Whitby Abbey Tours

Whitby Abbey showing a church or cathedral and heritage architecture
Whitby Abbey which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Whitby Abbey featuring a statue or sculpture and heritage elements
Whitby Abbey which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral
Whitby Abbey featuring heritage architecture and a church or cathedral


Unravel the story behind Dracula in this dramatic 13th-century monastery and enjoy its intricate carvings, fascinating stories and spectacular coastal views.

Whitby Abbey is a set of gothic clifftop ruins that inspired the literary legend of Dracula. In addition to its ecclesiastical role, the monastery served for centuries as a landmark for sailors and inspiration for writer Bram Stoker. Enjoy a picnic on a grassy patch nearby and amble through the ruins to get a sense of the abbey’s history.

Enter the Mansion Visitor Centre to see its collection of items from the abbey’s past. The visitor center is in a converted manor house and has exhibits on monastic life. Listen to dramatized speeches from monks and Bram Stoker. Interactive touch screens make learning fun for kids.

Admire the remaining parts of the monastery, today consisting of an imposing façade and many empty arches. See the ruins at night, when lights make the site glow against the night sky. Use the audio guide to learn about the various features of the monastery and its history.

Climb the 199 Steps that the mythical Dracula ascended upon his arrival to these shores. Imagine the writer ambling through these ruins on a chilly night toward the end of the 19th century, piecing together his influential masterpiece.

Learn about the history of the abbey, which also inspired the literary awakening of Cædman, the first English poet whose name history remembers. The monastery was an important religious center after being founded by King Oswy of Northumbria in the 7th century. Hear about Abbess Hilda, who ruled over the male and female monks of the original monastery.

Purchase souvenirs and fun presents with vampire themes from the site’s gift shop. Enjoy snacks and refreshments from the adjacent café with views of the abbey.

There is a fee to enter the abbey, with discounts for kids and families. The abbey is open to visitors daily from morning until late afternoon in summer. In winter, it opens only on weekends.

Whitby Abbey is east of the River Esk in the northeastern part of town. Visit the nearby attractions, such as the 199 Steps and the Church of St. Mary. A bus stop is just outside the abbey.

Plan a trip to see Whitby Abbey

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Best Lodging Options Near Whitby Abbey

Royal Whitby

Royal Whitby

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Penny Hedge, Whitby by Marston's Inns

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YHA Whitby - Hostel

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The Dolphin

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3.5 out of 5
Bridge Street, Whitby, England
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Whitby Bridge Luxury Apartments

Whitby Bridge Luxury Apartments

3.5 out of 5
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La Rosa Hotel

La Rosa Hotel

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Station Inn

Station Inn

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The Shepherd's Purse

The Shepherd's Purse

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Whitby Abbey

During your visit to Whitby Abbey, indulge in the local dining scene and vibrant nightlife for an authentic experience. Don't miss the annual Whitby Regatta, a lively celebration of sailing and community spirit. Additionally, explore the stunning ruins of Whitby Abbey, which offer breathtaking views, and consider a round of golf at the nearby Whitby Golf Club for a leisurely day outdoors.

Shopping

While visiting Whitby Abbey, explore local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Talbot Yard Food Court, located 26 miles away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with a mix of food options and local artisans.

Recreation

Whitby Golf Club, located 2 miles from Whitby Abbey, offers a scenic outdoor experience for golf enthusiasts. Just 0.8 miles away, Towbar Express Stadium provides an energetic atmosphere for sports fans. For a further adventure, Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club, 15 miles away, combines stunning views with a challenging course.

Adventure

Experience thrilling water slides and wave pools at Alpamare, located 15 miles from Whitby Abbey, perfect for family fun and adventure. For a unique ride, hop on the Saltburn Cliff Lift, 16 miles away, offering stunning views and outdoor excitement. Don’t miss the adrenaline rush at Oliver's Mount Racing, 18 miles from the Abbey.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife in Whitby Abbey with a visit to the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, just 15 miles away, offering cultural performances in a romantic setting. Alternatively, catch a show at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, 17 miles away, known for its family-friendly entertainment and engaging atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey offers a captivating blend of culture and outdoor experiences, making it a must-visit for travelers. Explore the iconic medieval abbey and its museum, enjoy the scenic Whitby Beach, and stroll along the picturesque harbor. Don’t miss the chance to discover local attractions and trending hotels nearby, ensuring a memorable stay in this charming coastal town.

  • Whitby Harbour: A picturesque harbor located 0.4 miles from Whitby Abbey, offering stunning scenery and a vibrant beach atmosphere. Enjoy the charming boats, seaside cafés, and breathtaking views of the coastline.
  • Whitby Beach: Located 0.8 miles from Whitby Abbey, this beautiful sandy beach provides a perfect spot for relaxation and beach activities. With its golden sands and inviting waves, it’s ideal for sunbathing and beachcombing.
  • Whitby Pavilion: Situated 0.5 miles from Whitby Abbey, this historic building boasts rich cultural significance. Explore art exhibitions, enjoy live performances, or simply admire its stunning architectural features and scenic views of the harbor.

Best time to go to Whitby Abbey

The best time to visit Whitby Abbey can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Whitby Abbey falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Whitby Abbey falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.0°F (6.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April45.7°F (7.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August59.7°F (15.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Whitby Abbey

To save money on your trip to Whitby Abbey, consider visiting in the off-peak months of January to March when hotel prices are lower. Booking a month in advance can lead to better rates, and don’t forget to check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Tuesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and Eco-certified hotels. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for package discounts, and join the One Key membership for exclusive offers and cash rewards on future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Whitby Abbey are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Whitby Abbey is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Whitby Abbey is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Whitby Abbey is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize your preferences. You can easily sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Whitby Abbey with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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