The Ultimate Dracula Tour of Whitby in England

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Taking a Dracula tour of Whitby is like drinking tea with milk. They just go together.

Bram Stoker needed a break.

At the time he was the manager of the actor, Henry Irving. Irving recommended Whitby as a great relaxing getaway.

In late July 1890, Bram Stocker arrived in Whitby and stayed at Mrs. Veazey’s guesthouse (found at 6 Royal Crescent – more on that later!). He had plenty of free time to stroll around the quiet fishing town, take in the views of the cliffside abbey ruins and listen to tall tales of local fishermen.

The Ultimate Dracula Tour of Whitby

Although Bram Stoker had already started writing Dracula, it was here that the name Dracula was born and the scene was set for chapters 6 through 8 of this classic, gothic novel.

Taking this Dracula tour of Whitby puts you in the shoes of Bram Stoker as he wanders the streets of Whitby.

*Spoiler ALERT* If you haven’t read the book then this post will contain spoilers!

How to Get to Whitby

Where is Whitby, you ask? It’s on the North Yorkshire coast and easily accessible by car, train or bus. (Depending on where you are coming from).

The main car park, train station, and bus station are all within the same vicinity.

By Car: Whitby is located off the A171 and it’s a beautiful drive through the countryside. The public parking lot stretches across the harbor close to the train station.

By Train: Northern Rail runs right into the middle of Whitby. It’s super convenient and easy to get a train. (You can get from Manchester Airport to Whitby in 5 hours with only one change!) If you want more of an experience, definitely take a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on a vintage steam train.

By Bus: I don’t recommend taking a bus all the way from London, but if you are coming from York or somewhere else on the Yorkshire coast, then it’s a great, scenic option. The Coastliner won the most scenic bus route a couple of years ago and with good reason… it’s so pretty when the heather is in bloom.

Bram Stoker Locations

Bram Stoker’s Guesthouse

Bram Stoker stayed in a guesthouse owned by Mrs Veazey. The guesthouse is located on the west cliff at 6 Royal Crescent.

Bram Stoker Viewpoint

The west cliff is also home to the famous view that inspired Bram Stoker to set a good chunk of the book in Whitby.

Leaving the guesthouse, walk towards the cliff and follow the curve right. Once you pass the whalebone arch take the first path you come to on the left. Head down the stairs and then up the hill straight ahead of you.

The Library (Quayside Fish and Chips)

Just below the west cliff is where Bram Stoker spent quite a bit of time researching in the public library.

It might not be the public library today, but they serve up some great fish and chips!

The Duke of York

This little local pub is nestled below the 199 steps below the abbey. It was a favorite haunt of Bram Stoker when he was visiting Whitby.

No idea where he sat or what he drank… I don’t even know if he sat there contemplating the pages he had just written but I do know that if you want to visit an authentic Whitby pub, then The Duke of York is the place to do it.

Dracula Locations

Chapters 6-8 are all set in Whitby.

We spend some time with Mina and Lucy here when Dracula arrives by ship in England.

Long story short…

Lucy is recently engaged and has an issue with sleepwalking. Mina notices a shadowy figure standing over Lucy and then two bite marks on her neck.

Mina returns to her fiancé (Jonathan), who has been missing.

Lucy becomes ill and although by much effort from Van Helsing, she dies and becomes a vampire.

Mina and Jonathan return to England and try to track down Dracula to kill him, however, he flees back to Transylvania.

No. 7 The Crescent

Mina visits her friend, Lucy for the summer. She lives on this crescent… although Bram Stoker doesn’t specify which one.

Samuel F. Billington, Dracula’s lawyer, takes up residence at No.7 where he arranges the import of 50 cases of fresh dirt from Transylvania on the ship, Demeter.

Like Bram Stoker’s holiday getaway, you can book this bed and breakfast too!

Tate Hill Sands

During a massive storm, the Russian ship Demeter crashes into the pier at Tate Hill Sands.

Bram Stoker actually based this shipwreck on a real event that he had heard about from the local fishermen (maybe in the Duke of York pub?).

The captain is dead and the crew is missing. It seems the only sign of life is an immense dog that jumps off the ship and disappears into the dark alleys of Whitby.

Sandside

If you walk from the quay and head up the street on the left. This is Sandside, Dracula in dog form runs up here before heading up the famous 199 steps.

Drawbridge

The bridge across the harbor that connects the west side with the east side is the bridge that Lucy sleepwalks across on her way to the top of the east cliff.

Church Street

Mina runs down this dark, silent street passing the town hall and the market square.

Today this street is far from silent. It’s Whitby’s oldest street and the central hub for all local shops.

Dracula Steps

These are the famous 199 steps that the dog form of Dracula runs up.

Mina runs to the top of the steps and sees a dark figure over Lucy in the graveyard.

Believe it or not, it’s actually an easy walk-up, and don’t worry if you need a break because there are plenty of benches to stop and take in the view.

Bonus Locations

Dracula Experience

Not featured in the book and definitely wasn’t around when Bram Stoker visited, check out the Dracula Experience.

Get an immersive look at Dracula as you walk through the book and discover everything Dracula… super cheesy, but ya gotta do it!

They also offer paranormal ghost hunts if you’re up for the scare!

Whitby Goth Weekend

If you want an epic end to your Dracula tour of Whitby, then check out the annual Whitby Goth Weekend.

With everything from coffin races to parties to shopping to making new friends, this is the ultimate event for goth lovers!

Are you planning a trip to Whitby this year? Have you been? What was your favorite Dracula location? Let me know in the comments below!

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