Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey, with its imposing ruins, is set high on a cliff above the Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby.

Founded in 657 by St Hilda, Whitby Abbey has over the years been a bustling settlement, a kings’ burial place, the setting for a historic meeting between Celtic and Roman clerics, the home of saints including the poet Caedmon, and inspiration for Bram Stoker, author of Dracula.

At the interactive visitor centre you can discover how over 2,000 years of history make the Abbey one of England’s most important archaeological sites. Listening posts, peep-holes and animations tell the headland’s many tales: how St Hild turned snakes to stone, how Anglo-Saxon Caedmon became a poet, how the lost abbey bells are still heard beneath the waves, and how a real shipwreck helped inspire Dracula, which in turn has made Whitby the ‘Goth capital’ of England.

Follow in the footsteps of artists, writers and religious leaders to explore the soaring gothic ruins and to take in the stunning sea views. Whitby Abbey has been inspiring visitors for nearly 1500 years – now it’s your turn.