On the coast of North Yorkshire lies a pretty town that has become a hotspot for fans of a famous novel. Bram Stoker's Dracula features this town as one of its settings, and the 1897 novel has become one of the most well-known in the centuries since it was published.

Told through letters, diary entries, and newspaper articles, the story follows solicitor Jonathan Harker's terrifying encounter with Count Dracula in Transylvania. When the vampire Count flees to England, he begins stalking victims in Whitby. Today, the town has the perfect mix of the seaside, historic buildings, seafood, and Dracula-related spookiness.

You'll find Whitby just a few miles southeast of Middlesbrough. It was first founded around AD 656 and today it is home to a strong community of residents, along with hosting plenty of visitors each year.

The town is a hub of seaside tourism and thousands flock to the town every year to enjoy the summer sun.

As a result of its popularity and calmness, Whitby has remained popular with people looking to escape urban living and move to the coast.

For fans of Dracula, the town leans into its literary links. You can take part in a "Dracula experience" or you can enjoy a guided walk to some of the spots mentioned in the novel.

One visitor said on a website called Dark Tourism: "Just the sheer look of the place makes it understandable why Stoker derived some inspiration from it.

"Most of the town is on the West side of the harbour - thus looking onto the dramatic East cliff.

"On top of this cliff is the ruined Whitby Abbey, a structure so gothic you could even mistake it for a horror film set."

Visiting over the colder months is the perfect time to experience Whitby's gothic feel.