St Mary's Church — Attraction in Whitby

My wife and I visited Whitby in September 2024 and of course any visit to Whitby has to include the Abbey. I did not know it when planning our trip, but this church was the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, so it was very cool and interesting to visit St Mary's after the Abbey.

You can immediately see why this place is revered by Stoker and goths everywhere (the annual Whitby Goth Festival is hosted here). The weather worn ancient graves, all leaning hither and tither in the uneven ground creates an epic backdrop to any good horror story. The magnificent huge Celtic Cross the pride of the grounds, check out the carvings on each side representing different aspects of the life of 7th century Anglo-Saxon poet, Caedmon.

The church itself was closed, so I cannot speak to its interior. The location, in the shadow of the Abbey, overlooking the town high above the north sea, is epic though.

We didn't walk the 199 steps up the cliffs. We drove to the Abbey parking lot. Just made more sense to us - thats a whole lot of steep steps to climb.

We spent a good half hour walking the grounds. Time well spent, and as I said, a bonus to the Abbey visit. If you are in the UK, Whitby is a must visit town. It's a really lovely place, and the Abbey and St Mary's have to be on the list of things to do when you are there. Very highly...

Once you've climbed the famous "199 Steps" you will be greeted with the combined spectacular views of St. Mary's Church (with its vast adjacent cemetery) and the ruin of Whitby Abbey, which reportedly inspired Bram Stoker to write Dracula. Also, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of Whitby and the open sea. Very much worth your while, I can tell ya*.

When I visited the weather was less than spectacular, with grey skies, occasional showers and a bit of fog - all of which only added to the majesty and gloomy atmosphere of the place.

St. Mary's Church is fascinating because of the unusual structure inside. The church hall is separated into this huge number of differently sized "boxes" where I suppose the servants were sitting while their masters took their seat on the balconies above. I have visited very many churches and cathedrals in England, and never have I seen such an unusually structured church.

It's always interesting to inspect the writing on the various gravestones, a glimpse at least into the lives of those who lie there. And with this vast cemetery you will find gravestones in varying styles and shapes, which I also found intriguing.

If you're tired from the 199 Steps you might also drop in at the brewery tap of Whitby Brewery, which is behind the church, opposite of the...

St. Mary Church, situated next to KEBS in Ogango, is a serene and spiritually enriching sanctuary. With a welcoming exterior and a tranquil ambiance, the church provides a sacred space for worship and reflection, complementing the bustling surroundings.

The church's architecture, both inside and out, reflects a blend of tradition and reverence. Whether attending a religious service or seeking a moment of solitude, visitors experience a sense of serenity within the walls of St. Mary Church.

Stepping inside, the interior of the church is adorned with religious symbols, stained glass, and sacred artwork, creating an atmosphere conducive to prayer and contemplation. The church serves as a focal point for the community, offering a place for spiritual gatherings, ceremonies, and events that contribute to the cohesion of the local congregation.

St. Mary Church is not only a place of worship but also a center for community engagement, fostering a sense of belonging and shared values among its members. Its proximity to KEBS and other community institutions makes it an integral part of the local landscape, connecting faith with the daily lives of the...