What is Whitby known for?
Whitby is a seaside town in North Yorkshire known for the ruins of Whitby Abbey, its links to Bram Stoker's Dracula, Captain James Cook and its fish and chips. It sits at the mouth of the River Esk.
Whitby Abbey, founded in 657, was an important religious center in Anglo-Saxon England. The ruins of the later Gothic abbey stand on a cliff above the town.
In 1890, Bram Stoker visited Whitby, and the town inspired parts of Dracula. In the novel, Dracula comes ashore at Whitby in the form of a large dog.
Cook and the 199 steps
Captain James Cook learned his seafaring skills in Whitby, and the ship Endeavour was built there. The Captain Cook Memorial Museum is in the house where he lodged.
The famous 199 steps lead from the old town up to the abbey and St Mary's Church.
Whitby is famous for Whitby jet, a black gemstone popular in Victorian mourning jewelry. The town hosts the Whitby Goth Weekend, a gathering of goth fans.
Whitby's fish and chips are among the most famous in England. The town lies on the edge of the North York Moors National Park.