This blog post is all about The Screaming Tunnel in Whitby. This eerie and mysterious tunnel has been the subject of local legends and ghost stories for as long as we can remember, drawing visitors worldwide to experience its haunting atmosphere.
While visiting Whitby over the years, we have seen brave souls venturing into the tunnel, hoping to hear ghostly screams. Some people claim to have experienced paranormal activity first-hand. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, there's no denying that this tunnel is an intriguing destination that will send shivers down your spine. Here's all you need to know about The Screaming Tunnel in Whitby.
Where is The Screaming Tunnel in Whitby?
As you stroll along the West Cliff towards Khyber Pass, you'll spot a small tunnel framing Whitby Abbey in the distance. The best way to access the tunnel is to walk up Khyber Pass from the Fisherman's Wife restaurant. As you walk you will see the tunnel on your left, about halfway up the road. There is a great photo opportunity at the end of the tunnel, for those that dare venture down!
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History of The Screaming Tunnel
The lack of good roads over the North York Moors meant that trading catches from fishing was challenging until George Hudson built a railway and a station in Whitby in 1839. He built many of Yorkshire’s early railways, and Hudson’s railway in Whitby improved trade links and encouraged new visitors, transforming the town into a seaside resort.
Hudson saw potential in the seaside resort and began building hotels and houses on the cliff top, including Bram Stoker’s haunt, the Royal Crescent. To speed up the work, he made a small railway line, now a road, called The Khyber Pass to transport building materials up the cliff. The Screaming Tunnel was part of this railway.
However, it can also be considered a reminder of Hudson’s shady dealings. By the 1860s, he controlled railway companies across Britain. Irregularities were found in Hudson’s accounts, and in 1865 he was eventually jailed for corruption.
The Screaming Tunnel Ghost Stories
There are many accounts of people hearing screams whilst walking through this tunnel, hence the name. Some people have also reported having encountered a dark figure at the end of the passage or felt a ghostly hand brush against them. You can read more Whitby ghost stories here.
Dracula's Tunnel?
Like many landmarks in Whitby, this passage has become linked to Dracula. It is also said that this is Dracula's hideout, where his victims scream as they meet their fate! There's no direct link to the novel, but it's a great theory.
Not far from The Screaming Tunnel is Bram Stoker's memorial bench, also located on Khyber Pass. It is on the furthest bench seen from the Whale Bone Arch. It is excellent to visit and imagine looking out at the same view Stoker would have had all those years ago.
Take a picture through the Whitby keyhole
So, what do you believe? One thing is for sure; you can get some fantastic photos at this tunnel! The end of the tunnel frames Whitby Harbour through what looks like a keyhole. Some of the best are people looking out at the Abbey while the tunnel frames your shot.
If you have ever visited The Screaming Tunnel in Whitby, and maybe you had a ghostly encounter there, comment below. We would love to add a few of your stories to this article!
Checkout our video: Dracula’s Whitby: The Real Places and Tales That Inspired Bram Stoker
In this video, we explore the real locations Bram Stoker visited, the local legends he heard, and how they fed his imagination to create the timeless tale of Count Dracula.
Travelling from Essex, I have annually visited Whitby for some years now for 3 reasons:-
i) so many Heartbeat episodes were filmed in this area – I like to find them and relive what happened at that particular place for that particular episode – just love and live Heartbeat
ii) they have the best fish and chips in the world
iii) I just like the atmosphere of the place now (altho I dont agree with whaling!!)
Tomorrow will be my first visit to Whitby and my first steampunk wk end . So excited
Whitby is my favourite place to be, I love the traditional seaside, the cafes and bars, the esk draining to the sea. Quirky shops.. cobbles, the Abbey, especially when its lit…its just such a special place full of history and mystery. Looking forward to taking younger family members there next week…
My hubby and I gave being going to whitby now for 11 years, we go every november about the 19th, there’s normally 20 of us, I’ve visited alot of the stuff , the hidden bridge, the screaming tunnel, whalebone, and the remains of the bombed house, and mist of the fisherman/ woman statues done out of wire, this year went to see the beach huts, live it everytime we come
I walked through the screaming tunnel and saw a dark sinister figure at the end not dracular I thought no much much worse it was keir stammer with his ministers behind him