One of the most iconic sites in Yorkshire is famous for its literary connections.
For anyone that visits Whitby, it is the 7th century Abbey that overlooks the famous seaside resort from the East Cliff headland that is the most memorable landmark.
It is one of the most dramatic and famous sights in Yorkshire, and in a county full of historic churches such as York Minster and Bolton Abbey, it remains one of the most iconic in the country.
Despite its status as a significant religious site for Christianity in the United Kingdom and a rich history of human settlement since the medieval period, Whitby really came into prominence in the 19th century.
Whitby became a popular seaside resort in the Victorian era, with new terraces laid out on the West Cliff, as such the abbey ruins became a tourist destination. These days, Whitby is a popular destination all year round.
However, it was the inclusion of Whitby Abbey in Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel Dracula that gave it a worldwide appeal that continues today. In the novel, Dracula came ashore at Whitby as a creature resembling a large dog and climb the other famous Whitby landmark, the 199 steps which lead up to the ruins.
Every Halloween, Whitby Abbey is the setting for a spectacular light show that is supported by a number of supporting features including performers and traders.
Whitby Abbey has also become a must-visit site for those visiting the twice-yearly Whitby Goth music festival, with the famous building a popular for visitors taking selfies in their distinctive attire.
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