Established in AD 657 by King Oswy of Northumbria, the abbey became a hub for Christian scholarship and hosted the Synod of Whitby in 664, a pivotal event shaping the English Church's future. The abbey faced destruction and reconstruction multiple times, with the existing ruins mainly dating from the 13th century. Its Gothic architecture, marked by pointed arches and flying buttresses, reflects medieval religious and cultural values. The abbey’s history is deeply connected with England’s religious development, offering archaeological and spiritual insights.
Stoker visited Whitby in 1890 and was struck by the abbey’s dramatic ruins and salty sea air. In the novel, the abbey’s shadowed silhouette and the town’s maritime atmosphere create a gothic backdrop for Dracula’s arrival on English shores. The 199 Steps ascending to the abbey appear in the story, adding to the location’s dark allure. Visitors can hear seagulls crying and waves crashing, while plaques and guided tours explain the Dracula connection, which has drawn many gothic fiction enthusiasts.
Tours in yorkshire
Our Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by Andrew the guide. Andrew always places your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, our philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
From the Roman Empire to the Industrial Revolution, via Vikings, the Norman Conquest and the Wars of the Roses, the history of York is the history of England. This city has been at the heart of the action for nearly 2000 years. With York’s Hidden History, you’ll be at the heart of the action too, in the expert company of our local guides. Using knowledge and humour they'll tell the city's secrets whilst showing you the famous sights. On our Royal Route we’ll ramble regally through 2000 years of amazing history. Starting outside the Yorkshire Museum, in the shadow of the city’s ancient stone walls, we’ll explain how a Roman military outpost turned into imperial Eboracum. Making our way across the city via York Minster, The Shambles, Jorvik, and Clifford's Tower, we’ll tell tales of conquests and massacres, empresses and queens, before finishing our walk on King's Staith Landing, where many royal visitors arrived in York.
The Tours are the only way to see Yorkshire and its beauty in a single day with complete privacy, security and comfort onboard the magnificent Mercedes Benz V Class accompanied by one of the expert guides. The guides always place your enjoyment of the day before everything else. No other Tour in the glorious north of England focuses so much on the overall quality of each and every guests experience. We believe that your vacation is the most valuable part of your year. We respect every minute of your vacation time, the philosophy is to make every moment of your time on vacation worthwhile. Before founding our company Andrew Ward led a tour in another part of the UK that was ranked by TripAdvisor Travellers choice as the best tour in England and tenth best tour in the world. Lastly and most importantly every tour guarantees the sighting of at least a couple of very woolly Sheep!
Discover Yorkshire with Greg – Your Personal Guide to the Heart of the Moors. Step aboard a truly personal, private tour of North Yorkshire with Greg, your guide for the day. Follow the itinerary or change it to your own. For between 1-7 guests, Greg offers a relaxed, friendly experience that you won’t find with larger tour operators, Greg brings the region's history and culture to life with fascinating stories and insider knowledge. The highlight of the day is a scenic heritage steam train ride from the village of Goathland—best known as Hogsmeade Station from the Harry Potter films. (included). Your day will be filled with stunning landscapes, charming villages and, of course, the breathtaking Whitby where you will enjoy some free time. Whether you're snapping photos of the rolling moors, or simply chatting with Greg about local life, you'll find this tour is as much about the journey as it is about the destination – a relaxed and engaging experience for your private group.
Here’s what’s included A welcome Hooting Owl rum and mixer of your choice. A tour of the distillery Guided tastings of our Yorkshire rums Learn the history and myth of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins and the origins of The Hooting Owl. Tasting samples our Hooting Owl Rum.
Step into the world of the Brontës on this very small-group day tour from York. Greg, your friendly and enthusiastic guide, will take you through the beautiful Yorkshire countryside to Brontë country. The first stop is at the location of Thorpe Green Hall where Anne was a Governess, then after a short comfort break we continue to Saltaire and the historic Salt Mills. Greg then takes us to attend the Brontë birthplace (entrance included) where Greg offers a personal and engaging tour at the family home where the famous siblings grew up. We then travel to Haworth, here enjoy two free hours to wander the cobbled streets, browse charming shops, enjoy a coffee, and visit the Brontë Parsonage Museum. The day concludes with a trip up Penistone Hill with sweeping views toward Top Withens. Entrance fees to the Brontë birthplace and Parsonage Museum are included, making for an engaging & memorable day. Gregs style is both informal but highly informative into the lives of these famous Sisters.
Whitby Abbey
Location of Whitby Abbey
The steps begin near Whitby Harbour, close to the Whitby Museum on Grape Lane, and rise about 60 meters. The climb takes roughly 10 to 15 minutes at a steady pace and is well maintained, featuring handrails in parts. Along the way, the scent of salt air mingles with the sounds of distant ship horns and seagulls. The stone steps have been used since the 14th century and provide direct access to the abbey, an essential part of any visit. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes, especially when the stones are slick from rain.
During these months, the abbey is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, allowing enough time to take in the surroundings. Summer weekends can get crowded, so locals advise visiting on weekdays or early mornings to avoid the busiest periods. Winter visits are less practical due to shorter days and possible closures. Early autumn features cooler temperatures around 15–18°C (59–64°F) and fewer visitors. The abbey’s exposed position on East Cliff means it can be blustery, so layering clothing is recommended. Photographers note that late afternoon light brings out the textures of the stonework and coastal landscape.
The abbey is managed by English Heritage; tickets are available on-site at Church Street, Whitby, YO22 4JT or online. Public parking lies in Whitby town centre, about a 10-minute walk from the 199 Steps' base. Whitby railway station, served by trains from York and Middlesbrough, is a 15-minute walk from the abbey’s foot. The small visitor centre includes restrooms and a café with light refreshments. Accessibility is limited due to the steep stone steps, although a road route suitable for visitors with mobility concerns is available.
"Climbing the 199 Steps to Whitby Abbey at dawn, you feel the salt air mingle with centuries of history—it's no wonder Bram Stoker found his dark muse here. Locals know the abbey’s ruins aren’t just Gothic backdrop; they're a haunting echo of Yorkshire’s rugged soul."
Luca Moretti - Cultural Historian
Residents take pride in the abbey’s literary past and participate in the Whitby Gothic Weekend, held twice each year and drawing thousands. For a quieter visit, locals recommend early mornings or late afternoons. The town’s cobbled streets and harbour area provide chances to taste fresh seafood and sample local ales at modest prices, typically EUR 10–20 per meal. Budget-conscious visitors can save by purchasing combined tickets for Whitby Abbey and other English Heritage sites in Yorkshire.
The abbey is a 15-minute walk from the harbour, where visitors can watch fishing boats and enjoy coastal walks along East and West Cliffs. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, housed in a 17th-century building on Grape Lane where the explorer once lived, is about 10 minutes on foot from the abbey. For nature lovers, North York Moors National Park lies roughly 20 km inland and can be reached by car or guided tour. Combining these sites provides a broad view of Whitby’s maritime, historical, and natural character. Local guides offer themed walking tours focusing on history or gothic literature.
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