The history and myths surrounding Whitby, on the northeast coast of Yorkshire, are eerier than the casual visitor to this picturesque little town would dare to imagine. The ruined gothic Whitby Abbey towers over the town. It was founded by an abbotess called St Hilda but ever since Henry VIII ran amok through the country's monasteries and stripped them of their wealth, it has remained in ruins. The ruins were the inspiration behind one of the greatest horror novels ever written - Braham Stoker's Dracula. The author actually wrote the book while staying in Whitby.

In the eighteenth century the fortunes of the tiny fishing community were transformed in the great whaling boom that swept through the north of England. Captain Cook, the explorer who became a national hero when he discovered Australia, began his seafaring career in Whitby where he was an apprentice. All four of the ships for his expedition were built here.

Other mentionable activities in Whitby include enjoying the view over the town from the top of St Mary's Church. There are 199 steps to the top but the exertion is well worth it for the panoramic views of the town. Taking the Dracula Tour and exploring the place where Stoker wrote his best-seller, learn how the town inspired him and hear the strange stories of vampire happenings ever since.

If you are in Whitby during the fall, Whitby is the place to spend Halloween. The streets are overrun with pasty faced goths in costume, on their way to the Vampire's Ball. Lurid goings on in the churchyard, reputed to be the final resting place of Count Dracula have been curtailed but a special service for the Goths takes place in the church.