You need to see the terrifying secret castle that inspired the world’s most famous monster
- UK Hidden Gems
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
Perched high on a massive, jagged cliff overlooking the rough waters of the North Sea, stands an enormous, black stone ruin that dominates the entire coastline.
The atmosphere is immediately strange and utterly eerie, especially when the coastal fog rolls in, making the ancient arches look like the skeletal remains of a forgotten beast.
This dramatic, hidden location feels completely cut off from the light and warmth of the modern world.
This astonishing location owes its fame not just to its size and age, but to a terrifying literary secret: it was the direct inspiration for the most famous vampire novel ever written, Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Stoker famously stayed in Whitby and used the dramatic, chilling look of the ruined abbey, where the stone walls meet the sky, as the setting for some of the book's most pivotal scenes. It is a major hidden gem that every keen walker and horror fan needs to explore.
The Abbey's most thrilling and enduring secret is the terrifying scene described by Stoker, where the vampire, in the form of a huge black dog, runs up the 199 famous steps from the harbour below to the safety of the ruined abbey grounds.
Furthermore, the Abbey itself dates back to the 7th century and has witnessed everything from Viking invasions to major political upheaval.
This powerful, dark history gives the whole site an intense, terrifying, and utterly untouched energy.
For visitors planning a trip, be aware that you must climb the 199 ancient, steep steps from the town up to the ruins, so wear your most sensible sturdy boots for the challenging ascent.
Finding a convenient, official car park is easy near the top of the hill, but spaces fill up very fast, especially during the summer holiday season. Remember to pack your raincoat in your boot, as the winds coming off the North Sea are often freezing cold and incredibly strong.
This perfectly unique spot is a genuinely rare piece of British history, offering a chilling and thrilling escape into a classic horror story and letting you walk through a mysterious, ancient, haunted landmark.
This amazing, hidden literary secret, where the world’s most famous monster found his footing, is what we are finally revealing. The name of this fantastic Yorkshire gem is Whitby Abbey.
Remember - LeaveNoTrace!
As with anywhere outdoors, kindly keep these areas pristine and wild by taking all trash with you. The amount of complaints we have seen since the pandemic is crazy. It's really not that hard to take your rubbish with you!
Litter tends to spread, so if you see any and are able to pick it up and dispose of it outside the hidden gem, it will help keep the area tidy.
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