The bench can be found near the Whalebones up on West Cliff overlooking the town. When you visit Whitby you can sit on the bench to admire the view, but don’t forget that you are sitting in the place where Bram Stoker created his most famous character Dracula back in the 1890’s.
Stoker was inspired by the shipwreck of a Russian schooner, the Dmitry, which was wrecked in a storm in October 1885 on the sands just below St Mary’s Churchyard and Whitby Abbey. In Stoker’s imagination, the ship is renamed the Demeter and carries Dracula and his coffins of Transylvanian soil to Whitby.
One historical figure undoubtedly casts a shadow larger than any other over Whitby – and he was only ever a work of fiction. While Captain James Cook remains famous for seafaring endeavours, his reputation is overshadowed by that of Count Dracula.
Some people believed one could be the grave of Dracula, but we know for a fact that there is no record of a Count Dracula ever being buried in St Mary’s Churchyard. Vlad Tepes, a 15th Century Prince, who the character of Dracula is inspired by is buried near his home in Transylvania, Romania at Lake Snagov.
The ultimate celebration of all things Gothic and alternative, the festival will return to its spiritual home between Friday 28th to Sunday 30th October 2022.
What Happens on Whitby Goth Weekend? WGW is an alternative festival and one of the best Goth events in the World, celebrating gothic culture, music and fashion. On top of two live music nights, the festival offers three days of alternative shopping and fringe events.
Is there a charge to visit the Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market? Admission to all Trading Areas of the Official Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market is free of charge, and they are open between 10am-5pm Fri/Sat and 10am-4pm Sun.