[Whitby Family Trip] Visiting the Abbey that Inspired Dracula
We began our morning in York, greeted by soft sunlight streaming through the window. After a slow breakfast and an unhurried checkout, we set off for Whitby — a coastal town about 47 miles away. It’s just over an hour’s drive, but as the sea drew closer, the scenery changed. The air grew saltier, the sky wider, and soon, perched high on a hill, the hauntingly beautiful Whitby Abbey appeared on the horizon.
Where We Parked — Abbey Headland Long Stay Car Park
We chose this car park for one simple reason — convenience. Most car parks in Whitby charge similar rates, but this one is spacious, easy to navigate, and strategically located. From here, the Abbey is only a few steps away. You can easily make a loop through the Abbey ruins, stroll down into Whitby town, and end up back at your car without retracing your steps. If you’re planning a “one-circle route,” this spot is a winner.
Whitby Abbey — History Meets Gothic Drama
Perched above the North Sea, Whitby Abbey is a place where history, legend, and imagination meet. It’s a masterpiece of Gothic architecture managed by English Heritage, and famously known as the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
- Adults (18–64): £14.00
- Children (5–17): £8.50
- Seniors (65+): £12.60
- Family (2 adults + 3 children): £36.50
- English Heritage members: Free
Tickets are 15% cheaper when booked online before 8:45 a.m. on the day of your visit — which is what we did. It’s a small saving, but definitely worth it!
If you’d like to book your visit to Whitby Abbey in advance, here’s the official link: Book advance tickets
Opening Hours:
March–September: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
October–November: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December–February: Closed
(Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.)
A Brief History
Whitby Abbey dates back to AD 657, founded by King Oswiu of Northumbria and led by Saint Hilda as its first abbess. Interestingly, it was a double monastery — men and women living and worshipping together, which was rare at the time.
After a period of prosperity as a centre of learning and culture, Viking raids in the 9th century left it abandoned. It was revived in the late 11th century by Benedictine monks, who rebuilt it in stone following their order’s strict rule of prayer, study, and labour. The magnificent Gothic church we see today was built between the 13th and 15th centuries.
Sadly, during Henry VIII’s Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the Abbey was destroyed, its monks scattered. The Cholmley family later acquired the site and converted parts of it into a grand mansion, traces of which still remain beside the ruins.
Our Morning at Whitby Abbey
We arrived early — the air was crisp, the sea wind strong. It’s perched high on a cliff, so yes, it was very windy! While the site was still quiet, we quickly set up our tripod for some family photos. From up here, you can see the endless stretch of the North Sea. It’s not hard to imagine sailors once using the Abbey as a landmark while navigating the coast.
During Easter, there was an “Easter Trail” event for children, though we somehow missed the activity sheet — the staff had forgotten to hand it out. Still, Chloe had fun running around the ruins, fascinated by the stone tombs and arches that looked like something out of a fantasy film.
The Dracula Connection
In 1890, author Bram Stoker visited Whitby. Inspired by its gloomy coastal charm and the haunting ruins of the Abbey, he wrote parts of his novel Dracula here. In the story, Count Dracula lands on Whitby’s shores and climbs the 199 steps to reach the Abbey and St Mary’s Church — the same path visitors still walk today.
Perhaps it was the overcast sky or the sea breeze, but standing there, I could truly understand how this place inspired such a darkly beautiful story. It’s both eerie and peaceful — a rare combination.
Family Moments (and a Bit of Chaos)
Next to the Abbey ruins are several stone coffins — ancient grave markers for medieval monks and clergy. At first, they looked a little spooky. I even thought someone was lying inside! But they’re simply open stone sarcophagi, and yes, people were taking photos pretending to be “Dracula rising from his coffin.” Of course, Kimchi wanted her turn too!
After exploring, we took a few last family shots. The weather wasn’t perfectly sunny, but the clouds made the sky look even more dramatic. Kimchi started rolling around on the grass while my husband panicked about possible dog poo — a typical dad moment!
Museum, Café & Gift Shop
Inside the Abbey building, there’s a small museum displaying over a thousand artefacts — from Gothic stone carvings to Romanesque fragments and medieval relics. Kimchi loved the hands-on fossil corner, where kids can touch replica fossils and imagine being little archaeologists.
There’s also a cosy café — a perfect place for coffee or a light picnic with a sea view. Before leaving, we browsed the gift shop, which turned out to be one of the best we’ve ever seen. It felt more like a themed boutique than a souvenir shop, filled with Dracula-inspired goodies, medieval notebooks, Gothic-style pottery, candles, and teas.
Kimchi was drawn to the jewellery section — especially the bat-shaped necklaces and earrings. We also spotted local gins, wines, and rums packaged like potions from a medieval alchemist’s lab. Tempting, but we left with just a magnet and a cartoon-style Dracula book for Kimchi. A perfect keepsake!
Reflections on Whitby Abbey
As we stepped outside, the afternoon light turned golden, and the sea glimmered below the cliffs. It was hard to leave. Whitby Abbey isn’t just a ruin — it’s a living story carved in stone, where history, myth, and family memories intertwine. The Gothic arches, the legends of Dracula, and the laughter of children running through centuries-old walls… all of it made the day unforgettable.
So if you’re travelling in North Yorkshire, don’t skip Whitby. Whether you’re a history lover, a literature fan, or a family looking for a beautiful coastal escape, this place will leave you spellbound — just as it did to us.
Until next time, from our family to yours — see you in the next adventure!