularly enjoyed having a balcony overlooking the garden courtyard, and being so close to the centre of the old town."

NottsFoodNerd from United Kingdom

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"The Dove Loft was clean and beautiful."

thomas

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3-star Whitby guest house with award-winning secret garden & holistic spa

Rooms & Suites

The Shepherd's Purse offers 6 rooms including the signature Dove Loft suite, which has a roll-top bath and a fridge. Superior King Rooms provide private balconies with garden or courtyard views and four-poster beds. All rooms feature luxury linens and exclusive use of cruelty-free organic beauty products.

Wellness & Relaxation

On-site holistic treatments include the Ayurveda foot massage, delivered in a calm therapy room within the courtyard. The hotel uses only cruelty-free and organic beauty products across all spa services. Guests can also access the garden courtyard for meditation and mindfulness sessions.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The hotel sits 500 metres from Whitby Abbey and is an 8-minute walk from Whitby Beach. Local dining at The Magpie Cafe is within walking distance, and the 199 Steps to the abbey are directly accessible from the old town alleyway. The property is central to Whitby's independent shops and harbour.

Awards & Unique Features

The Shepherd's Purse received Eviivo's Hidden Gems Award in 2018 for its distinctive character and service. The property features a secluded courtyard garden lit with fairy lights, offering outdoor seating for all guests. The family-run hotel emphasises community and sustainability, reflected in its cruelty-free amenity policy.

Guest Experience & Additional Services

The Dove Loft suite includes a fridge for storing drinks, and all rooms have tea and coffee facilities. The hotel provides flexible check-in and a contactless arrival process. On-site ceremonies and workshops can be arranged for personal celebrations or group wellness sessions.

Highlights

Rooms: Dove Loft suite with roll-top bath & fridge

Wellness: Ayurveda foot massage & holistic treatments

Awards: Eviivo's Hidden Gems Award 2018

Location: 500m from Whitby Abbey, 8-min walk to beach

Amenities: Courtyard garden with fairy lights

Sustainability: Cruelty-free organic beauty products

“What sets this guesthouse apart is its whimsical character, creating a romantic vibe with vintage decor; I especially appreciate the serene garden courtyard and thoughtful touches like organic bath products. Its location makes it easy to enjoy Whitby's old town, including its access to local dining. It's a mindful approach to hospitality.”

Grace WhitmanContent & Editorial Director at Familyhotels

Location: Perfect

9.8/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

Room FeaturesHome Away

The Dove Loft was gorgeous, with two spacious rooms. It made our stay feel truly special and comfortable.

Alice Keys from Canada

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BathroomJacuzzi heaven!

Bathroom has lovely amenities and a jacuzzi bath. So relaxing after a long day of travel and sightseeing.

Ricardo Estevez from Spain

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DiningNext Door Treat

Sanders coffee shop, just next door, is perfect for great breakfasts with plenty of options. A real treat!

Mei Lin from China

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Guest ParkingCentral Location

Handy central location, Church Street car park just a short walk. Perfect for exploring the town.

Robert Smith from Australia

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Choose from a variety of room types

Choose from a wide variety of rooms designed for families, including double rooms, family suites, and rooms with breakfast included

Superior King Room
2 persons
6 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Balcony
Bathtub
room details
Superior Double Room
2 persons
7 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Balcony
Heating
room details
Deluxe Suite
2 persons
8 sq. feet
1 Double bed
Bathtub
Heating
room details

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Availability and pricing for your selected dates

Book your family’s getaway in a snap with up-to-date availability and pricing!

September 2026 - September 2027

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Check-in/ Check-out

Facilities

Each family-friendly hotel provides top-notch amenities for an unforgettable stay with your loved ones

Facilities: Perfect

9.2/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
No parking
No pets allowed

Sports & Fitness

Hiking
Horseback riding
Cycling
Fishing

Spa & Leisure

Beach access

Room features

Tea and coffee facilities
Ironing facilities

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Media

Flat-screen TV

Room decor

Carpeted floor

The Shepherd'S Purse Location

The Old Worskhops, Sanders Yard, Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4BH

Explore Whitby

Local Highlights

Whitby Abbey

7-minute walk

Historic ruins with stunning coastal views. Famous for its Brontë connections and evocative atmosphere.

Captain Cook Memorial Museum

3-minute walk

Museum dedicated to Captain Cook, housing maritime artifacts and engaging exhibits exploring exploration.

Whitby Lighthouse

12-minute walk

Iconic lighthouse offering picturesque coastal views. A perfect photo spot and a landmark of maritime history.

Whitby Cliff Lift

12-minute walk

Cliffside lift providing scenic views of Whitby. A fun and unique way to explore the coastal paths.

The Cinder Track

19-minute walk

Leisurely walking or biking on a converted railway line. A great outdoor activity suitable for all ages.

Humble Pie 'n' Mash

2-minute walk

Casual eatery known for traditional pies and local ingredients. Family-friendly with vegetarian options.

Sandgate Coffee & Delights

1-minute walk

Charming café offering coffee and homemade treats. A cozy atmosphere perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Whitby Sea Front

12-minute walk

Vibrant area with beachside activities and events. Ideal for a leisurely evening stroll or family outings.

Whitby Wizard

20-minute walk

Live entertainment venue hosting magic shows and comedy nights. Suitable for all ages, offering fun for the whole family.

Tips on navigating the city

City Centre
Whitby 5 min · 1400 ft
Airports
Durham Tees Valley (MME) 108 min · 44.4 mi
Leeds Bradford (LBA) 187 min · 77.1 mi
Train
Whitby Train Station 5 min · 1400 ft

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 12:30-17:00

Check-out

until 10 am

Guest Parking

No parking available.

Internet

Wireless internet is available in the entire hotel for free.

Children & extra beds

There are no cots provided in a room.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Number of rooms:

Family-focused reviews and ratings

Read feedback from other families who have stayed to ensure you make the right choice.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Shepherd's Purse is praised for its prime location right in the center of Whitby, offering easy access to shops and restaurants. Guests love the beautiful and relaxing courtyard garden, often noting the balconies where they can soak up the sunshine. While some guests have found the rooms to be on the smaller side, many appreciate the unique, quirky charm and extras such as coffee and tea facilities, with some rooms also featuring a fridge. The hotel's proximity to Church Street is also a highlight for many.

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Review score

Based on 133 verified reviews

9.2 /10

Perfect

94 %

Recommend

Breakfast

10.0/10

Paid Wi-Fi

10.0/10

Facilities

9.2/10

Value for money

9.3/10

Pros

Quaint place

Quiet courtyard

Cosy room

Friendly staff

Cons

Poor sound insulation

luke from united kingdom

Couple

superior double room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 27, 2026

9/10

clean loft two rooms helpful staff

the dove loft was beautiful and clean. it included two rooms and suited my needs well. the staff helped me find the place when i arrived late by being available on the phone.

the electric sockets had many extensions, slightly concerning.

0 Helpful

Zoe from United Kingdom

Single

Double Room Private Bathroom

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed: January 11, 2026

9.3/10

quaint stay in the heart

perfect location beautifully decorated hotel helpful staff

The location was really perfect! the hotel was also beautifully decorated. staff were helpful and friendly. I appreciate that. i will come back!

the electric sockets were full of extensions and that was a fire hazard!

Rooms

9/10

My double room had a private bathroom. That was awesome! everything was clean and well maintained. the room had sufficient space for my needs, and i found it very relaxing.

Dining

8/10

I did not eat on-site but i saw there were several restaurants nearby. the location makes it easy to explore various dining options. menus seemed varied. I noticed that.

Location

10/10

the hotel had a very central position! the abbey was within a short walk, a plus. getting around was easy because of the location.

Service

10/10

the staff seemed friendly and eager to assist guests. they answered all questions quickly. they offered advice on local attractions too!

0 Helpful

Samuel from United Kingdom

Single

Standard Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed: November 10, 2025

9.4/10

Hidden Gem, A Fab Stay!

central location beautiful garden perfect room

The location? Absolutely spot-on. It is tucked away off Church Street. I found the courtyard garden really beautiful, I found a peaceful escape. The room was a bijou, it worked for my needs. I found it perfect.

There were several extension cords on the electric sockets, so fire safety is a must! The cord to the kettle was too short, the kettle had to sit on the floor. Climbing from the bottom was the only way to get on the double bed against the wall.

Location

10/10

The hotel is hidden just off Church Street, providing quiet. It also offers immediate access to attractions. It's really convenient.

Rooms

9/10

My room included a beautiful brass bed, I thought it was fantastic. The bathroom also was good, I liked the toiletries. I found everything clean and well kept.

Dining

10/10

There are many restaurants very close to the hotel, giving many dining options. I walked to try a new restaurant.

Service

9/10

I found the staff was friendly and helpful. The check-in and check-out was easy. I appreciated their attentiveness.

Facilities

9/10

The courtyard garden created a calm, peaceful haven. I found it away from the busy street, it made relaxation easy. I liked the tranquil atmosphere.

0 Helpful

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FAQs

About The Shepherd'S Purse

How far is The Shepherd'S Purse from Whitby Beach?

The Shepherd'S Purse is located 700 meters from Whitby Beach.

What check-in and check-out times apply at The Shepherd'S Purse?

Check-in is at 12:30 and check-out is by 10:30.

What activities can guests enjoy at The Shepherd'S Purse?

Guests can enjoy activities such as cycling, fishing, and hiking in and around Whitby.

What types of dining options are close to The Shepherd'S Purse?

Nearby restaurants include The Black Horse, J's Ice Cream Parlour, Monks Haven Cafe, Arnies Restaurant, White Horse & Griffin, Humble Pie 'n' Mash, The Blitz Cafe, and Sandgate Coffee & Delights, all within 0.5 km.

What amenities are included in the rooms at The Shepherd'S Purse?

Rooms at The Shepherd'S Purse include free Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities, and certain units feature balconies.

Is there a beach accessible from The Shepherd'S Purse?

Yes, West Cliff Beach is approximately 1 km from The Shepherd'S Purse.

How far is The Shepherd'S Purse from Whitby Abbey?

The Shepherd'S Purse is just a 7-minute stroll from Whitby Abbey.

What is the closest airport to The Shepherd'S Purse?

Teesside International Airport is 69 km away from The Shepherd'S Purse.