Places to visit in Whitby

Sink your teeth into Bram Stoker’s Dracula in the very place where the story of the bloodthirsty vampire was born. Climb the famous 199 steps to the eerie ruins of Whitby Abbey and discover its connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Don’t miss the bats circling St Mary’s Church at dusk, an atmospheric sight that undoubtedly inspired Stoker whilst writing his gothic masterpiece.

Whitby's shopping scene is also distinctly goth. You’ll find lots of jewellers selling Jet (a semi-precious black stone found along Whitby’s coastline), some of it bat-shaped! Whitby’s original jet jeweller, W. Hamond is the OG place for semi-precious souvenirs. It’s been making jewellery from its spot at the foot of the 199 Steps since 1860. Watch their jewellers in action, then pick a statement piece to show off back home. If black gems aren’t your thing, don’t fret, there’s a plethora of other local shops to explore.

Need respite from the spooky sightseeing? Make a beeline for Bothams of Whitby. Famous for their biscuits, buns and brack (a rich fruit bread made for smothering with butter) Bothams have three tearooms and also sell themed hampers if you fancy taking a slice of the 150-year-old bakery home with you. 

Brought to life by animatronics and live actors, this quirky attraction in Whitby is housed in a haunted building once owned by Isaac Newton will have you either crying or crying with laughter depending on how gutsy you are.

Carry on your eerie tour of this charming seaside town with a lamp-lit evening tour of Whitby. The Ghost and Dracula Walk with the award-winning Whitby Storyteller covers it all, from local legends and folklore to fascinating tales of shipwrecks, superstitions and the supernatural.