St. Mary’s Church in Whitby gained fame in fiction when it appeared in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but the medieval chapel is also notable for its long history and colorful mixture of architectural styles. Climb the 199 steps to reach the church, pause to admire the panoramic views of Whitby’s bay and the North Yorkshire coastline, then head inside for a moment of reflection inside the storied nave.
Witness different eras of history colliding in the architecture and design of the building. The church tower is one of the oldest parts of the current structure, dating back to around 1110, while the rest of the church has been added since. The interior was refurbished in the late 1700s, with extensions added to the porches in the early 19th century.
Experience the peace of the church interior, which is full of furniture and decorative objects from the many centuries of the building’s existence. Look for the unusual church feature of a charcoal stove, as well as two ear trumpets that belonged to a 19th-century vicar’s wife. The nave also houses a three-tiered pulpit, ornately decorated altars and a stained-glass window by Kempe.
Walk through the peaceful cemetery to see where Bram Stoker set a portion of his novel Dracula. The Dracula Experience offers a haunting tour of Whitby that takes visitors through the famous story using multimedia displays.
Explore the atmospheric ruins of Whitby Abbey, which are adjacent to the church. Throughout the year, the 13th-century abbey hosts open-air events, such as falconry displays and interactive workshops for children. Take a moment to appreciate the expansive views of the town and coast from this elevated vantage point.
Walk to St. Mary’s Church from Whitby Station by crossing the river then climbing up the famous 199 steps to reach the church. The walk should take about 10 minutes. The church is open throughout the week, although Sunday mornings are reserved for worship services.
