Whitby Abbey
Whitby
Dominating the East Cliff headland overlooking the historic and popular seaside resort of Whitby, North Yorkshire, the monastic ruins of Whitby Abbey beckon a visit.
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Description
Whitby Abbey (owned by English Heritage) is much more than a spectacular looking cliff top landmark. Generations have been drawn to these well-known ruins for which Whitby Abbey is a site of literary inspiration, religious devotion and pilgrimage, and is known to be one of the most atmospheric visitor attractions on the Yorkshire coastline.
Bram Stoker became totally inspired by the Abbey’s Gothic splendour whilst staying in West Cliff accommodation overlooking the Abbey ruins, back in 1890, which assisted him with an atmospheric backdrop for creating the novel “Dracula”, taking in many features of the town including the Abbey, red rooftops, bats seen occasionally and the Church with its tombstones.
Discover the long history of the Abbey, for which the first Abbey was originally founded in 657AD by the Saxon King of Northumbria. In the Interactive Visitor Centre with its digital reconstructions you can learn about the daily lives of the Monks who once inhabited the later Abbey which was destroyed by Henry VIII’s orders in 1540. Listen to the audio tour when wandering around the ancient ruins and enjoy the stunning views from all angles.
There are many action packed events happening throughout the year. Visit the English Heritage website to find out more.
Features and facilities
Features
Enjoy fantastic views of the whole of Whitby Town and Harbour from Whitby Abbey’s fabulous vantage point.
Many action-packed events throughout the year (see website for further information)
Interactive Visitor Centre, don’t miss the Talking Heads and fascinating finds from Anglo-Saxon, medieval and Cholmley periods.
Exhibition: Audio visual exhibition detailing the Abbey’s site, held in the Visitor Centre
Facilities
Visit the Gift Shop and take home a momentum of your visit to Whitby Abbey
Car Park 10 metres from Entrance (charge applicable)
Disabled parking in the main Car Park. Ramped entrance to Abbey site
Café (not operated by English Heritage)
Picnic Area
Gardens with seating areas and flat wheelchair access around the Grounds)
Toilets in the Council car park (not operated by English Heritage)
Dogs must be on leads and are allowed in some areas of the site
