Scarborough is a Town in the county of North Yorkshire.
Scarborough, situated on the North Sea coast of North Yorkshire, England, is a historic town best known for its beautiful beaches, a striking castle, and its vibrant seafront. It holds the distinction of being one of the country’s first seaside resorts, with a history of attracting visitors since the 17th century when the health benefits of its spa waters were first promoted.
The town’s layout is divided by a headland upon which the ruins of Scarborough Castle stand. This medieval fortress offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline and is a testament to the town’s strategic importance in centuries past. To the north and south of this headland, you’ll find North Bay and South Bay respectively, each with its own unique charm. South Bay, with its traditional arcades, bustling harbor, and sandy beaches, often sees a flurry of activity and is the more commercial of the two. In contrast, North Bay offers a more peaceful ambiance, with rocky shores, quieter beaches, and the scenic Peasholm Park.
One of Scarborough’s iconic features is its Victorian-era Grand Hotel, which faces the sea and was one of the largest hotels in the world when it opened in the 1860s. The town’s spa tradition also continues with the Scarborough Spa complex, hosting concerts, events, and entertainment.
Beyond its beaches and historic sites, Scarborough has a thriving cultural scene. The Stephen Joseph Theatre is renowned for premiering most of the works of playwright Alan Ayckbourn. Moreover, every September, the town becomes a hub for motorcycling enthusiasts during the Scarborough Gold Cup races.
In recent years, the town has evolved, blending its rich history with modern amenities, making it a popular destination not just for beach-goers but for those interested in history, culture, and the arts. Whether it’s the call of the sea, the allure of its past, or the vibrant local community, Scarborough remains one of the jewels of the Yorkshire coast.
Scarborough postcode: YO12 7
There are great places to visit near Scarborough including some great waterfalls, ruins, historic monuments, hiking areas, villages, rivers and streams, towns, caves, limestone pavements, mountains, cities, historic buildings, hills, geological features, castles, old mines, country parks, parks, gardens and ancient sites.
Scarborough has some unmissable waterfalls nearby like Catrigg Force, Lockin Garth Force, Whitfield Gill Force, Slape Wath Waterfall, Mill Gill Force, Cotter Force, and Aysgill Force.
Don't miss Bolton Abbey, Byland Abbey, Norton Tower (ruin), Easby Abbey (ruin), Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Fountains Abbey (ruin), and Trig Point on Warrendale Knotts's ruins if visiting the area around Scarborough.
Bolton Abbey, Rylstone Crag and Rylstone Cross, Culloden Tower, and Robin Hood's Well (Fountains) are some of Scarborough best historic monuments to visit near Scarborough.
The area around Scarborough features a number of interesting hiking areas including Deepdale, Cotterdale, Southerscales, Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Swilla Glen, Baxenghyll Gorge, and Raven Ray.
Pool-in-Wharfedale, Askrigg, Hardraw, West Burton, Bainbridge, Aysgarth, and Malham are some of Scarborough best villages to visit near Scarborough.
There are a several good rivers and streams in the Scarborough area like Whitfield Beck, Mill Gill, Hardraw Beck, River Wharfe, and Walden Beck at West Burton.
Scarborough has some unmissable towns nearby like Hawes, Skipton, Grassington, Richmond, Middlesbrough, Harrogate, and Settle.
There are a several good caves in the Scarborough area like Great Douk Cave, White Scar Cave, Yordas Cave, Gaping Gill, Janet's Cave, Horseshoe Cave, and Jubilee Cave.
The area around Scarborough features a number of interesting limestone pavements including Southerscales, Malham Cove, and Warrendale Knotts Limestone Pavement.
Scarborough is near some unmissable mountains like Ingleborough,
York, and Ripon are great places to visit near Scarborough if you like cities.
Historic Buildings to visit near Scarborough include York Minster, Marton House, Norton Tower (ruin), Church of St Peter - Rylstone, Culloden Tower, and Beggar’s Bridge.
The area around Scarborough boasts some of the best hills including Addlebrough, Embsay Crag, Rylstone Crag and Rylstone Cross, Warrendale Knotts, Giggleswick Scar, Blua Crags, and Sugar Loaf Hill.
Malham Cove, Grassington Lead Mines, and Brimham Rocks are some of Scarborough best geological features to visit near Scarborough.
Skipton Castle, Richmond Castle, and Bolton Castle are some of Scarborough best castles to visit near Scarborough.
There are a number of old mines near to Scarborough including Grassington Lead Mines.
There are a number of country parks near to Scarborough including Brimham Rocks.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Fountains Abbey (ruin), and Studley Royal Water Garden are some of Scarborough best parks to visit near Scarborough.
Places near Scarborough feature a number of interesting gardens including Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.
Scarborough has some unmissable ancient sites nearby like Schoolboys Tower, Jubilee Cave, and Victoria Cave.
Scarborough History
There are some historic monuments around Scarborough:
Places to see near Scarborough
History of Scarborough
In 1318, the town was burnt by the Scots, under Sir James Douglas following the Capture of Berwick upon Tweed. In the Middle Ages Scarborough Fair, permitted in a royal charter of 1253, held a six-week trading festival attracting merchants from all over Europe. It ran from Assumption Day, 15 August, until Michaelmas Day, 29 September. The fair continued to be held for 500 years, from the 13th to the 18th century, and is commemorated in the song Scarborough Fair: Scarborough and its castle changed hands seven times between Royalists and Parliamentarians during the English Civil War of the 1640s, enduring two lengthy and violent sieges. Following the civil war, much of the town lay in ruins.
