Whitby Abbey — Attraction in Whitby

Now this is a particularly special site for a few reasons, perfectly founded in 657AD high up on east side of the River Esk, it garners some amazing views outlooking into the North Sea and the Whitby Harbour. Trouble is, it’s quite a hike up some 199 graded I listed stone stairs so be prepared if you want to make the climb. 199 might not sound a lot but they’re old and not linear, so don’t expect a steady climb and it’s not for the unfit, especially during certain weather conditions. There is a pit stop along the way.

When you get to the top, you’ll find St. Mary’s Church which was built around 1110AD, a grade I Norman church with a haunting graveyard that looks over into Whitby. Then just beyond that, you’ll find the ruins of Whitby Abbey which isn’t hard to miss as apart from the Church, it’s the only building that predominately resides there. It’s looked after English Heritage so expect the usual gift shop, exhibits and a museum; guided tours are also available.

We came up on a fairly sunny day, however, because of the location, you expect to get some winds. You can see the pond water shifting in the wind which ruins any great mirror pool photography. It’s quite a site and you can get the feel for how grand and majestic this place would have been in its initial state. The surviving west wall stands at 80ft, and with this combined with it sat on the headland some 200ft above sea level really gives it the imposing vibe. And I don’t think the 80ft would have been at its tallest.

Considering the age of the site, it’s obviously rich in history. It was ravaged during the Viking invasions during the mid-late 800s and then remained wild for centuries until it was rebuilt into the Benedictine abbey in the 11th century. It thrived for centuries before being dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

It should be no surprise the stunning yet bleak atmosphere be the key setting for Bram Stoker’s famed novel masterpiece, Dracula. He lodged at the Royal Hotel on the West Cliff, overlooking the harbour and the dramatic ruins of the abbey across the bay. The abbey’s stark silhouette against the North Sea gave him the perfect gothic backdrop. And the town of Whitby has capitalised on this, with the gift shop selling Dracula themed merch, there’s the Dracula Experience on the west side and there’s goth weekends held there twice a year. The Halloween “Illuminated” abbey looks amazing!

It’s well worth the climb, but be warned, it’s not for the faint hearted. It’s perfect for some gothic photography, regardless of the type of day you get. Be sure to reward yourself with a tipple at the award winning Whitby Brewery which is just beyond the abbey. Great selection from drinks that also hosts events...

This is an impressive ruin and a good museum and with its links to Bram Stoker it is popular attraction. The grounds are very well kept and the views from the abbey of Whitby are excellent. There is a very large car park and access is easy. On site there is a shop and during the day there are actors telling the story of Dracula.

The entrance is a small cabin which is at the top of the 199 steps.

The reasons for my rating is as follows. When we entered we were offered a guide book for a further £5 but as we had spent quite a sum on entrance we decided no as we would use it once and that would be it. Noted no audio guide which would have been better, however did see someone with one but we were not offered.

After wandering round the abbey I noted that there was no information boards on site. It would have been useful even for just one sign saying what the different areas were. Even a QR code which could be scanned to give you a bit of history would be good. It would have been nice to just understand more of the lay out. One area had a rock cut grave but as no information on this we had no context as to its importance to the site.

It was only when we got to the museum did we get information however as you are not physically in the abbey it looses its emphasis.

More should be made of the archaeological finds as they were impressive. It’s a pity the museum isn’t bigger to give more info into the life of the abbey.

There seems to be a different pricing on a Sunday compared to all other days. It’s more expensive on a Sunday. We also made a 50p donation and gift aided. It was £17.50 each to get in, which is on the high side. I fully understand that places like this are expensive to keep but if there had been a family then it would have cost far more. With this in mind I would advise on taking out membership as doing 4 places you get this back. As mentioned we fe lt it over priced for what you got due to lack of information boards as you end up just wandering around. For such a famous ruin I did expect better facilities and a more immersive experience.

The tour bus that circles around Whitby is useful as it stops outside the entrance. That’s if you don’t want to go up the 199 steps. It’s a hop on off service and was £8 which lasted 24 hours.

Also English Heritage do discounted tickets online but you need to book 24 hours before your visit. I would recommend doing this or...

As I stepped off the windswept coast and onto the grounds of Whitby Abbey, I couldn't help but feel a shiver run down my spine. There's something undeniably eerie about this ancient monastery, perched precariously on the edge of the North Sea. But it's precisely this sense of history and mystery that makes Whitby Abbey such a compelling destination.

As I wandered through the ruins, I was struck by the sheer scale and majesty of the architecture. The crumbling stone walls and towering arches seem to whisper secrets of the past, and I found myself lost in the stories of the monks who once called this place home. The air is thick with the scent of salt and seaweed, and the sound of the waves crashing against the shore below is a constant reminder of the power and beauty of the natural world.

But what truly made my visit unforgettable was the sense of atmosphere that pervades every corner of the abbey. From the hauntingly beautiful stained glass windows to the intricately carved stone tombs, every element seems to vibrate with a sense of history and significance. I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the thought of the countless generations who have walked these same halls, seeking solace and inspiration in this sacred place.

As I explored the abbey, I was struck by the incredible preservation of the site. Despite the passage of centuries, the ruins remain remarkably intact, a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the medieval builders who first constructed this magnificent edifice. And yet, despite the sense of age and decay, there's something undeniably vibrant and alive about Whitby Abbey - a sense of energy and spirit that seems to pulse through every stone and every beam.

Whether you're a history buff, a architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, Whitby Abbey is a must-visit destination. It's a place that will leave you breathless, inspired, and perhaps even a little...