Slains Castle Cruden Bay and Dracula

BBC Radio 7 listeners are in for a real treat – Dracula is being broadcast each evening at 6pm. It’s in 7 parts and closely follows the novel by Bram Stoker. If you’ve missed an episode or want to listen to it on your computer see http://www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7/listenagain/tuesday/ - do listen to The Men From The Ministry whilst there – it a real gem of a radio classic with an appearance by Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army this week.

Bram Stoker stayed at The Kilmarnock Arms in Cruden Bay, Aberdeenshire whilst writing his book. It is thought that he was inspired by the local Slains Castle, though Yorkshire folk lay this claim to Whitby Castle which features in his book as being the place where Dracula’s boat landed in England, UK. Locals still call the ruins of Slains Castle Dracula Castle. It’s a great walk and you can pop in an out of the ruins, though do keep an eye on children as there are steep drops. Do try the high tea at The Kilmarnock Arms – very tasty. Sunday lunch is even tastier.