St Mary's Church, Whitby
Abbey Plain, Whitby, Whitby, England, YO22 4JT
Next service Sunday 19 July · 11:15 — Eucharist or Morning Prayer
Quick answer
St Mary's Church, Whitby is a Church of England (Anglican) church at Abbey Plain, Whitby in Whitby, England. Sunday services include Eucharist or Morning Prayer at 11:15 — times verified 18 July 2026, but confirm with the parish before travelling. Church Near Me lists the address, contact details and what to expect below.
At a Glance
Verified 18 July 2026
- Denomination
- Church of England (Anglican) (anglican)
- Location
- Whitby, England
- Postcode
- YO22 4JT
- Diocese
- Diocese of York
- Main service
- Sunday 11:15 — Eucharist or Morning Prayer
Service & Mass Times
Service times verified 18 July 2026 — confirm with the parish before travelling.
Eucharist or Morning Prayer
First to fourth Sundays; Common Worship with hymns
verified 18 July 2026
Eucharist
Said service using Common Worship
verified 18 July 2026
About St Mary's Church, Whitby
St Mary's Church stands on the East Cliff beside the ruins of Whitby Abbey, at the head of the famous 199 steps from the old town. Founded around 1110, it is one of the few churches in England to retain a complete Georgian interior, with box pews, a three-decker pulpit and galleries. The churchyard helped inspire Bram Stoker's Dracula, written during the author's stay in Whitby in 1890. It remains the Church of England parish church of Whitby and is open to visitors daily.
Notable facts about St Mary's Church, Whitby
- The Church of England is the established church of England and the mother church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, which numbers tens of millions of members across more than 165 countries.
- St Mary's Church, Whitby belongs to the Diocese of York, the regional family of churches through which its tradition organises worship, clergy and community life.
- St Mary's Church, Whitby carries a dedication to Saint Mary — church dedications like this often reach back to the earliest centuries of Christianity in England.
What to Expect at a Church of England (Anglican) Church
Anglican (Church of England) worship follows the rhythm of the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship. Sunday services often range from a said early-morning Holy Communion to a main mid-morning Sung Eucharist or Morning Prayer, and many parishes hold Choral Evensong later in the day. Services blend set liturgy, hymns, Scripture readings and a sermon. Everyone is welcome, whether you are exploring faith or returning to church.
Facilities & Accessibility
- 18th-century interior and box pews
- Beside Whitby Abbey
- 199 steps from the old town
- Daily opening to visitors
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is St Mary's Church, Whitby?
St Mary's Church, Whitby is located at Abbey Plain, Whitby, Whitby, YO22 4JT, England. You can open directions to it using the map link on this page.
What denomination is St Mary's Church, Whitby?
St Mary's Church, Whitby is a Church of England (Anglican) church, part of the Diocese of York. You can read more about the Church of England (Anglican) tradition, its beliefs and how it worships on our denomination guide.
What time are services at St Mary's Church, Whitby?
St Mary's Church, Whitby holds regular services on Sunday, Saturday; see the full list of service times on this page. Times can change for holidays and special occasions, so it is worth checking with the church before visiting.
How do I contact St Mary's Church, Whitby?
You can contact St Mary's Church, Whitby through its website using the details in the contact panel on this page.
Can anyone attend St Mary's Church, Whitby?
Yes. Like almost all Christian churches in England, St Mary's Church, Whitby welcomes visitors and newcomers to its public services, whatever your background or experience of church.