Scarborough

Scarborough

Scarborough, a charming coastal town in North Yorkshire, England, holds a unique position as the gateway to the North York Moors National Park. This historic town, nestled on the shores of the North Sea, is renowned for its rich heritage, scenic beauty, and vibrant culture.

The story of Scarborough begins with its ancient roots, evident in the imposing Scarborough Castle that overlooks the town. The castle, perched on a rocky promontory, offers sweeping views of the surrounding coastline and is a testament to Scarborough’s strategic importance through the centuries.

Down from the castle hill, Scarborough’s beaches unfold in a panorama of golden sands and rugged cliffs. The South Bay and North Bay beaches, divided by the castle headland, each have their own distinct character. South Bay is the more traditional, with its lively promenade, amusement arcades, and classic beach huts. In contrast, North Bay offers a more tranquil experience, with its natural beauty and quieter atmosphere.

The town’s connection to the North York Moors National Park adds another layer to its appeal. While not within the moors themselves, Scarborough’s location on the edge of this spectacular national park makes it an ideal base for exploring the area. The North York Moors, a landscape of heather-clad hills, deep valleys, and quaint moorland villages, offer endless opportunities for walking, cycling, and wildlife watching. The contrast between the rugged moorland and the coastal charm of Scarborough provides visitors with a diverse range of experiences.

Scarborough’s cultural scene is as vibrant as its natural surroundings. The town hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and theatre to maritime heritage. The Stephen Joseph Theatre, known for its association with playwright Alan Ayckbourn, is a cultural landmark, presenting a mix of new plays and classic productions.

In conclusion, Scarborough, with its unique blend of coastal beauty, historical significance, and proximity to the North York Moors, is more than just a seaside town. It’s a place where history and nature converge, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors and residents alike.

Created: 7  January  2024  Edited: 26  March  2024

Scarborough

Local History around Scarborough

There are some historic monuments around including:

Site of medieval manor houseCross dyke in Cloughton Plantations, 550m and 890m north east of Gowland FarmBowl barrow 450m north east of Moor House FarmStone hut circle and iron working site on Holm Slack, 300m south of The HulleysBowl barrow 100m east of Moor House FarmBowl barrow 950m north of Betton FarmRound barrow 1200m NW of Beacon FarmBowl barrow 150m north of Moor House FarmRound barrow 200m north of Keepers CottageRound barrow 1100m NW of Beacon FarmTwo segments of a prehistoric linear boundary 530m north and 200m north east of Beacon FarmBowl barrow 800m north west of Moor House FarmBowl barrow 550m north north west of Moor House FarmRound barrow 160m north of Beacon FarmBowl barrow 300m north east of Beacon FarmRound barrow beside Lady Grace's RideRound barrow 60m west of Beacon FarmBowl barrow 920m north of Betton FarmSection of linear earthwork on Seamer Moor HillThree barrows at Seamer Beacon and the ruins of Baron Albert's TowerPost-medieval dovecote 40m south of Cloughton HallRuins and below ground remains of St Mary's medieval churchRound barrow 1350m NW of Beacon FarmRound barrow 460m south of Oliver's Mount FarmBowl barrow 1300m north of Betton FarmRound barrow 20m west of Beacon FarmHagworm Hill round barrowStar Carr Early Mesolithic settlement site, 960m NNW of Woodhouse FarmBowl barrow 450m NW of Moor House FarmBowl barrow 700m north of Betton FarmScarborough Castle: Iron Age settlement, Roman signal station, Anglo-Scandinavian settlement and chapel, C12 enclosure castle and C18 batteryTwo linear earthworks on Row Brow which extend into Raincliffe WoodsLate Iron Age and Roman period dispersed enclosed settlement 230m south east of Quartons GardensBowl barrow 600m north of Moor House Farm.

Wildlife in and Around Scarborough

Mammals found in Scarborough

There have been 33 species of mammals recorded in the scarborough area.

45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus)
Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus)
Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
Chinese Barking Deer (Muntiacus reevesi)
Common Seal (Phoca vitulina)
Badger (Meles meles)
Black Rat (Rattus rattus)
Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus)
Common Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)
Common Shrew (Sorex araneus)

Tap here for more mammals found in and around Scarborough

Birds found in Scarborough

There have been 50 species of birds recorded in the scarborough area.

(Anthus spinoletta/petrosus agg.)
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
Carolina Wood Duck (Aix sponsa)
Common Swift (Apus apus)
Alpine Swift (Apus melba)
Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos)
Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla subsp. bernicla)

Tap here for more birds found in and around Scarborough

Scarborough map

Scarborough UK Map