St Mary's Church Whitby
Historic 12th-century church on Whitby's East Cliff, famed for its 199 steps and panoramic sea views, with a gothic cemetery linked to Dracula.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
St Mary's Church Whitby
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 12th-century church on Whitby's East Cliff, famed for its 199 steps and panoramic sea views, with a gothic cemetery linked to Dracula.
"The view from here is absolutely breathtaking you can see the sea and the whole town below."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 199 steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for the climb and exploring the churchyard.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Buy a bottle of water inside the church after your climb up the 199 steps.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 199 Steps
Base of the East Cliff
Ascend these historic steps for breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. Benches offer respite along the way.
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Panoramic Views
Churchyard
Soak in stunning vistas of Whitby Harbour, the town, and the North Sea from the church's elevated position.
Historic Church Interior
Inside St. Mary's Church
Discover the unique 'sheep pen' segregated pews and the church's rich 12th-century history.
Atmospheric Cemetery
Churchyard
Explore the gothic graveyard, with weathered tombstones and a connection to Bram Stoker's Dracula.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the 199 Steps
Beyond Dracula
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 199 steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for the climb and exploring the churchyard.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Buy a bottle of water inside the church after your climb up the 199 steps.
🎩 Mind the Wind
It can get breezy at the top, especially near the sea. Hold onto your hat!
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views of Whitby are stunning, especially during sunset.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The 199 steps are steep! Good footwear is essential for the climb and exploring the churchyard.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Buy a bottle of water inside the church after your climb up the 199 steps.
🎩 Mind the Wind
It can get breezy at the top, especially near the sea. Hold onto your hat!
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic views of Whitby are stunning, especially during sunset.
🕰️ Check Opening Times
While the churchyard is always accessible, the church interior may have specific opening hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St. Mary's Church for its breathtaking panoramic views of Whitby and the sea, and its rich historical atmosphere. The unique interior and the challenging yet rewarding 199 steps are frequently mentioned highlights. While some are drawn to the gothic cemetery's association with Dracula, others appreciate its peaceful ambiance. The friendly staff and reasonable souvenir prices also receive positive remarks.
"St Mary’s Church in Whitby is such a beautiful and unique place. The church itself is full of history and character, and walking around you can really feel the special atmosphere. The view from here is absolutely breathtaking you can see the sea and the whole town below. Even the cemetery feels peaceful and calm, and I honestly think anyone resting here must be in peace with such a beautiful view of the ocean. A truly special spot that I will always remember."
Bárbara Caroline
"This church and its cemetery is a must see.
Lovely views from at the top too.
Free to enter.
A lot of history and the souvenirs are very reasonable, get your stairs badge here!
Also grab a bottle of water from inside after doing the stairs!
(There is a bus that goes to the Abbey if you can’t do the stairs)
The staff we met were very friendly and had some great stories to tell.
There is nothing Dracula related here!"
emma benson
"A really interesting place to walk to and visit. The grave yard is spooky with a few famous graves worthy of note. People associate a couple of graves with Dracula too, look out for grave stoves with skull and crossbones on them. The church also offers great views of the harbour and Whitby though it can be a little windy at times. Keep hold of your hat."
My Review
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most iconic way is to climb the 199 steps from the harbour. Alternatively, a bus service runs to the nearby Whitby Abbey, which is a short walk from the church. +1
Parking is available in Whitby town centre, but it can be busy. From the car parks, you'll need to walk to the base of the 199 steps or take the bus.
Access for vehicles directly to the church is limited. It's generally recommended to park in town and walk or take the bus.
Many visitors enjoy the challenge of climbing the 199 steps for the experience and views. For a less strenuous approach, consider the bus to Whitby Abbey. +1
The 199 steps are a significant challenge. A bus service to Whitby Abbey offers an alternative, with a shorter, flatter walk to the church.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the churchyard and the church interior is generally free, though donations are welcome.
The churchyard is usually accessible at all times. The church interior may have specific opening hours, so it's best to check locally or online.
No, there is no admission fee to enter St Mary's Church Whitby. It's a place of worship and a historical site open to visitors.
Yes, the cemetery surrounding St Mary's Church is open to visitors and offers a unique atmosphere and views.
The church sometimes hosts special events, such as Christmas tree displays. It's worth checking their local listings for any upcoming activities.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the churchyard overlooking Whitby Harbour and the sea are spectacular. The 199 steps themselves also make for dramatic shots.
Photography is generally permitted inside the church, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing services or other visitors.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light for capturing the views and the church's architecture. Early mornings can be quieter and offer soft light.
While generally allowed, avoid intrusive photography during services. The atmospheric nature of the cemetery also lends itself to striking, respectful shots.
Drone usage is often restricted in historical and residential areas. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone near the church.
🎫 ⛪ Onsite Experience
The church features unique 'sheep pen' style segregated pews, a rich history dating back to the 12th century, and a peaceful atmosphere.
The 199 steps are a historic pathway leading to St. Mary's Church, offering a challenging but rewarding ascent with resting benches along the way.
While the gothic atmosphere of the cemetery and some gravestones are associated with Bram Stoker's Dracula, the church itself is a historical site.
There are restrooms available inside the church, and visitors often purchase water after climbing the steps.
Combine your visit with exploring Whitby Abbey, the town's harbour, and its charming streets. The views from the churchyard are a highlight.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a small prize or 'stairs badge' for completing the climb. 🚶 History Buffs
The graveyard offers a glimpse into past lives, with weathered tombstones providing a tangible connection to history. 📸 Photographers
The panoramic views from the churchyard, especially during golden hour, are a photographer's dream, capturing Whitby Harbour and the coastline. +1 The gothic atmosphere of the cemetery, with its ancient gravestones, provides a moody and atmospheric subject. +1 Remember to be respectful of the location and any ongoing services. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the 199 Steps
+1 Some sources mention that benches along the way were historically used to rest coffins during funeral processions, adding a somber historical layer to the climb. While the climb can be demanding, there are resting points, and the panoramic reward at the summit is well worth the effort. For those unable to make the climb, a bus service to Whitby Abbey provides an alternative route to the church.
St. Mary's Church: History and Atmosphere
This distinctive feature contributes to the church's unique atmosphere, which is both historical and spiritual. Visitors often comment on the sense of peace and history they feel within its walls. The churchyard, perched on the East Cliff, offers breathtaking views of Whitby Harbour and the North Sea.
This elevated position, combined with the weathered gravestones and the proximity to Whitby Abbey, creates a dramatic and atmospheric setting. It's this gothic ambiance that has led to its association with Bram Stoker's 'Dracula,' though the church itself is a place of worship with a rich, independent history. The Dracula Connection and Cemetery
+1 While Stoker never explicitly stated that the church or its graveyard were the direct inspiration, the atmospheric setting, with its ancient tombstones and dramatic cliffside location, certainly evokes the mood of the novel. Visitors often seek out gravestones with skull and crossbones motifs, adding to the eerie allure. Beyond the literary associations, the cemetery is a place of historical significance, with many gravestones bearing dates from the 19th century, showcasing the wear and tear of time and weather.
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