Dating back to the 7th century, this iconic abbey in the coastal town of Whitby, North Yorkshire, shares a historic connection with a renowned Gothic figure.
If you like your romance with a whiff of gothic horror about it (and who doesn’t?), Whitby Abbey is definitely the place for you. So extraordinarily vampish does it appear that, if Bram Stoker had not come along and populated it with Count Dracula, someone else surely would have done.
Where is Whitby Abbey?
It’s situated on the northeast coast of England, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.
When was Whitby Abbey built?
Originally founded around 657 AD by King Oswy of Northumbria, the abbey was reborn after the Norman Conquest and greatly expanded in the 13th century.
How many steps are there at Whitby Abbey?
Choose an eerily misty day and count with your beloved each of the famous 199 Steps up from the town as you climb to the exposed headland and catch your first glimpse of the dramatic skeletal remains of the Benedictine abbey – all gothic (what else?) arches and towering walls.
What happened to Whitby Abbey?
Its days as a powerful religious establishment were brought to a sudden end in 1539 by Henry VIII and his Dissolution of the Monasteries.
The buildings passed into private hands and began their long descent into ruin. And then Bram Stoker visited in 1890 and nothing would ever be the same again.
What to see and do at Whitby Abbey
In addition to the spectacular ruins and breathtaking views across the harbour, don’t miss the visitor center and museum, which features tales of Viking raids and saintly Saxons – and the story of how Whitby inspired Bram Stoker
If you want to go full-on goth-romantic, visit on one of Whitby’s biannual Goth Weekends – festivals of all things goth that celebrate their thirtieth anniversary this year (26-28 April & 1-3 November).
Useful Information
Visit English Heritage for opening times and prices. For free entry become a member and enjoy unlimited access to all their properties, or book non-member tickets to visit Whitby Abbey.
Where to stay near Whitby Abbey
If you want to hang onto your vampiric vibe, stay at The Belfry. A wonderful Victorian guest house built on the grand scale, it has more gothic windows than you can shake a silver stake at.
Check availability and book a room on TripAdvisor.
Trips and guided tours of Whitby
North York Moors and Whitby Day Tour from York
Conveniently starting in York, a great way to explore the area. Check availability and book now at TripAdvisor
Whitby Ghost and Dracula Walk
Join Rose for an entertaining guided tour of Whitby. Check availability and book now at Whitby Story Teller.
Essential Whitby: Discover the town’s legends on a self-guided audio tour
A fun way to experience the seaside town. Check availability and book now at TripAdvisor
Looking for more inspirational Days Out?
Check out our expert guides and features about North Yorkshire, including best walks in North Yorkshire, Robin Hood Bay’s and whale watching in Whitby.