Whitby: Dracula 130 Years Anniversary Tour with Dacre Stoker｜United Kingdom

Celebrate 130 years since the publishing of the novel Dracula by visiting the two most iconic places related to the story. Follow the Count’s path from start to finish on the Dracula 130th Anniversary Tours, led by the Irish author's great-grandnephew, Dacre Stoker.

Day 1: The Grand Dracula Jubilee & Stoker Gathering

Begin your celebratory journey as you arrive in the hauntingly beautiful seaside town of Whitby. The grand Jubilee officially commences in the afternoon, soon after you’ve checked in. Gather in the lobby for a welcome drink hosted by your jubilee host Dacre Stoker enjoying the view of the Abbey ruins.

As the afternoon light begins to fail, make your way on a pleasant walk through the narrow streets towards the Royal Crescent, mentioned in the novel Dracula. Dinner is served in the vicinity of the ballroom where the Grand Stoker Gathering takes place.

Be a guest of this historic gathering, celebrating the 130th anniversary of Dracula together with passionate gothic literature fans, many joining in Victorian costumes. Feel free to bring your own gothic attire or simply a vampire-esque accessory to fire up the evening. Mr. Stoker will entertain the audience about his ancestor's life, his research, and writing.

Day 2: Whitby Abbey & Town Tour

Continue unearthing the enduring legacy of the Count, beginning with a morning exploration of the skeletal remains of Whitby Abbey. Walk up the famous 199 steps, pausing for evocative readings by Dacre, from the pages of Dracula passing by the harbor where the doomed Demeter came ashore.

At St. Mary’s Churchyard, Dacre helps you discover the very headstones that sparked his great grand-uncle’s imagination. Enjoy a few hours of free time in Whitby to allow for your own explorations, maybe a visit to the Whitby Museum or the Captain Cook Museum.

After a convivial dinner in the building that hosted the library where Bram Stoker first read about Vlad the Impaler, round up your last evening in Whitby with a torch-lit guided walk of Whitby.

Day 3: Historical Layers in York: Romans, Vikings & Guy Fawkes

After a final breakfast in Whitby and a brief, scenic stop at the picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay, also mentioned in the novel, travel to the city of York. Admire the grandeur of the Minster's facade, and wander through the medieval Shambles before a spirited lunch at the historic Guy Fawkes Inn.

For some of you, the journey continues towards Transylvania. For those not taking the Transylvania extension, York offers the perfect hub for further exploration of England and for a train transfer to Manchester or London.