Autumn’s chill, a rising moon, and the tingle of something spectral in the air: Halloween season in Whitby is an experience unlike any other. And in 2025, the town will come alive with gothic flair as Whitby Goth Weekend returns from 30 October to 2 November. In this guide we’ll walk you through everything going on over that Halloween period, and invite you to rest, recharge, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere by staying with us at Aislaby Hall or in our Garden Apartment.
2025 Whitby Goth Weekend: Dates, Highlights & Events
Dates & Setting
The official Whitby Goth Weekend (Autumn edition) will run Thursday 30 October through Sunday 2 November 2025.
Throughout the weekend, Whitby becomes a pilgrimage point for goth, alternative, darkwave, and steampunk culture, bringing music, markets, art, performance and dark delights into the town.
Among the flagship events is The Revenant, a signature music and immersive spectacle held at The Royal Hotel, complemented by side concerts, DJ nights, and performances.
In 2025, Imperial Age will headline The Revenant on Friday, 31 October, offering a dramatic, gothic-tinged performance.
What's On: Markets, Performances & More
Bizarre Bazaar Alternative Market: Free-entry markets will operate across the Leisure Centre, the Brunswick Centre, and the Spa Pavilion, showcasing more than 100 vendors in clothing, accessories, art, jewellery and Gothic curios.
Gotika Exhibition: Hosted at Pannett Art Gallery (Pannett Park), this photography exhibition offers sensitive portraits of gothic culture.
Illuminated Abbey (Illuminated Whitby Abbey): Each evening (from 24 October to 1 November) the ruins of Whitby Abbey will be bathed in theatrical lighting, with roaming actors and “The Dead Shall Walk the Earth” show.
Halloween Half-Term at Whitby Abbey: From 25 October to 2 November, daytime activities include spooky storytelling, ghost-hunting quests, crafts, and hauntingly beautiful gothic ambience.
Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival: In parallel to WGW, this Halloween gathering runs from 31 October to 2 November at Whitby Pavilion, featuring gothic/alternative bands (Fields of the Nephilim, Lord of the Lost, Ash Code) plus club nights and vendor markets.
Family & Local Halloween Events: Beyond the goth circuit, you’ll find pumpkin trails, ghost walks, and seasonal crafts across Whitby and the Yorkshire coast, especially during the half-term week.
Why Whitby During Halloween Is Special
Whitby is already steeped in Gothic lore. Bram Stoker’s Dracula drew inspiration from the town, particularly the Abbey ruins and the dramatic cliffs. As night falls, the glowing ruins, the misty coastline, the ancient churchyards, and the spectral energy of Goth Weekend fuse to create a unique ambience few destinations can match.
During the daytime you can explore the Dracula Experience, wander the narrow cobbled streets, visit Whitby museum and St Mary’s Churchyard, or take part in ghost walks and tours. At night, the Illuminated Abbey and the concert venues fill the streets with moody performance, shadows, laughter, and spectacle.
Stay At Aislaby Hall & Be in the Heart of the Action
To truly soak up this extraordinary weekend, let us at Aislaby Hall be your base of dark operations. Whether you choose one of our heritage rooms or opt for the Garden Apartment, you'll enjoy comfort, atmosphere, and peace when the festivities subside.
You’ll return each evening to comfort, quiet, and amenities, a retreat from the often energetic nightlife
We’re ideally located for easy access to Whitby and the event venues
Waking to the North Yorkshire countryside gives you a chance to reflect on the night’s wonders, plan your next moves, and take in local scenery
Staying with us supports local hospitality and helps sustain the community that makes events like WGW possible
By staying at Aislaby Hall or the Garden Apartment, you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy Whitby’s Gothic grandeur, wander to events at your own pace, and return to a warm, friendly base each day.
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