shepherds purse
Located in the heart of the Old Town, The Shepherd’s Purse Guesthouse provides a perfect base from which to explore the ancient seaport of Whitby.
THE
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OUR ETHOS
“We understand the importance of rest - a good night’s sleep by the light of the moon, wholesome holidays spent walking on the beach collecting shells and sitting by the rock pools. A few days away from the stresses of the everyday to recoup and recharge. Bath rituals, plant medicine for bedtime teas and natural skincare. Sitting by the ocean, listening to the song of the gulls and the waves.
Come, relax,
stay a while.”
- The McHugh Budd family
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ROOTED BY THE SEA. BUILT BY FAMILY. MADE TO WELCOME.
At Shepherd’s Purse, everything we do is shaped by our place on the coast and the generations before us. As a second-generation family business, we have grown steadily and thoughtfully—guided by hard work, care, and a deep respect for the land and sea that surround us.
Our spaces are created with intention, balancing comfort with craftsmanship, simplicity with warmth. From the details within each room to the wider experience we offer, everything is designed to feel considered and genuine.
Above all, we are here to welcome. Whether you come to rest, gather, celebrate, or simply breathe in the sea air, Shepherd’s Purse is a place to feel grounded, looked after, and truly at home.
A place where deep green valley meets wild north sea, where echoes of mermaid crested waves and a touch of the faerie folk are woven into something quite magical.
Come walk through a doorway into another world and discover something truly captivating and unique.
Four-poster beds with private balconies, nestled beside a secret COURTYARD GARDEN, only a short stroll from the sea.
The Shepherds Purse - Guesthouse, Ceremony Space & Secret Garden is tucked away within The Old Workshops - a quaint and historic location, home to a bustling Victorian jet workshop in a past life. Just a stone’s throw from Whitby Abbey, on the east side of historic Church Street, it’s a tranquil retreat hidden in the heart of Whitby.
A quiet Yorkshire retreat where stories unfold, books stay open, and time softens.
A family business since the 70s, The Shepherds Purse is in it’s second generation - directed by siblings Michelle, Sophie and Kim McHugh Budd. Together, they continue the spirit of their parent’s wanderlust and fairytale imagination.
A beautiful courtyard garden
The cosy Guesthouse rooms are situated around a flourishing courtyard with A secret Garden.
Lose yourself amongst the rambling clematis and scented roses. Choose a ground floor garden or balconied room to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Make a wish in our Moroccan fountain.
Relax. . Unwind
REVIEWS
magical gem
as ever another wonderful stay here. Beautiful rooms overlooking a gorgeous courtyard hidden off Church Street, fairy lights added to the ambience. Lovely 4 four poster bed and own balcony, perfect for chilling with a glass of wine, whatever the weather. We'll certainly be back - jackie
a little paradise
Lovely stay as always. Very cosy & comfortable in the heart of everything.- Tracy
HOME FROM HOME
The shepherds purse is the nicest place to stop, situated perfectly in the middle of the old town, a short walk from the abbey and not far from all the lovely shops - NATHAN
amazing
The room ia beautiful, bed is so COMFORTABLE ans where it ia situated ia fab right in the middle of everything, but once in the court yard its like your in thw middle of no where - amanda
BRILLIANT
We loved the rooms, very quirky, everything was in the rooms that we needed, the rooms were spotless and comfortable. We sat on our balcony which looked over the pretty courtyard. The position was great, a few MINUTES' walk from the Abbey STEPS. if you turn to the left you were straight onto the streets for shops, pubs and RESTAURANTS. it only took us 6 minutes from the train station to the accommodation, excellent, would stay again - SAM
The Old Workshops
Clinical Aromatherapy
CEREMONY SPACE
Workshops
Before You Arrive
Below you’ll find everything you need to prepare for your stay at The Shepherd’s Purse — including arrival and parking details, check-in times, what to bring, and how to make the most of your visit. If you have any questions before you travel, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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Parking is situated in the pay and display car park on Church Street, on the harbour side. It is priced at £12.00 for 24 hours and is within 3 minutes walking distance.
On busy weekends, when this carpark is full, Whitby Abbey car park has ample space.
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Staff are on-site from 9 am until 1 pm; however, Contactless Stays are now offered, so you can arrive at your leisure.
Your key will be left in the door, with directions and check-in information sent to you via email.
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Check-out time is at 10 am.
Please put your key in the door and pay using the payment email option, or pop into the office to use the card machine.
Cash payments help small businesses avoid unnecessary card processing fees.
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Self-check-in is offered as part of Contactless Stays.
Rooms are cleaned to the highest standard, with keys left for you to enter.
The McHugh Budd family live close by and are easily contactable by phone.
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Sanders Yard Cafe is located just in front of The Old Workshops and they serve a fantastic breakfast between the hours of 9 and 11am every morning.
A selection of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are available.
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Bags can be safely stored in the office if you want to get breakfast or do some last-minute shopping along Church Street on your last day.
The office is staffed from 9 am until 1 pm daily.
When you book directly with us, you’ll enjoy a little extra care
— saving £15 per night on your stay.
It’s our way of saying thank you for supporting our small, independent guesthouse. Booking direct means your reservation comes straight to us, allowing us to offer a more personal, thoughtful, and considered experience from the moment you arrive.