Whitby Town

Club Overview

Whitby Town Football Club are a North Yorkshire coastal club known as the Seasiders. The modern club was formed in 1926 when Whitby Whitehall Swifts and Whitby Town amalgamated as Whitby United; the name Whitby Town was adopted in 1949. In 2026/27, the club marks a century of the modern organisation and competes in the Northern Premier League Premier Division at Step 3.

Quick Facts

Full name: Whitby Town Football Club
Nickname: The Seasiders
Modern club formed: 1926
Location: Whitby, North Yorkshire
Ground: Towbar Express Stadium (Turnbull Ground)
League: Northern Premier League Premier Division
Step: 3
Address: Upgang Lane, Whitby, YO21 3HZ
Official website: whitbytownfc.com

Stadium Guide: Towbar Express Stadium / Turnbull Ground

The Turnbull Ground on Upgang Lane has been the backdrop to Whitby’s cup nights and league campaigns for generations. The club’s ground is also referred to by its current sponsor name, the Towbar Express Stadium. Supporters should check the club’s official site for current capacity information, admission, accessibility, parking and any match-specific arrangements.

The club’s social venue, Turnbull’s Bar, moved under direct club management from July 2026, reflecting the role the ground and clubhouse play in the wider community.

Club History

Whitby’s modern era began in 1926, when two local sides merged to create Whitby United and entered the Northern League. The club became Whitby Town in 1949. It built a strong reputation in regional football and cup competitions, reaching the FA Amateur Cup final at Wembley in 1964/65, where they lost 3–1 to Hendon.

Whitby won the Northern League championship in 1992/93 and again in 1996/97. The second title season was capped by one of the club’s greatest achievements: winning the FA Vase at Wembley with a 3–0 victory over North Ferriby United. The following season they won the Northern Premier League First Division title at the first attempt. Whitby have also produced notable FA Cup runs, including reaching the second round proper in the 1980s and returning to the first round proper in later campaigns. The Seasiders remain in the NPL Premier Division for 2026/27.

Honours and Achievements

  • FA Vase winners: 1996/97.
  • Northern League champions: 1992/93 and 1996/97.
  • Northern Premier League First Division champions: 1997/98.
  • FA Amateur Cup finalists: 1964/65.
  • FA Cup second-round proper appearances: 1983/84 and 1985/86.
  • Multiple Northern League Cup and North Riding Senior Cup wins.

Club Records and Memorable Moments

The 1997 FA Vase final at Wembley is the standout moment in Whitby Town’s history, combining a league title with a national cup triumph. The 1965 Amateur Cup final and the club’s FA Cup meetings with Football League opposition also remain important chapters in the Seasiders’ story.

Famous Players and Club Figures

Whitby’s history includes notable managers and players who have helped the club compete beyond its size, including former professional football figures. The club’s own history and hall-of-fame material are the best source for detailed career statistics and appearances.

Rivalries

Whitby’s coastal location creates local interest in matches against clubs across North Yorkshire, Teesside and the wider north-east. Regular league meetings and cup draws help shape the rivalries most important to supporters.

Matchday Guide

  • Check the official website for confirmed fixtures, kick-off times and admission details.
  • Navigate to Upgang Lane, Whitby, YO21 3HZ.
  • Check current guidance for parking, accessibility and visiting supporters.
  • Look for club updates about Turnbull’s Bar and matchday refreshments.

The 1996 FA Vase Triumph

Whitby Town’s history includes a landmark FA Vase victory in 1996, when the Seasiders defeated North Ferriby United at Wembley. The win remains one of the club’s defining achievements and is a major part of its identity for supporters and visitors exploring the club’s history.

The Towbar Express Stadium at the Turnbull Ground is the club’s home in the coastal town. Visitors should allow for local traffic and check current parking and public transport information, especially during busy holiday periods. Confirm the latest ground name and admission details through the club before travelling, as sponsorship and matchday arrangements can change.

Club History and Key Milestones

Whitby Town are nicknamed the Seasiders and play at the Towbar Express Stadium at the Turnbull Ground. The club has a long history on the North Yorkshire coast and is known for its FA Cup run in 1996/97, when it reached the third round proper.

Matchday Notes

Check the club’s latest official announcement for the confirmed venue, kick-off time, admission prices and payment methods. Supporters should verify parking and public transport options and plan the return journey after evening fixtures. Historic ground names and old ticket information can become outdated.

NonLeagueReview

Whitby Town combine a century of modern club history with a Wembley cup triumph and a traditional coastal ground. For groundhoppers, the Turnbull Ground and the Seasiders’ record of cup adventures make Whitby a distinctive stop in the non-league calendar.