01 Jun Lights, Camera… Whitby! Why Our Favourite North Yorkshire Resort Is Made for the Big Screen
Let’s get one thing straight: Whitby isn’t just a pretty face. Sure, it’s got sweeping sea views, crooked cobbled streets, and sunsets that make your phone scream “selfie” but did you know it’s also a total movie and tv star?
Yes, that’s right. Whitby has been stealing the spotlight for years, quietly serving as the mysterious, and magical backdrop for films and TV shows galore.
From gothic dramas to modern thrillers, Whitby’s dramatic coastline and hauntingly beautiful Abbey Ruins have made it a top choice for directors and location scouts looking for something extra. It’s like walking through a perfectly lit film set—at any time of the year.
Who’s Been Here?
- Dracula – Bram Stoker’s iconic vampire tale was inspired by a visit to Whitby in 1890, and the town has sunk its teeth into film adaptations ever since. Those steps up to the Abbey. Total horror movie gold.
 
- The Woman in Black – Whitby gave the spooky vibes that helped bring this ghostly tale to life.
 
- Heartbeat – The 90s favourite filmed scenes in and around Whitby. Cue the nostalgia.
 
- Phantom Threads – Yes, Daniel Day-Lewis himself wandered these streets. Imagine sipping your morning coffee where he may have brooded over couture.
 
- Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell – This BBC fantasy series used Whitby’s dramatic coast to conjure up some magical scenes.
 
New productions are popping up all the time, and we’ve become experts at spotting the film crews before their coffee even kicks in.
Walk in the Footsteps of Fame
When you visit Whitby, you’re not just sightseeing—you’re scene-stealing. You can climb the same 199 steps Dracula did (without the bloodlust), stand where the Woman in Black once glowered, or have a pint where the Heartbeat coppers may have had their post-shift shandy.
And here’s the best part: you can do all this while staying just five minutes from the town centre, right here at The LilyRose Hotel. With our cosy rooms, friendly vibes, we’re your perfect base for a film-worthy adventure.
Ready to Roll?
Whether you’re a superfan of period dramas, a goth at heart, or just love a good seaside wander with a dash of stardust, Whitby delivers. And we can’t wait to welcome you. So, pack your bags and come stay with us.
📽️ Book your star-studded stay at The LilyRose Hotel today! www.lilyrosehotel.co.uk
Because in Whitby, every visitor gets their moment in the spotlight.
- 
            
            
A Fresh New Look at the LilyRose Hotel
This year is the first ever Whitby Literature Festival, taking place in November 2025 from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th. The festival is here to celebrate Whitby’s literary heritage and connect readers with contemporary authors and poets, past and present....
28 October, 2025 - 
            
            
Why Everyone is Talking about Gothic Weekends in Whitby
Oct 30th to Nov 2nd 2025, is when the next Whitby Goth Weekend takes place, and we are so excited to welcome guests to our hotel looking to indulge their inner and outer ‘Goth’ with like-minded people. ...
25 October, 2025 - 
            
            
Whitby Lit Fest – Celebrating Whitby
This year is the first ever Whitby Literature Festival, taking place in November 2025 from Thursday 6th to Sunday 9th. The festival is here to celebrate Whitby’s literary heritage and connect readers with contemporary authors and poets, past and present....
22 September, 2025 
 			 
 			 
 			 
 		

