Hello October! The month when autumn stretches out her chilly hands and begins to pluck the leaves off the trees. Meanwhile in the shops, autumn meets Halloween home accessorises are out. Personally, with two kids now in high school, I eagerly await the half-term break. Halloween is smack dab at the end of the half-term break. Although we don’t celebrate it, I do love a horror flick or two, especially vampire ones. Some years back I read Bram Stoker’s Dracula and saw the film. Now, Whitby is on my list to visit one day. All through the year, Whitby has attractions but in October another side of the town’s history comes alive … or undead. Add Whitby to your staycation bucket list.
About Whitby
Whitby is ancient seaport town in Northern Yorkshire, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. In more modern times it’s known for being one of the locations Bram Stoker’s Dracula. 2024 marks 127 years since the novel’s publication and for which the abbey is also known.
Whitby is a town of two halves, divided in two by the harbour and the River Esk Estuary. The older part of the town, located on the East bank, is a jumble of narrow mediaeval streets, while the newer town is found on the opposite bank.
The West Cliff is the modern side and has all the hotels, guest houses, holiday accommodation and tourist attractions. Stoker is known to have stayed at a guest house in Royal Crescent in the late 19h century. The landscape inspired his novel, Whitby Abbey and the surrounding area. During this period the town was a popular spa town, other notable creative visitors to the town included Turner, Lewis Carroll and Charles Dickens.
Whitby Attractions
As a destination steeped in history it’s no surprise Whitby has a host of attractions. Naturally, the abbey comes to mind. It was founded in 657 by St Hilda . In 2011 it was declared Britain’s most romantic ruin. The gothic abbey is set high on a cliff overlooking spectacular sea views. Whitby Abbey is also one of England’s most important archaeological sites. Over 2,000 years of history imagine to stories yet to be told. During the Halloween season, the abbey will be Illuminated from 24th October – 2nd November 2024.
Whitby Walks runs a selection of walking tours In time for Halloween, why not go In Search of Dracula if you dare!
Visit the home of Captain Cook. Before his explorations, Cook was a seaman. The17th century very house where he lodged as an apprentice is now home to his museum. The Cook Museum currently has an exhibition with ends on 31st October entitled ‘ Cook’s Quest for the Northwest Passage ‘. The museum collection includes original letters by Captain Cook, a model of his ship Resolution , along with paintings and prints.
Also this October, marks the 30th birthday of the Whitby’s Goth Weekend. Celebrations kick off 31st October (to 3rd November) with a fancy dress Halloween party. Over the weekend there will be a series of music events. In the past, Trillos has made ispecially themed ice cream specially for this period. Check them out.
Bonus Tips: Pumpkins and Halloween go together like Frankenstein and the monster. At the Piglets Adventure Farm there will be a host of attractions for the month of October. Family friend attractions include pumpkin picking, pumpkin carving, the Yorkshire’s Gruesome Ghost Trail and more.
Shopping For Souvenirs
In Trinidad you are likely to see babies adorned with a jet wrist band ‘for protection’. It’s superstition but whether you believe or not you may heed especially as a new parent. However, I didn’t know that there are different types and quality. As it turns out, Whitby Jet is a semi-precious organic gemstone! It is formed over millions of years from the fossilised remains of the modern day Monkey Puzzle, and other similar trees. If you visit jet makes the ideal souvenir. Genuine Whitby Jet is one of the many places you can buy jet jewellery and other accessories.
FYI: You can also take away a taste of the region, when you buy from Whitby Hampers and tipples from or shop directly at Whitby Distillery
Did you find this helpful? Will you add Whitby to your bucket list?
What destionations do you enjoy in October. Comment below. I would love to hear from you.
If you liked this, read all about our family hot tub holiday in Southampton! And follow me on Instagram @xpatathome
Photo Credit: Whitby Guide and Trillo's Ice Cream
Whitby really is a town with a magical atmosphere, and we loved visiting it!