In 40 or so years, we've tried most routes but for the past 3 years we have used the train as Dick suggests. OK, we're lucky as Liverpool Lime Street station isn't far away and there's a First Trans-Pennine Express service hourly which will have you in Scarboroygh 3 hours later with no changes. Then the X.93 bus stop (Middlesborough service) is right outside the station. With a mere 10 minute wait, it'a another hour to Whitby and presto! - just over 4 hours. We couldn't drive there any quicker with a following wind, it's less stressful and with current petrol prices, a comparable outlay. It does mean I can't take my own drums anymore, have to hire a kit in and the stage suits don't get packed (where DID Guards Vans go!?) but I doubt we'd travel any other way again.