Dracula, vampires and goths: why the eerie Whitby Abbey attracts tourists from all over the world.

Bram Stoker's Adventure, or The Terrifying Town of Whitby

In England, there is a small town called Whitby. This place became an inspiration for Bram Stoker, the author of the novel 'Dracula'. Nevertheless, Whitby was previously considered one of the most beautiful towns in Great Britain.

Whitby is located on the cliffs of North Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk. It is famous for its picturesque beach huts, red brick houses, and cozy streets. The main sight here is the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey, which rise above the town by 199 steps. This abbey, the remains of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery, inspired Stoker to create his famous novel.

'In the ruins of this abbey, there is currently not a single vampire, but it is a wonderful place for walks. After viewing the historical landmarks, you can descend the steps and stroll along the caramel beaches of Whitby Sands. And before visiting the famous Magpie Cafe to taste delicious fried cod, which locals know and love,' journalists say.

The Mystery of the Shipwreck

Stoker stayed in Whitby in 1890 and learned the story of a shipwreck involving the Russian vessel 'Dmitry'. He added this event to his novel, where 'Dmitry' became the ship 'Demeter', which transported Dracula to Whitby.

In the novel, the ship 'Demeter' runs aground, and only the captain remains tied to the wheel, while all other crew members disappear. Then, a large 'dog' appears, pointing to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, and the true terrifying story begins.

The Terrifying Town of Whitby Today

Modern Whitby continues its gothic tradition by hosting Goth Weekend every year. The event takes place in April and November and gathers gothic style lovers from all over the world. Whitby is also worth visiting for a walk along the caramel beaches and a pleasant lunch at Magpie Cafe.

In the Caribbean Sea, there are many wonderful islands, each with its own fascinating history. One such island near Curacao is Little Curacao, which has its own 'evil twin'. It is tiny in size, but its history can overshadow many.