The perfect weekend in Whitby

[...] I could see the ruins of the abbey coming into view [...] for there, on our favorite seat, the silver light of the moon struck a half-reclining figure, snowy white. The time and distance seemed endless, and my knees trembled and my breath came laboured as I toiled up the endless steps to the abbey. 

There was undoubtedly something, long and black, bending over the half-reclining white figure. I called in fright, "Lucy! Lucy!" and something raised a head, and from where I was I could see a white face and red, gleaming eyes. (Bram Stoker's Dracula)

The passage above was one of my first introductions to Gothic fiction. I loved how I could so easily envisage Lucy being bitten by Count Dracula, with the backdrop of the abbey only adding to the horror of the scene. When I first came to Whitby as a child, I was disappointed to realise that Dracula would in fact not be making an appearance. 

Despite this initial setback, I've been an avid visitor to Whitby for as long as I can remember. I love the drive through the North York Moors, looking out onto the hills of heather before eventually spotting the sea over the hill. It's a sight that will always put me in a good mood.

Not only does Whitby have a strong literary tradition and historical significance, but it's also a perfect coastal retreat with opportunities for long walks by the beach and of course the atmospheric abbey. 

The most iconic view of Whitby is overlooking the stunning abbey and harbour. From this viewpoint, you can glimpse the 199 steps leading up to Whitby Abbey. Whitby is split between the east and west sides of town by a swing bridge and by following the cobbled stone streets, you can reach the steps and begin your ascent to the abbey. Although you have to pay to get into the visitor centre, you can just climb to the top and take in the view from the church's graveyard. 

A view of the bridge that separates both sides of town

Climbing back down the abbey steps...

I always pop into The Whitby Bookshop, a quirky independent shop full of new releases and Gothic horror books reminiscent of Dracula. I'm obsessed with spiral staircases, so the one here just had to be photographed. 

When the tide is out, I love to walk on the beach and the last time I was here I visited Sandsend, a three-mile walk from Whitby beach. When it's a bit too chilly to sunbathe, I recommend bringing your trainers so you can go for a long walk. If you're lucky you might get a cute doggy running up to you!

Everyone loves quiet beach walks

If it's your first time wandering around Whitby, you'll notice the abundance of jewelry shops selling Whitby Jet. This type of jet is organic and naturally formed from fossilised wood. It's immediately striking in the shop windows, with its intense black colour and shine. If you want to find out more, check out the Museum of Whitby Jet and the original boutique store that first started selling the jet back in 1860. It was a favourite of Queen Victoria's and now it's a popular choice among the goth community, who travel to Whitby during the Goth Weekend festival.

I can't leave Whitby without having fish & chips. My favourite place to eat is The Fisherman's Wife but there are so many places to choose from. I love it here because you can either sit inside the restaurant or get a takeaway and look out over the beach. 

In the summer months, Whitby can get pretty busy and I'm not the biggest fan of weaving through screaming kids and large families. I recommend either coming here out of season or picking a day mid-week so you can traipse around in relative peace. The pier can easily get packed full of tourists, which is why I always tend to go for a walk. But that's what makes Whitby so great - no matter what time of year, you'll still have the best time.

If you fancy a weekend away or a trip to the seaside, why not try Whitby? I know you'll love the place just as much as I do!