Whitby Abbey
📍 North Yorkshire, England
About
Whitby Abbey was a 7th-century Christian monastery that later became a Benedictine abbey. The abbey church was situated overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff above Whitby in North Yorkshire, England, a centre of the medieval Northumbrian kingdom. The abbey and its possessions were confiscated by the crown under Henry VIII during the dissolution of the monasteries between 1536 and 1545.
Getting There
🚂 Whitby Station
Northern trains from Middlesbrough (90 min, scenic Esk Valley line). Abbey is 15 min walk uphill.
Get train directions →🅿️ Abbey Car Park
English Heritage car park near the abbey (charge). Also town centre car parks.
🚌 Coastliner 840
From Leeds via York and Pickering (3.5 hrs). Stops in Whitby town.
🚗 By Car
A171 from Scarborough or Middlesbrough. Parking can be difficult in summer.
Terrain & Accessibility
📐 199 Steps to Abbey⚠️ Uneven Ruin🌬️ Very Exposed👟 Sturdy Footwear
The famous 199 steps climb from the town to the abbey headland (or drive to the car park at the top). The ruins are exposed to sea winds and have uneven surfaces. Not wheelchair accessible inside the ruins. The headland car park allows views without climbing. Inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Events & Activities
APR
26
Whitby Goth Weekend
The town's famous gothic festival centres around the abbey. Music, markets, and dramatic costumes.
SPECIALOCT
25
Whitby Goth Weekend (Autumn)
The second annual goth weekend. The abbey is especially atmospheric in autumn mist.
SPECIALAUG
1
English Heritage Events
Living history and costumed interpretation telling the story of St Hild's monastery.
FAMILYVisitor Reviews
Loading reviews...
