Whitby, England

The old fishing port of Whitby is cloaked in mystery, located on the coast of North Yorkshire, and is one of the best Halloween destinations in English as well as in Europe. The thing that makes this place such an ideal location to visit during Halloween is the ruins of Whitby Abbey - one of the most visited spots on the North Yorkshire Coast and is home to a rich tapestry of history. The cliff face of the ruin is now dominated by a shell of the Benedictine monastery founded after the Norman Conquest, which in the 13th century was rebuilt in the iconic Gothic style. Today you can follow in the footsteps of artists, writers, and spiritual leaders to explore the soaring ruins, take in the surrounding sea views and uncover centuries of antiquity via an interactive guide.

The Whitby Goth Fest, held every October here in Whitby, is a must-attend event for anyone interested in celebrating Halloween. The Illuminated Abbey event is also held in October is also a great activity. This event is organized in co-operation with English Heritage, and the ruin lights up in various Halloween-themed colors. You can also visit the recently revamped museum to find out more about how the abbey inspired Caedmon (the first named English poet) and Bram Stoker, author of Dracula.

Also, it's a perfect opportunity to enjoy Whitby’s famed fish and chips atop the 199 steps of the Whitby Abbey ruin. In fact, there has been lots of debate about whether there are in fact 199 at all, which makes this location even more exciting on Halloween. Moreover, from Whitby, you can drive to Thirley Cotes Farm to explore the neighboring towns and villages, such as Scarborough and Robin Hood’s Bay.