Whitby/Community/Churches/St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church

Perched high above Whitby, St Mary's Church offers breathtaking views, rich history, a unique atmosphere, and an intriguing graveyard.

About

St Mary's Church stands proudly high above the historic town of Whitby, offering visitors a profound sense of history and stunning panoramic views. This iconic landmark, with its unique character, is a captivating destination for those exploring the Yorkshire coast. Its atmospheric setting, often associated with local legends and literary inspiration, makes it a truly memorable stop on any visit to Whitby.

Visitors consistently praise the church for its special atmosphere and the palpable history within its walls. The adjacent graveyard, known for its historic headstones and a spooky ambiance, provides another layer of intrigue, with some graves even linked to the tales of Dracula. Beyond its historical and literary connections, the church offers incredible vistas overlooking Whitby harbour and the dramatic coastline below.

Visiting Information

St Mary's Church welcomes visitors 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing for flexible exploration. It boasts a highly impressive Google rating of 4.7/5 stars, reflecting the positive experiences of many guests. The site is committed to accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance to ensure a welcoming visit for all.

4.7

from 279 reviews

Google Reviews

Reviews from Google Maps.

Showing 5 of 279 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 31 January 2026.

Anonymous
5/5
4 months ago

St Mary’s Church in Whitby is such a beautiful and unique place. The church itself is full of history and character, and walking around you can really feel the special atmosphere. The view from here is absolutely breathtaking you can see the sea and the whole town below. Even the cemetery feels peaceful and calm, and I honestly think anyone resting here must be in peace with such a beautiful view of the ocean. A truly special spot that I will always remember.

Anonymous
5/5
4 weeks ago

I recently visited Whitby Abbey is a place where history and legend intertwine. Founded in the 7th century, this hauntingly beautiful ruin has witnessed centuries of change, from its role as a center of Christian learning to its partial destruction during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, it stands as a dramatic landmark, inspiring countless visitors and even literary works and most famously Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The serene pond and sweeping coastal views add to the abbey’s mystical aura, making it a perfect spot for reflection and photography. Parking is free till march 2026 however, it's impossible to find a spot.

Anonymous
5/5
5 months ago

A really interesting place to walk to and visit. The grave yard is spooky with a few famous graves worthy of note. People associate a couple of graves with Dracula too, look out for grave stoves with skull and crossbones on them. The church also offers great views of the harbour and Whitby though it can be a little windy at times. Keep hold of your hat.

Anonymous
5/5
9 months ago

If you’re in history then its a place to visit. Its not only a church but has long history. It was founded in 1110. Beautiful location at the top of 199 steps where you can have most of the Whitby view. Don’t forget to enjoy sunset which could blow your mind. If you walk around, you’ll be amazed at how badly tombstones were worn with the Weather. I noticed plenty of dates say 19th century. Worth a visit.

Anonymous
5/5
9 months ago

I think this may be the oddest church I've visited, not that this should put you off. I wouldn't know where to start if I had to describe the interior,so I'm not even going to try. You will just have to visit yourself. If you're lucky the two lovely ladies that were there on the day we visited will be there for you to have a chat with. The churchyard is lovely, and the setting is stunning. Combined with a visit to the abbey, it's worth everyone of the 199 steps from the harbour.

Location

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📍 Abbey Plain, Whitby YO22 4JR, UK

Details

Address

Abbey Plain, Whitby YO22 4JR, UK

Opening Hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Source: Google