Whitby, England: Best Seaside Holiday in North Yorkshire, England

Visitors to England looking to see the beach, an abbey, and see some of the places mentioned in Bram Stoker's Dracula don't need to look any further than Whitby. This North Yorkshire seaside resort town boasts each of the above, as well as what many consider the best fish and chips in Yorkshire. While touring England, visitors would be remiss if they didn't allow at least a day or two to Whitby.

Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey is set above the historic town, with panoramic views of the North Sea and Whitby below. The abbey ruin itself is beautiful to examine, with large archways and windows. According to English Heritage, there is also an impressive history to read about since it's founding by St. Hilda in 657 and mention in Bram Stoker's Dracula. Whitby Abbey can be reached by steps from the town of Whitby below, as well as by car. If you want a beautiful view of Whitby Abbey but aren't interested in paying the entry free or joining English Heritage, consider walking through Whitby and out onto one of the piers. From a distance, you can see the entire ruin.

Whitby's Seaside Beach, Lighthouses, Piers and Amusements
Whitby is a seaside fishing town, complete with piers, boat rides, amusement rides and games for children and adults, and a sandy beach. Though the water might be a bit chilly for swimming for the majority of the year, you'll still find families wading in with their trousers rolled up, and puppies fetching sticks from the waves. Walk out onto the piers to catch that view of Whitby Abbey, beautiful rocky crags, and the two lighthouses that you can climb into.

Whitby and the Story of Dracula
Featured in Bram Stoker's Dracula, many visitors flock to Whitby, England in hopes of seeing some of the sights mentioned in his novel. Be sure to see Whitby Abbey and St. Mary's Church, each mentioned in the novel. Don't miss out on the Bram Stoker Memorial Seat, which is said to have inspired the scenes in the novel that took place in Whitby. Another option for those more interested in the story than the history would be to take part in the Dracula Experience, an interactive museum attraction.