Whitby Visitor Guide

The seaside town of Whitby on Yorkshire’s east coast is renowned for its fish and chips, as well as its stunning Gothic abbey. Whitby Abbey provided the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s ‘Dracula’. Mr Stoker stayed at a guesthouse in Whitby in July 1980. During his stay, he was working on a new story set in Austria with a main character called Count Wampyr. The dramatic and somewhat eerie ruins of Whitby Abbey inspired him.

Grade 1 listed St Mary’s Church is perched on top of the town’s East Cliff. To reach the church, visitors must climb the 199 steps. Thankfully there are benches along the way for a quick rest. It is definitely worth the climb as the views over the town are simply spectacular. Back down the steps in the heart of Whitby is the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, which houses fascinating exhibits from the life and times of Captain Cook, who lived in the town during his seaman’s apprenticeship.

During the summer months, Whitby Beach is a popular attraction, with its beach huts, donkey rides, and of course fish and chips.