Whitby: A Seaside Haven of History, Haunts, and Spectacular Views

Whitby is a beautiful and historic town on the North Yorkshire coast.

Welcome to wonderful Whitby - it looks even more wonderful in the snow!

This coastal town has something special and has long been popular with visitors to Yorkshire’s Coast, owing to it’s delightful harbour, which is surrounded by pretty houses and restaurants.

All this splendour is overlooked by the historic Whitby Abbey.

To get to Whitby Abbey, you must climb the famous 199 steps - possibly Whitby's most famous attraction.

The first record of the Whitby Abbey steps comes from 1340, but they’re believed to be even older.

The steps were originally made from wood - it was not until 1774 that the original wooden steps were replaced with stone from Sneaton.

It is thought the 199 steps were used as a test of Christian faith to those who wished to worship in St Mary’s Church.

Climbing the steps would prove that you were faithful - anyone who has climbed them recently knows how testing they can be!

As you’re climbing, you’ll be grateful to see lots of benches placed at intervals as you ascend.

While that’s certainly what they’re used for today, these resting points were created with a different purpose in mind.

Before the churchyard was closed to burials in the 19th century, coffins were regularly carried up the steps by grieving family and friends.

Wooden planks were put in place to give the pall-bearers a respectful place to rest the coffin while they caught their breath.

While a horse and carriage could carry the body to the graveyard via Green Lane, many people preferred to be carried up the steps to their final resting place.

We can easily imagine what an impressive site that would have made.

If you’re not able to take on the climb or fancy a gentler trip up to the top, you can hop on the Whitby tour bus instead.

Nobody is entirely sure why there are 199 steps up to the church in total. In fact, there has been lots of debate whether there are in fact 199 at all!

When you eventually get to the top, however, you’re treated with some of the most spectacular views of Whitby from the top of the cliff and as you climb the steps.

Plus, you’ll get to visit the iconic, majestic ruins of Whitby Abbey.

The ruins of Whitby Abbey are among the most celebrated sights of North Yorkshire.

The first monastery here, founded in about 657, became one of the most important religious centres in the Anglo-Saxon world.

In 664, it was the setting for the Synod of Whitby, a landmark in the history of the Church in England.

The headland is now dominated by the shell of the 13th-century church of the Benedictine abbey founded after the Norman Conquest.

Centuries of wear, weather and war have left their mark, and you’ll find many layers of history to explore and unravel. 

In 1914 the German High Seas Fleet shelled Whitby and struck the abbey ruins, causing considerable damage to the west front, though this was later repaired.

The abbey's brooding presence also served as inspiration for Bram Stoker's iconic novel, "Dracula.

It was atop the abbey's weathered steps that Stoker imagined the chilling scene where Count Dracula first set foot on English soil.

Whitby’s windswept headland, the dramatic abbey ruins, a church surrounded by swooping bats, and a long association with jet – a semi-precious stone used in mourning jewellery – gave a homegrown taste of such thrilling horrors.

Today, the landmark is managed by English Heritage, and if you’d like to visit, you can purchase tickets via their website.

Adult tickets are just £10 - and if you book online you’ll save 10%. The address is: Abbey Ln, Whitby YO22 4JT.

Writing on TripAdvisor, a recent tourist said: “Definitely worth a visit - impressive site with a small, but interesting museum section in the visitor centre.

”We loved the atmosphere and being able to wander around. Good sized car park and as we visited in late season, it was free! Wrap up - it’s a breezy spot! Take time to do the 199 steps down (and back up!)”

Whitby offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and coastal charm, making it an ideal destination for a memorable getaway.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, nature lover, or simply seeking a tranquil coastal escape, Whitby has something to offer.

We absolutely recommend this seaside destination, anytime of year!

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