Whitby, a charming seaside town in North Yorkshire, may not immediately bring to mind images of vampires.
However, this quaint coastal town is home to the gothic building that inspired Bram Stoker’s horror classic, Dracula.
Despite its eerie connections, Whitby has previously been named one of the UK’s most beautiful towns.
Nestled on the cliffs of North Yorkshire at the River Esk’s mouth, the town boasts picturesque beach huts, red-bricked houses and winding streets.
Dominating the landscape are the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, perched 199 steps above the town. The Abbey, remnants of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery, inspired Stoker’s iconic novel.
Stoker stayed in Whitby in 1890, where he heard tales of a shipwreck five years earlier involving a Russian vessel named The Dmitry.
This story was woven into Dracula, with The Dmitry becoming the Demeter that transports Dracula to Whitby.
Although Stoker didn’t complete his novel until several years after his stay, spending much of this time researching Transylvania, another key location in the book, Whitby remains a significant setting in the novel, with the Abbey serving as its starting point, reports the Mirror
In his novel, the Demeter runs aground with only its captain remaining bound to the wheel – the rest of the crew have disappeared.
Once the ship has run aground a large ‘dog’ is seen bounding up the famous 199 steps to the church – and then the real story begins.
Today there are no vampires lurking in the ruins of the church but they do make for a fascinating day of exploring.
Once you’ve had your fill of history you can descend the steps and wander along the caramel shores of Whitby Sands before stopping in at the famous Magpie Cafe.
This fish and chip shop is known for its incredible battered cod, and often has queues outside the door for people keen for a hot delicious lunch, so make sure you get in early to secure a spot.
The town has leaned into its gothic roots with a bi-annual Goth Weekend, once in April each year and the other in November.
This year you can join fellow lovers of black, ravens and all things spooky at the Whitby Goth Weekend from November 1 to 3.
Source: express.co.uk