The Church Stairs

The Church Stairs comprise 199 stone steps that rise steeply from the town center to St Mary's Church perched on the eastern cliff of Whitby. The flight is narrow and weathered, lined with gravestones, and flanked by vegetation and historic buildings that frame the long climb.

The original stairway dates back to 1370 and was rebuilt and reinforced during the 18th and 19th centuries. These renovations responded to the changing needs of the growing port town and its shifting connections between sea and church.

The stairway connects the busy port area below with the holy site above, forming a natural path that has tied the town to its church for centuries. Locals and visitors move through this space to reach one of their most important religious landmarks.

The climb is steep and requires proper footwear and caution on the aged stone, especially in wet conditions. Visitors should allow time to ascend at a comfortable pace, as the 199 steps are physically demanding and the upper churchyard is a working burial ground.

These steps feature prominently in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, where the graveyard at the summit plays a pivotal role in key scenes. The literary connection still draws readers who wish to visit the actual locations that inspired the story.

Location: Whitby

GPS coordinates: 54.48880,-0.61125

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:06