Whitby Abbey

❗️ UPDATE RE ILLUMINATED ABBEY Unfortunately, due to the weather not improving and our grounds therefore being unsafe, tonight’s event will be cancelled.
Your ticket will still be valid on another night of the event (Sun-Wed) or if you would rather have a refund please contact our Customer Service on 0370 333 1181 and they will be happy to help you.
... We apologies for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience and bearing with us. Kind Regards, Whitby Abbey team
See More

UPDATE RE ILLUMINATED ABBEY: The forecast for this evening is extremely changeable. We still hope to proceed but we will make a final decision at 2pm. If you decide to alter your plans and visit another evening then your ticket will be valid on any other evening of the event (regardless of the decision on tonight’s performance.)

❗️URGENT❗️ Please accept our apologies. Due to bad weather conditions making the grounds at Whitby Abbey unsafe for our visitors, we are sorry to have to CANCEL tonight’s (Oct 26) Illuminated Abbey.
Please be aware that your purchased ticket will still be valid on one of the other nights of this event (see below link for further dates) or you can recieve a full refund.
... Please contact our Customer Services for either options on phone number 0370 333 1181.
On behalf of Whitby Abbey, we apologize for the inconvenience.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/…/i lluminated-abbey-25…/
See More

Thank you all visitors for your kind responses so far to this years Illuminated Abbey! ❤ Tonight is the second chance to see it with your own eyes. So put on some woollies, grab somebody's hand and enjoy a night of colour, Gothic performances and warming winter snacks.
Tickets for 26-31 Oct are available here ➡https://eht.social/2D6TeEM

Let there be light! From tonight and every night until 31 October we'll be cuddling up together, having roast chestnuts and warming drinks while letting ourselves get immersed in the dark tale of Dracula. All in the perfect lit up Gothic setting.
Haven't got your tickets yet? ✨🧛‍♂️➡ https://eht.social/2Jf8n7d

Stunning! Here are the first images from this years Illuminated Abbey. Opening night is tomorrow (Thurs 25th Oct) and judging by tonight’s rehearsal it promises to be the best Illuminated Abbey yet! Spectacular lighting, new performances including Bram Stoker, the Brides of Dracula and of course it all culminates with the prince of darkness - Dracula himself! Tickets Oct 25-31➡ https://eht.social/2xY8Hly

Both weather and vampire forecast is looking promising for this years' Illuminated Abbey! There will be a great selection of warming winter foods including local fish and chips, hot sandwiches and roast chestnuts as well as something a little stronger from our bar area to tickle your fangs.
Tomorrow, October 24, at 4pm is the last chance to get 10% off. Make haste and we'll see you there! Tickets for Oct 25-31➡ https://eht.social/2xY8Hly

You can feel it drawing closer. The tingling feeling of excitement. October darkness. Victorian tales of the blood thirsty and lit up Gothic ruins. We're talking about Illuminated Abbey and a few tickets are still available. 🕸🕷🦇 ➡ https://eht.social/2Pi0zXA

Keep your kids entertained this October Half Term. Join us during the day for spooky family fun!
https://bit.ly/2CftIM2

So we are in October and the sun is still out and shining. Come up and get in your final summer sun shots before Autumn comes!
Here are a few from yesterday:

Shout out to all living and dead souls with a fondness of the macabre and dramatic Gothic ruins. Who among you are looking forward to a dark performance of Dracula in said setting?
Raise your hands and show us your fangs ✋🦇
Tickets for October 25-31st https://eht.social/2PDQe58

We are delighted to announce our evening programme for this year's Illuminated Abbey! After you have explored the gothic splendour of the abbey ruins illuminated and taken (and shared) some truly unique pictures...there is lots more to enjoy.
6.30pm Meet Bram Stoker Mr. Abraham Stoker is paying a visit to Whitby after enjoying a holiday here some years ago…hear how it all began
... 7.00pm Brides of Dracula Discover the haunting Brides of Dracula in mesmerising moonlight performance...new for this year
7.30pm Dracula Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again! Join our performers as they bring the famous story of Dracula to life before your very eyes in this unique and atmospheric setting.
There will also be food and drink to enjoy throughout the evening.
We do suggest booking early - as some nights do sell out.
Book your tickets now - 10% off until Oct 24 🧛‍♂️ https://eht.social/2xY8Hly

See More

We don't mean to scare you (actually, we do) but tickets for Illuminated Abbey are disappearing spookingly fast...
Book yours with 10% off until Oct 24 🧛‍♂️ https://eht.social/2xY8Hly

To end your ordinary Thursday and get your Friday feelings going, here's a unique Anglian (early medieval) clasp for a book cover, recovered during excavations at Whitby Abbey in the 1920's.
To learn more about the history of the abbey and what to expect from a visit please go to: https://eht.social/2EgdO6V Image © Historic England (courtesy of the Whitby Literary and Philosophical Society)

"On the watch last night I saw It, like a man, tall and thin, and ghastly pale”. Bram Stokers' words are sending bittersweet shivers down our spines, getting us all excited for Illuminated Abbey. Are you visiting this year? 🦇🕸 Tickets for 25-31 October are available: https://eht.social/2IMOO5U

Fascinating Fact!
The cobbled stones in the Courtyard are presented as they would have been originally. From an aerial view point they show a pattern and could have possibly shown through a surface of gravel, to highlight the pattern.

The Anglo-Saxon Monastery that once stood on the headland, can no longer be seen. You have to use your imagination to visualise what it would have been like. From the monastery itself, that would have sat closer to the coast, stretching right along the current site to the car park, which we believe would have been a graveyard.

Did you know the human eye can perceive about 7 000 000 different colours? Your senses are in for a treat at this years Illuminated Abbey. Book your tickets ➡ https://eht.social/2xY8Hly

So, many of you ask what the statue is in front of the Visitor Centre. It is in fact a copy of the Borghese Gladiator. The original is now housed in the Musee du Louvre, and another replica sits at Windsor Castle. It’s placing here would highlight Sir Hugh Cholmley II’s work at Whitby and his connection to King Charles I.

Whitby Abbey..always worth a trip. Love having a quiet walk in the historic grounds. So many varied events and fun activities to join in with. Many happy hours spent here with my family over the years.

We missed the start of the Dracula Performace but caught up with it part way round. That really made the visit enjoyable, being able to follow the actors around the ruins. The kids absolutely loved it. I have 2 autistic boys who can't sit still so they loved that they could keep getting up to move around. The Dracula performance really was the highlight for us and a nice surprise as we hadn't realised it was on when we went.

We are already members so we were allowed access for free.

Went to the Abbey specifically to see the “Dracula” show; but didn’t know what it would actually entail....... HIGHLY RECOMMEND this little show!!

Very very entertaining, brilliant setting and use of the abbey ruins moving around it as the set; and the kids absolutely loved it!! Kept the crowd of all ages involved!! The three actors who acted out all of the characters were outstanding!! Well worth going to see and so pleased we stopped to see this on our way back home to Cumbria!! Fantastic end to our holiday!! (Take a jumper or jacket - its a chilly wind blowing in off the sea - even in the sunshine!! )

The dracula play absolutely made the visit and we only watched the second half of it. Would recommend it if you can catch them

Saw the Dracula performance today 12th August. Absolutely loved it although some of the characters look very similar ��� highly recommend. My 3 kids loved it and my eldest 12 yr old xbox lover asked to watch it again.

Not only did the staff here welcome our school group with smiles, Matteo gave a welcome talk in Italian for our guests!

Thank you everyone!

My Visit to the Whitby Abbey was fantastic today when I came, I took some photos with my IPhone today so next time when I come here I’m going to do some filming of this.

Thank you very much.

Patrick.

Lovely place and views from the top are stunning. There was a play about dracula on within the abbey whilst we visited which was excellent

Just watched the brilliant production set in the ruins of the abbey, captivating, informative and funny, we enjoyed the audience interaction and location changes. Thank you, we thoroughly recommend this as a first rate attraction.

Had the pleasure of seeing the ‘Dracula’ play

included in the price of entry. Incredibly funny, informative and within the beautiful grounds of Whitby Abbey. What a stunning backdrop for such an iconic piece of work!

Everything was first class & enjoyed the recorded tour guide contraption. In Southern California 1930 is ancient, so to see something this old with its grandeur, craftsmanship, imagination, and engineering really is breathtaking. Had such a great day!!!

Beautiful place to visit, friendly staff, good disabled access, great audio guides an all round lovely experience.

Beautiful place to visit, did not realise you had to pay to enter, however it was well worth the money to see the Dracula show, and spent the day on Saturday wondering around, the weather was beautiful also.

Beautiful place to visit, Charlie our dog loved it as well especially as he was allowed in the museum and shop, really makes a difference being able to go indoors as a family and not have to take turns staying outside with the dog. 5 stars and 5 paw prints rated

Beautiful food served by great staff. The scenery is just as good, with views over Whitby from the garden.

Beautiful abbey and location, staff are friendly but the only thing I'd ease up on is trying to get people to buy a years membership as soon as they ask for an admission to the ruins, I understand it's something you have to do but I felt a little overwhelmed, maybe give people info about the memberships available but don't overdo it �� just abit of slight feedback but apart from that enjoyed my experience and felt humble to be able to view this peice of English heritage.

A great escape from the heaving streets of a hot and sunny Whitby. Only went coz the Dracula play was on, which justified the entrance fee. If in Whitby go check out the play, enthusiastic and amusing actors and we greatly enjoyed it

Lovely visit to Whitby Abbey - lots of information around the site and the recorded narration makes it easy to go at your own pace. Loved the play about Captain Cook that was going on during on visit, too - informative while being fun enough to keep the kids happy!

We climbed all of those stairs to the top, the views were amazing. What we didn’t enjoy seeing was that there has been a wall built around the Abbey, so that if you want to go in and see the ruins, you now have to pay. They don’t tell you that at the bottom. Luckily, we saw it when it was FREE to the public.

We are delighted to announce our evening programme for this year's Illuminated Abbey! After you have explored the gothic splendour of the abbey ruins illuminated and taken (and shared) some truly unique pictures...there is lots more to enjoy.
6.30pm Meet Bram Stoker Mr. Abraham Stoker is paying a visit to Whitby after enjoying a holiday here some years ago…hear how it all began
... 7.00pm Brides of Dracula Discover the haunting Brides of Dracula in mesmerising moonlight performance...new for this year
7.30pm Dracula Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again! Join our performers as they bring the famous story of Dracula to life before your very eyes in this unique and atmospheric setting.
There will also be food and drink to enjoy throughout the evening.
We do suggest booking early - as some nights do sell out.
Book your tickets now - 10% off until Oct 24 🧛‍♂️ https://eht.social/2xY8Hly

See More

Whitby Abbey..always worth a trip. Love having a quiet walk in the historic grounds. So many varied events and fun activities to join in with. Many happy hours spent here with my family over the years.

We missed the start of the Dracula Performace but caught up with it part way round. That really made the visit enjoyable, being able to follow the actors around the ruins. The kids absolutely loved it. I have 2 autistic boys who can't sit still so they loved that they could keep getting up to move around. The Dracula performance really was the highlight for us and a nice surprise as we hadn't realised it was on when we went.

We are already members so we were allowed access for free.

Went to the Abbey specifically to see the “Dracula” show; but didn’t know what it would actually entail....... HIGHLY RECOMMEND this little show!!

Very very entertaining, brilliant setting and use of the abbey ruins moving around it as the set; and the kids absolutely loved it!! Kept the crowd of all ages involved!! The three actors who acted out all of the characters were outstanding!! Well worth going to see and so pleased we stopped to see this on our way back home to Cumbria!! Fantastic end to our holiday!! (Take a jumper or jacket - its a chilly wind blowing in off the sea - even in the sunshine!! )

The dracula play absolutely made the visit and we only watched the second half of it. Would recommend it if you can catch them

Saw the Dracula performance today 12th August. Absolutely loved it although some of the characters look very similar ��� highly recommend. My 3 kids loved it and my eldest 12 yr old xbox lover asked to watch it again.

Not only did the staff here welcome our school group with smiles, Matteo gave a welcome talk in Italian for our guests!

Thank you everyone!

My Visit to the Whitby Abbey was fantastic today when I came, I took some photos with my IPhone today so next time when I come here I’m going to do some filming of this.

Thank you very much.

Patrick.

Lovely place and views from the top are stunning. There was a play about dracula on within the abbey whilst we visited which was excellent

Just watched the brilliant production set in the ruins of the abbey, captivating, informative and funny, we enjoyed the audience interaction and location changes. Thank you, we thoroughly recommend this as a first rate attraction.

Had the pleasure of seeing the ‘Dracula’ play

included in the price of entry. Incredibly funny, informative and within the beautiful grounds of Whitby Abbey. What a stunning backdrop for such an iconic piece of work!

Everything was first class & enjoyed the recorded tour guide contraption. In Southern California 1930 is ancient, so to see something this old with its grandeur, craftsmanship, imagination, and engineering really is breathtaking. Had such a great day!!!

Beautiful place to visit, friendly staff, good disabled access, great audio guides an all round lovely experience.

Beautiful place to visit, did not realise you had to pay to enter, however it was well worth the money to see the Dracula show, and spent the day on Saturday wondering around, the weather was beautiful also.

Beautiful place to visit, Charlie our dog loved it as well especially as he was allowed in the museum and shop, really makes a difference being able to go indoors as a family and not have to take turns staying outside with the dog. 5 stars and 5 paw prints rated

Beautiful food served by great staff. The scenery is just as good, with views over Whitby from the garden.

Beautiful abbey and location, staff are friendly but the only thing I'd ease up on is trying to get people to buy a years membership as soon as they ask for an admission to the ruins, I understand it's something you have to do but I felt a little overwhelmed, maybe give people info about the memberships available but don't overdo it �� just abit of slight feedback but apart from that enjoyed my experience and felt humble to be able to view this peice of English heritage.

A great escape from the heaving streets of a hot and sunny Whitby. Only went coz the Dracula play was on, which justified the entrance fee. If in Whitby go check out the play, enthusiastic and amusing actors and we greatly enjoyed it

Lovely visit to Whitby Abbey - lots of information around the site and the recorded narration makes it easy to go at your own pace. Loved the play about Captain Cook that was going on during on visit, too - informative while being fun enough to keep the kids happy!

We climbed all of those stairs to the top, the views were amazing. What we didn’t enjoy seeing was that there has been a wall built around the Abbey, so that if you want to go in and see the ruins, you now have to pay. They don’t tell you that at the bottom. Luckily, we saw it when it was FREE to the public.

We are delighted to announce our evening programme for this year's Illuminated Abbey! After you have explored the gothic splendour of the abbey ruins illuminated and taken (and shared) some truly unique pictures...there is lots more to enjoy.
6.30pm Meet Bram Stoker Mr. Abraham Stoker is paying a visit to Whitby after enjoying a holiday here some years ago…hear how it all began
... 7.00pm Brides of Dracula Discover the haunting Brides of Dracula in mesmerising moonlight performance...new for this year
7.30pm Dracula Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again! Join our performers as they bring the famous story of Dracula to life before your very eyes in this unique and atmospheric setting.
There will also be food and drink to enjoy throughout the evening.
We do suggest booking early - as some nights do sell out.
Book your tickets now - 10% off until Oct 24 🧛‍♂️ https://eht.social/2xY8Hly

See More

Whitby Abbey..always worth a trip. Love having a quiet walk in the historic grounds. So many varied events and fun activities to join in with. Many happy hours spent here with my family over the years.

We missed the start of the Dracula Performace but caught up with it part way round. That really made the visit enjoyable, being able to follow the actors around the ruins. The kids absolutely loved it. I have 2 autistic boys who can't sit still so they loved that they could keep getting up to move around. The Dracula performance really was the highlight for us and a nice surprise as we hadn't realised it was on when we went.

We are already members so we were allowed access for free.

Went to the Abbey specifically to see the “Dracula” show; but didn’t know what it would actually entail....... HIGHLY RECOMMEND this little show!!

Very very entertaining, brilliant setting and use of the abbey ruins moving around it as the set; and the kids absolutely loved it!! Kept the crowd of all ages involved!! The three actors who acted out all of the characters were outstanding!! Well worth going to see and so pleased we stopped to see this on our way back home to Cumbria!! Fantastic end to our holiday!! (Take a jumper or jacket - its a chilly wind blowing in off the sea - even in the sunshine!! )

The dracula play absolutely made the visit and we only watched the second half of it. Would recommend it if you can catch them

Saw the Dracula performance today 12th August. Absolutely loved it although some of the characters look very similar ��� highly recommend. My 3 kids loved it and my eldest 12 yr old xbox lover asked to watch it again.

Not only did the staff here welcome our school group with smiles, Matteo gave a welcome talk in Italian for our guests!

Thank you everyone!

My Visit to the Whitby Abbey was fantastic today when I came, I took some photos with my IPhone today so next time when I come here I’m going to do some filming of this.

Thank you very much.

Patrick.

Lovely place and views from the top are stunning. There was a play about dracula on within the abbey whilst we visited which was excellent

Just watched the brilliant production set in the ruins of the abbey, captivating, informative and funny, we enjoyed the audience interaction and location changes. Thank you, we thoroughly recommend this as a first rate attraction.

Had the pleasure of seeing the ‘Dracula’ play

included in the price of entry. Incredibly funny, informative and within the beautiful grounds of Whitby Abbey. What a stunning backdrop for such an iconic piece of work!

Everything was first class & enjoyed the recorded tour guide contraption. In Southern California 1930 is ancient, so to see something this old with its grandeur, craftsmanship, imagination, and engineering really is breathtaking. Had such a great day!!!

Beautiful place to visit, friendly staff, good disabled access, great audio guides an all round lovely experience.

Beautiful place to visit, did not realise you had to pay to enter, however it was well worth the money to see the Dracula show, and spent the day on Saturday wondering around, the weather was beautiful also.

Beautiful place to visit, Charlie our dog loved it as well especially as he was allowed in the museum and shop, really makes a difference being able to go indoors as a family and not have to take turns staying outside with the dog. 5 stars and 5 paw prints rated

Beautiful food served by great staff. The scenery is just as good, with views over Whitby from the garden.

Beautiful abbey and location, staff are friendly but the only thing I'd ease up on is trying to get people to buy a years membership as soon as they ask for an admission to the ruins, I understand it's something you have to do but I felt a little overwhelmed, maybe give people info about the memberships available but don't overdo it �� just abit of slight feedback but apart from that enjoyed my experience and felt humble to be able to view this peice of English heritage.

A great escape from the heaving streets of a hot and sunny Whitby. Only went coz the Dracula play was on, which justified the entrance fee. If in Whitby go check out the play, enthusiastic and amusing actors and we greatly enjoyed it

Lovely visit to Whitby Abbey - lots of information around the site and the recorded narration makes it easy to go at your own pace. Loved the play about Captain Cook that was going on during on visit, too - informative while being fun enough to keep the kids happy!

We climbed all of those stairs to the top, the views were amazing. What we didn’t enjoy seeing was that there has been a wall built around the Abbey, so that if you want to go in and see the ruins, you now have to pay. They don’t tell you that at the bottom. Luckily, we saw it when it was FREE to the public.

We are delighted to announce our evening programme for this year's Illuminated Abbey! After you have explored the gothic splendour of the abbey ruins illuminated and taken (and shared) some truly unique pictures...there is lots more to enjoy.
6.30pm Meet Bram Stoker Mr. Abraham Stoker is paying a visit to Whitby after enjoying a holiday here some years ago…hear how it all began
... 7.00pm Brides of Dracula Discover the haunting Brides of Dracula in mesmerising moonlight performance...new for this year
7.30pm Dracula Think you know the story of Dracula? Think again! Join our performers as they bring the famous story of Dracula to life before your very eyes in this unique and atmospheric setting.
There will also be food and drink to enjoy throughout the evening.
We do suggest booking early - as some nights do sell out.
Book your tickets now - 10% off until Oct 24 🧛‍♂️ https://eht.social/2xY8Hly

See More

Whitby Abbey..always worth a trip. Love having a quiet walk in the historic grounds. So many varied events and fun activities to join in with. Many happy hours spent here with my family over the years.

We missed the start of the Dracula Performace but caught up with it part way round. That really made the visit enjoyable, being able to follow the actors around the ruins. The kids absolutely loved it. I have 2 autistic boys who can't sit still so they loved that they could keep getting up to move around. The Dracula performance really was the highlight for us and a nice surprise as we hadn't realised it was on when we went.

We are already members so we were allowed access for free.

Went to the Abbey specifically to see the “Dracula” show; but didn’t know what it would actually entail....... HIGHLY RECOMMEND this little show!!

Very very entertaining, brilliant setting and use of the abbey ruins moving around it as the set; and the kids absolutely loved it!! Kept the crowd of all ages involved!! The three actors who acted out all of the characters were outstanding!! Well worth going to see and so pleased we stopped to see this on our way back home to Cumbria!! Fantastic end to our holiday!! (Take a jumper or jacket - its a chilly wind blowing in off the sea - even in the sunshine!! )

The dracula play absolutely made the visit and we only watched the second half of it. Would recommend it if you can catch them

Saw the Dracula performance today 12th August. Absolutely loved it although some of the characters look very similar ��� highly recommend. My 3 kids loved it and my eldest 12 yr old xbox lover asked to watch it again.

Not only did the staff here welcome our school group with smiles, Matteo gave a welcome talk in Italian for our guests!

Thank you everyone!

My Visit to the Whitby Abbey was fantastic today when I came, I took some photos with my IPhone today so next time when I come here I’m going to do some filming of this.

Thank you very much.

Patrick.

Lovely place and views from the top are stunning. There was a play about dracula on within the abbey whilst we visited which was excellent

Just watched the brilliant production set in the ruins of the abbey, captivating, informative and funny, we enjoyed the audience interaction and location changes. Thank you, we thoroughly recommend this as a first rate attraction.

Had the pleasure of seeing the ‘Dracula’ play

included in the price of entry. Incredibly funny, informative and within the beautiful grounds of Whitby Abbey. What a stunning backdrop for such an iconic piece of work!

Everything was first class & enjoyed the recorded tour guide contraption. In Southern California 1930 is ancient, so to see something this old with its grandeur, craftsmanship, imagination, and engineering really is breathtaking. Had such a great day!!!

Beautiful place to visit, friendly staff, good disabled access, great audio guides an all round lovely experience.

Beautiful place to visit, did not realise you had to pay to enter, however it was well worth the money to see the Dracula show, and spent the day on Saturday wondering around, the weather was beautiful also.

Beautiful place to visit, Charlie our dog loved it as well especially as he was allowed in the museum and shop, really makes a difference being able to go indoors as a family and not have to take turns staying outside with the dog. 5 stars and 5 paw prints rated

Beautiful food served by great staff. The scenery is just as good, with views over Whitby from the garden.

Beautiful abbey and location, staff are friendly but the only thing I'd ease up on is trying to get people to buy a years membership as soon as they ask for an admission to the ruins, I understand it's something you have to do but I felt a little overwhelmed, maybe give people info about the memberships available but don't overdo it �� just abit of slight feedback but apart from that enjoyed my experience and felt humble to be able to view this peice of English heritage.

A great escape from the heaving streets of a hot and sunny Whitby. Only went coz the Dracula play was on, which justified the entrance fee. If in Whitby go check out the play, enthusiastic and amusing actors and we greatly enjoyed it

Lovely visit to Whitby Abbey - lots of information around the site and the recorded narration makes it easy to go at your own pace. Loved the play about Captain Cook that was going on during on visit, too - informative while being fun enough to keep the kids happy!

We climbed all of those stairs to the top, the views were amazing. What we didn’t enjoy seeing was that there has been a wall built around the Abbey, so that if you want to go in and see the ruins, you now have to pay. They don’t tell you that at the bottom. Luckily, we saw it when it was FREE to the public.