Gothic Fashion Whitby

If gothic fashion in Britain has a spiritual home, it is Whitby. This small fishing town on the North Yorkshire coast, with its ruined abbey on the cliff and its 199 steps climbing up from the harbour, has drawn dark romantics for well over a century. Bram Stoker stayed here while writing Dracula, and it is where the count comes ashore in the novel. Today it hosts Whitby Goth Weekend, held twice a year in spring and again around Halloween, and the streets fill with velvet, lace, leather and silver.

 

Whitby Abbey ruins at dusk


Why Whitby became a gothic landmark

  • Whitby Abbey. The 13th-century ruins stand on the East Cliff above the town and are floodlit on winter evenings, the most photographed gothic backdrop in England.
  • Dracula. Stoker found the name "Dracula" in Whitby's library and set key scenes in the town, including the shipwreck of the Demeter at Tate Hill Sands.
  • St Mary's churchyard. Weather-worn headstones at the top of the 199 steps, looking out over the North Sea.
  • Whitby jet. The town's own black gemstone, fossilised wood polished to a deep shine, made famous as Victorian mourning jewellery after Prince Albert's death.
  • Whitby Goth Weekend. Running since 1994, it brings thousands of people in full gothic dress to the town twice a year.

What to wear to Whitby Goth Weekend

Whitby style leans Victorian and romantic rather than club-gothic. Think structured silhouettes, long lines and layers you can actually walk the cliffs in.

  • Corsetry as the foundation. A waist-cinching corset over a blouse is the classic Whitby shape. Browse Corsets and Basques & Bustiers.
  • Long skirts and gowns. Velvet, taffeta and lace in black, oxblood and deep purple. See Dresses & Clothing.
  • A serious coat or cloak. The sea wind off the North Sea is not gentle. A hooded cloak or tailored frock coat does the work of both drama and warmth, from Coats, Cloaks & Jackets.
  • Boots that handle 199 steps. Cobbles and steep stone stairs reward a solid heel or a flat lace-up. Have a look at Gothic Boots & Shoes.
  • Silver and jet-toned detail. Crosses, lockets, chokers and rings finish the look. Explore our gothic jewellery.
  • Finishing touches. Top hats, lace gloves, parasols and chokers from Gothic Fashion Accessories, plus dramatic dark make-up from Gothic Beauty & Cosmetics.

Three Whitby looks to copy

  • Victorian mourning. High-necked black gown, jet-look jewellery, lace gloves, veiled hat. Understated and very Whitby.
  • Sea-cliff romantic. Velvet corset, sweeping skirt, hooded cloak and flat lace-up boots for a day on the abbey headland.
  • Gothic bride. Whitby is a popular spot for dark weddings and handfastings. See our Gothic Wedding Dresses.


Gothic outfit on the Whitby cliffs

Planning your visit

Whitby Goth Weekend takes place in late April and again close to Halloween, with events across the town and the Spa Pavilion at the heart of it. Book accommodation months ahead, dress in layers because the coastal weather turns quickly, and give yourself an evening to see the abbey lit up. Bring a change of footwear: the town is all cobbles, hills and steps.

Bring Whitby home

The look does not have to stop at the wardrobe. Candelabras, dark mirrors, velvet seating and antique-style furniture carry the same Victorian gothic mood indoors, all in Gothic Homeware & Furniture.

Ready to build your own Whitby look? Start with Shop the Look at our online Gothic boutique shop, or browse everything in the store.