This charming seaside town has a spooky history and is perfect for an autumnal staycation by the sea
When you think of the charming seaside town of Whitby, vampires might not be the first thing that springs to mind, or maybe they are.
This quaint town on the edge of the sea in north Yorkshire is actually home to the gothic building that inspired novelist Bram Stoker to write his horror classic Dracula. Despite its spooky elements, Whitby was previously named one of the prettiest towns in the UK and it’s easy to see why.
Perched atop the cliffs of North Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk, this town is jam packed with picturesque beach huts, red-bricked houses and winding streets.
Towering over all this charm is the ruins of gothic Whitby Abbey which sits 199 steps above the town. The abbey is all that’s left of a once-great Benedictine monastery which was founded in the 11th century and it’s this building which inspired Stoker to open his classic gothic novel.
Stoker stayed in Whitby in 1890, and would have heard talks of a shipwreck five years prior where a Russian vessel called The Dmitry ran aground. This tale was retold in Dracula, with The Dmitry becoming the Demeter that carries Dracula to Whitby.
Although Stoker would not finish his novel for several years after his stay and spent much of this time researching Transylvania which is another central location, Whitby stands strong in the novel and the Abbey was its starting point.
In his novel, the Demeter runs aground with only its captain remaining bound to the wheel – the rest of the crew have disappeared. Once the ship has run aground a large ‘dog’ is seen bounding up the famous 199 steps to the church – and then the real story begins.
Today there are no vampires lurking in the ruins of the church but they do make for a fascinating day of exploring – and once you’ve had your fill of history you can descend the steps and wander along the caramel shores of Whitby Sands before stopping in at the famous Magpie Cafe.
This fish and chip shop is known for its incredible battered cod, and often has queues outside the door for people keen for a hot delicious lunch, so make sure you get in early to secure a spot. The town has leaned into its gothic roots with a bi-annual Goth Weekend, once in April each year and the other in November.
This year you can join fellow lovers of black, ravens and all things spooky at the Whitby Goth Weekend from November 1 to 3. Learn more here.
