Bram Stoker, Anne Rice, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Shelly. You’ll guess that what connects them all is their skill and fame for writing gothic novels. If they give you an instant feeling of joy and dread in equal measure, then it’s pretty likely that you are an avid fan of horror and gothic literature. The first name mentioned Bram Stoker has probably created the most iconic vampire of them all, Dracula!

But did you know Whitby played a key role in Bram Stokers inspiration for this great novel?

In 1890, Bram Stoker arrived in Whitby and stayed at Mrs Veazey’s Guesthouse with an address at ‘6 Royal Crescent’. (Just around the corner from the LilyRose Hotel. It is said that Stoker was on a short holiday from his native Ireland and was finishing a new story, the central character to be named “Count Wampyr”.

As Stoker enjoyed his daily promenades he was struck by the windswept headlands and eerie dram of the Whitby abbey ruins, complete with swooping bats!

On August 8th, Stoker paid a visit to Whitby library and happened upon a book that mentioned “Dracula- the son of the dragon” who impaled his enemies on wooden stakes. Stoker took note of his name, and the title of one of the world’s greatest novels was born.

In 1897, Dracula was published and Whitby’s love affair with one of the world’s most popular fictional villain began. To this day, Whitby embraces all things ghoulish, gothic and celebrates Dracula and Bram Stoker.

Our hotel the LilyRose Hotel, Whitby is ideally located as a base from which to explore all of the historical sites and we are only a stroll away from the meeting points from some of the most popular tours.

One of the most popular tours you can take in Whitby are the Ghost walks. Here are two such options that we say are a MUST do for visitors to Whitby.

Book your Autumn or Winter Break in Whitby and stay at the gorgeous LilyRose Hotel from as little as £30.00 per person sharing a double room per night. Always book online and direct for best rates.