Towering over quaint seaside town Whitby, Whitby Abbey is a sight to behold. The dark and brooding ruins, which inspired Bram Stoker as he wrote Dracula, are less than an hour’s drive from Goulton Beck Lodges. 

If you’re searching for an attraction filled with history, gothic architecture, and a hint of mystery, Whitby Abbey is a must-visit when you’re staying at our lodges near the Yorkshire Moors. Climb the famous Whitby steps, explore the ruins, and experience 1500+ years of history. After a day of exploring cosy up in your home-from-home holiday lodge at Goulton Beck. What could be better?

Facilities and amenities

A place of huge historical and literary significance, Whitby Abbey sits atop a cliff overlooking the North Yorkshire coast. 

Whether you wander the ruins before heading down into picturesque Whitby town or peruse the museum, visitor centre, and gift shop, you’re sure to be impressed by what Whitby Abbey has to offer.

Whitby Abbey Ruins

You can see Whitby Abbey from the town far below. But the only way to really experience the awe of the incredible architecture is to get up close and personal. The original structure was built in 657AD as an Anglo-Saxon monastery, but the ruins that stand today are part of a 13th-century Gothic abbey.

You’ll need to ascend 199 steps (known as the Church Stairs) to reach the abbey — and the views from the top are well worth the climb. 

These very same steps are featured in Bram Stoker’s iconic novel, Dracula. You can follow in Count Dracula’s footsteps and even see the memorial bench where Stoker sat and penned his masterpiece.

Visitor Centre, Museum and Gift Shop

Next to the spectacular abbey ruins, you’ll find a helpful visitor centre and fascinating museum, which includes interactive displays to inform and engage visitors of all ages. The visitor centre is set within a 17th-century mansion, and it showcases an array of artefacts, ranging from Anglo-Saxon crosses to rare copies of Dracula.

Before leaving, why not pick up a souvenir from the gift shop to remember your experience?

Food and Drink

You can also grab a bite to eat and a cup of tea or coffee at the visitor centre cafe — the perfect rest stop after climbing the Church Stairs and wandering the abbey grounds.

If you prefer, you can always bring a picnic and relax in the sunshine outside as you refuel.

Events at Whitby Abbey

Throughout the year, various events take place at Whitby Abbey. From Easter activities to Halloween spectaculars, there are regular events and entertainment sessions for children, particularly during the school holidays. This makes Whitby Abbey the ideal family day out, whether you’re bringing the kids or your grandchildren.

Autumn illumination

Perhaps one of the most impressive events of the year is Whitby Abbey’s autumn illumination. Usually taking place around Halloween, this special evening event bathes the abbey in stunning glowing lights. You’ll have the chance to peruse food stalls from local vendors and see creative productions of Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Whatever time of year you plan to visit Whitby Abbey, keep an eye out for seasonal events.

Accessibility and Essential Amenities

Getting to Whitby Abbey via the traditional route — climbing the 199 steps up the hill — isn’t accessible for everyone. There is an alternative road route you can drive to reach the abbey instead. 

There are several accessibility measures in place to help all visitors enjoy Whitby Abbey as much as possible. These include:

  • Accessible parking bays near the entrance
  • Ramp access at the main entrance
  • A fully accessible visitor centre with a lift to the first-floor exhibition
  • Accessible toilets, including baby changing facilities, in the visitor centre
  • Hearing loops 
  • Audio information
  • Low lighting in some areas

Please note that the ground around the abbey ruins can be uneven and slippery, and some grassy slope areas.

Whitby Abbey Tickets and Opening Times

You can visit Whitby Abbey between 10am and 5pm most days in the spring and summer. During autumn and winter, the site closes at 4pm.

Is Whitby Abbey free to visit?

Whitby Abbey is run by English Heritage, which means members can visit for free. If you’re not an English Heritage member, you can buy an adult ticket for £10 or a concession for £8.60. If you’re bringing the kids, there are also family ticket options which offer great savings. 

We recommend booking your tickets online ahead of time for the best prices.

Exploring Whitby

While you’re in the local area, why not explore Whitby itself? This vibrant fishing port has a stunning harbour, an impressive whale bone arch, and plenty of tasty fish and chip shops. It even hosts an annual Goth Festival for those who appreciate all things dark and spooky.

Visit Whitby Abbey from your Goulton Beck holiday home

At Goulton Beck, we’re fortunate to be in a fantastic location. In the very heart of Yorkshire, we have access to the area’s best attractions and experiences.

Directions to Whitby Abbey from Goulton Beck

Whitby Abbey is also roughly an hour from your North Yorkshire holiday home at Goulton Beck by car, making it the ideal day trip. 

From Goulton Beck, you’ll want to turn left onto the A171 and follow it for three miles before turning right onto the A169. Continue for about six miles, and you’ll reach Whitby. You can then follow signs to the abbey — parking is nearby, at the bottom of the 199 Church Stairs.

If you regularly holiday in North Yorkshire and visit Whitby, why not consider investing in your very own holiday lodge at Goulton Beck? Not only are we close to some fantastic historic sites, but our lodges are warm, welcoming, and modern. 

Browse our range of holiday lodges for sale in North Yorkshire, and feel free to get in touch with the Eden Parks team if you have any questions.

Step into the past with Goulton Beck Lodges

We hope you have the best time stepping into the history of the grand Whitby Abbey. If the North Yorkshire coast is your ideal holiday location, you’re in luck! We have a range of lodges in North Yorkshire to call your home away from home. Take a look at our holiday home brochure for a detailed insight into what we offer our residents.

Have any questions or need further assistance? Don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help you.

Whitby Abbey FAQs

We know it can be a pain searching for all the answers to your questions, so we’ve put them all in one place for you

Whitby Abbey isn’t open to the public at night for most of the year. However, some special events do take place in the evenings — especially at Halloween! Keep an eye out for upcoming events to see the incredible ruins by moonlight.

Ticket prices for Whitby Abbey can vary depending on age and group size. You can even book ahead for 15% off!

Advance online tickets

  • Adults: From £12.70
  • Children (5-17): From £7.70
  • Concession: From £11.30
  • Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £33.10
  • Family (1 adult and up to 3 children): £20.40

On-the-day tickets

  • Adults: From £15
  • Children (5-17): From £9.50
  • Concession: From £13.60
  • Family (2 adults and up to 3 children): £39.50
  • Family (1 adult and up to 3 children): £24.50

We recommend checking the official website for up-to-date pricing information and the latest offers.

Fancy getting your steps in for the day? There are 199 steps leading up to Whitby Abbey from the town centre. These historic steps are part of the abbey’s unique charm, with great photo opportunities and views along the way. Don’t forget to take sturdy walking shoes to help you along the way!

Yes, parking is available at Whitby Abbey. The parking area (YO22 4JT) is conveniently located near the entrance.

Whitby Abbey is located in the town of Whitby, North Yorkshire, overlooking the rugged beauty of the North Sea.

Whitby Abbey dates back to the 7th century, making it over 1,300 years old! It has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times over the centuries, adding to its unique charm.

Yes, you can photograph the abbey — it looks especially impressive at sunset.

English Heritage runs the parking at Whitby Abbey, so it’s not free to the public, but members can park for free.