199 Steps
Sightseeing attraction | Whitby | England | United Kingdom
Historical steps in Whitby
The "199 Steps" in Whitby, a picturesque coastal town in North Yorkshire, England, are one of the most famous landmarks in the region and an iconic symbol of the city. This historic staircase, also known as "Church Stairs" or "Jacob’s Ladder", connects the old town at the harbor with St. Mary's Church and the ruins of Whitby Abbey, perched high on the cliffs of East Cliff. The 199 steps are considered a challenge for visitors, but reward with a breathtaking view over the city, the harbor, and the sea – a sight that makes Whitby unforgettable.
View from the 199 steps
The history of the "199 Steps" dates back to at least 1370, when they were first mentioned in records, although historians speculate that a path existed at this location even earlier, as St. Mary's Church was built in the 12th century. Originally, the steps were made of wood and painted in bright colors, until they were replaced with sturdy stones from a nearby quarry in Sneaton around 1774. This change was part of a larger project to make the route more durable and safer. The number of steps is subject to minor debates – some count 198, others 200, depending on whether the last stride is included as a step. However, the official count remains at 199, often marked with Roman numerals on the sides.
Whitby Abbey and St. Mary
The staircase originally had both a practical and spiritual significance. It was the most direct route from the town to the church and abbey, founded in the 7th century by Saint Hilda. Some traditions suggest that the steps served as a test of Christian faith: those who climbed them proved their devotion. Particularly impressive is the connection to burial tradition: until the 19th century, coffins were carried up the steps to bury the deceased in St. Mary's churchyard. Wooden platforms can still be found along the staircase, originally serving as "coffin benches" – resting places for the pallbearers who needed a break. The last documented coffin carried up this way belonged to Reverend George Austen in 1933.
Cultural significance of the 199 Steps
The "199 Steps" have also become immortalized in literature. In Bram Stoker's 1897 novel "Dracula", the staircase plays a prominent role: after a shipwreck, a black dog-like figure – Dracula himself – climbs the steps to the churchyard, inspired by a real shipwreck that Stoker witnessed in Whitby. This connection to Gothic literature has given the steps a mystical aura, attracting fans of the story as well as history and culture enthusiasts. The architectural critic Nikolaus Pevsner once recommended climbing the steps to enjoy the best view of the church and cliffs, a tip that still holds true today.
Visiting the 199 Steps in Whitby
For visitors, the ascent is a mix of physical challenge and visual delight. The steps are relatively flat but steep, with benches at several points providing a rest stop not only for past pallbearers but also for modern hikers. With each step, a new view of Whitby opens up – the red roofs of the fishing houses, the bustling harbor, and the vast North Sea. At the top, visitors are greeted by the historic churchyard with its weathered gravestones and the impressive ruins of Whitby Abbey, whose silhouette against the sky creates an incomparable image. For those who shy away from the climb, there is an alternative route, the so-called "Donkey Road", a paved path running parallel to the staircase and also considered a protected monument.
The park is an experience all year round: in summer, sunny days and clear views attract visitors, while in winter, fog and stormy winds give the scene a dark, almost eerie atmosphere that perfectly suits the Dracula story. The steps have been renovated several times, in 1988 with the support of the then Prince Charles, and in 2004 when they had to be repaired after subsidence. These efforts show how much the community values its heritage.
