You'd think that being a Goth i'd have been to Whitby eh?
Well, think again. I had never been to that little cove of spooky bloodsucking treasure in my whole life until a few weeks ago. Yep, my awesome fella decided to take us on a magical roadtrip to the east coast of England to finally visit the Lair of Dracula ❤🕷🕸
After getting lost a few times; taking wrong turns, we eventually arrived at our destination. It wasnt how i imagined. It was a street with hotels and a beach. Where was good ol' Drac? Where was the Abbey?
Taking a stroll down the promenade, as you do in all seaside towns in the UK, we came upon a whalebone arch...and lo and behold our bloodshot eyes caught sight of the magnificent Abbey ruins and Church, perched on the windtorn hill gazing eternally out to sea......
Walking through the archway, sounds and sight gradually came into our vision. A pirate ship was setting off out to sea from a quaint harbour far below our perch above, complete with skull & crossbone flag. Crammed with sightseeing passengers, it looked amazing and brought to mind what it must have been like centuries earlier!
The harbour was vibrant and alive with throngs of people, all enjoying the sights and sounds of this picture perfect little town.
Venturing down what seemed to be a million (and one) steps we found ourselves in a hive of activity, smells and music on a busy thriving harbourside.
We were surrounded by tea shops, cafes, bars, gift shops and amusement arcades. All of them bustling with happy faces.
Whitby now reminded me of a slightly more upmarket and quaint Blackpool. I loved it!
Walking along the harbourside we stumbled upon The Dracula Experience; i had found him, my ultimate nightmare come true. My beloved Dracula. I felt home. This is the Whitby i had often dreamt of ❤.
A little farther along we found a beautiful little antique shop; its windows crammed with eclectic delights. All of which i wanted to take home.
Browsing this delightful shop, my mental wishlist overflowed with all the hidden gems which kept catching my eye.
After exiting the antique shop, we headed over the bridge to the other side of the harbour.. and found ourselves in yet another different part of town.
Cobbled narrow streets led to a small town square, littered with stalls selling vintage clothes and artifacts. Beautiful.
We wandered along these cobbled streets to find ourselves at the foot of a mountain of ancient stone steps.
Yes, this was the pathway to the Abbey.
And then the heavens opened....
We bravely struggled up 199 steps to the top of the creepy hill into the ruins only to discover that we would be charged £8 approx each to walk round the old ruin.
Not a chance.
I am a firm believer that places of national interest (especially ruins) should be free or carry a small fee in the region of under £5 to experience. Particularly when attached to classic literature and history.
Taking the steps down into the town with the cobbled streets we made our way over the bridge again.
Walking to the curved little cove area overlooking the sea we settled into a cafe called The Fisherman's Wife, and tucked into the most tasty fish, chips and mushy peas.
Ahhhh the life of a Vamp.
And so our magical day in the birthplace of Drac came to an end and we made our way back home, full of good food and memories.
And also the inspiration for a new collection of Vampire Dresses. Coming soon.....
Whitby....i will return ❤🕸🕷
