A travel guide to the real and fictional locations visited by characters in Dracula. Here is Dracula’s Journey: key locations in the novel.
Bram Stoker’s gothic novel Dracula takes readers on a journey through real and fictional locations. We travel to Transylvania’s landscapes and all the way to London’s busy streets. In this travel guide, follow in the footsteps of the novel’s protagonists.
The Carpathian Mountains
The novel begins with Jonathan Harker’s harrowing journey to Count Dracula’s remote castle. It is nestled in the foreboding Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania. While Castle Dracula’s specific location is fictional, the Carpathians’ mystery is very real.
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Travellers eager to immerse themselves in the novel’s ambience can explore this mountain range’s stunning natural beauty. Think medieval fortresses and dense forests!
Whitby
As the narrative shifts to England, the coastal town of Whitby serves as a pivotal setting for critical events in the novel.
It’s obvious how impactful Whitby Abbey is to the story of Dracula. There are bits and pieces of Whitby found throughout Stoker’s novel, including the 199 steps leading up to the Abbey. Dracula runs up the steps after his ship is wrecked on Tate Hill Sands in the form of a dog.
From St Mary’s eerie graveyard overlooking the sea to the ruins of Whitby Abbey. A St Mary’s Churchyard seat was a favourite spot for Stoker to sit, looking out to sea. This seat is where Lucy is first attacked by Dracula, referred to by Mina as the ‘suicide seat’.
Whitby offers visitors a chance to experience the same otherworldly atmosphere that captivated Stoker and inspired his writing.
London
A visit to Victorian-era London is where much of the novel’s action unfolds.
From the lively streets of the West End to the deserted lanes of Hampstead. The city is brimming with references to the novel.
Travellers can follow in the characters’ footsteps, exploring landmarks such as the British Museum, Piccadilly, and Hampstead Heath. All of which play a significant role in the story’s progression.
Castle Dracula (Bran Castle)
While the fictional Castle Dracula may be a product of Stoker’s imagination, its real-life counterpart, Bran Castle in Romania, has become synonymous with the infamous vampire.
Perched high atop a rocky promontory and surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks. Bran Castle offers a glimpse into medieval history and folklore, making it a popular destination for Dracula enthusiasts.
Varna
In the latter part of the novel, the coastal city of Varna in Bulgaria becomes a focal point for the characters’ pursuit of Dracula.
Visitors to Varna can soak in the sun-drenched beaches and explore the city’s rich history. They can also retrace the footsteps of the novel’s protagonists as they race against time to thwart the Count’s sinister plans.
Whether travelling to Transylvania or strolling through the shadowy alleyways of Victorian London, we have loved following in the footsteps of Dracula’s characters! What a fascinating journey through the real and the supernatural.
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