I had been meaning to fly at Whitby Abbey for ages, but every time we visit, it is either too bloomin' busy, or the weather isn't good enough for the drone.

It's amazing how much busier Whitby has become since I used to go. It's alway been a popular place in summer, so I used to go out of season for a walk around and some of the, now famous, Magpie fish and chips.

I did do a Drone adventure around the harbour a few years ago and got some great pictures (A better day for photos than the Whitby Abbey Day).

A bit about the Abbey

Are you a fan of spooky stories, stunning scenery, and fascinating history? Look no further than Whitby Abbey! This ruined Benedictine abbey on the east coast of North Yorkshire, England has it all.

First of all, let's talk about the spooky stuff. Whitby Abbey is said to be haunted by a ghostly young girl who was murdered there in the 19th century. Visitors have reported seeing her ghostly figure walking among the ruins at night, and some even claim to have heard her voice whispering in their ear. If you're brave enough, you can take a ghost tour of the abbey and learn all about its eerie past.

But even if you're not a fan of ghost stories, Whitby Abbey has plenty to offer. The abbey was founded in the 7th century by Saint Hilda, who was the first abbess of the monastery. It was an important religious and cultural center in medieval England, known for its illuminated manuscripts and its role in spreading Christianity throughout the region.

Unfortunately, the abbey was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century, when King Henry VIII disbanded all monasteries in England and seized their assets. But the ruins of the abbey are still standing, and they're a sight to behold. The abbey is situated on a cliff overlooking the North Sea, offering stunning views of the coast and the surrounding countryside.

The ruins have also been the site of many archaeological digs, which have uncovered a wealth of artifacts and information about life at the monastery over the centuries. You can learn all about these discoveries at the on-site museum, which is full of fascinating exhibits and interactive displays.

But perhaps the most famous thing about Whitby Abbey is its connection to Bram Stoker's novel "Dracula." Stoker visited Whitby in 1890 and was inspired by the dramatic scenery and the history of the abbey. In the novel, the titular vampire arrives in England on a ship that runs aground near Whitby, and he eventually makes his way to the abbey. Fans of the book (and its countless adaptations) will love visiting Whitby Abbey and imagining themselves in the world of the story.

And speaking of adaptations, Whitby Abbey has been featured in many movies and TV shows over the years. It was used as a location for the BBC series "Dracula" and the film "Elizabeth," among others. If you're a film buff, you'll have fun trying to spot the abbey in your favourite productions.

Finally, it's worth mentioning Whitby Abbey's connection to the famous explorer Captain Cook. Cook was born in nearby Marton and worked as a shopkeeper in Whitby before joining the Royal Navy. You can learn more about Cook's life and legacy at the Captain Cook Memorial Museum, which is also located in Whitby.

So there you have it: Whitby Abbey, the perfect destination for anyone who loves a good ghost story, breathtaking scenery, or fascinating history. Whether you're a fan of "Dracula," Captain Cook, or just the beauty of the English coast, you won't be disappointed by a visit to this iconic landmark.

Location (This is Google Map, so Zoom out etc)