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Scarborough

Scarborough is a popular seaside town, it’s vibrant, diverse and the perfect place to make memories. Here you can enjoy traditional seaside fun, local shops, eateries and beautiful gardens.

Today, Scarborough sets the record for being the largest holiday resort on the entire Yorkshire Coast. Scarborough is also known as being one of the most vibrant and diverse seaside towns on the North East Coast. There is an abundance of activities to cater for all age groups and tastes. Scarborough is approximately 36 minutes drive from Whitby along the coast. Click here for directions.

Scarborough

Scarborough History

Aside from being one of the largest settlements throughout all of North Yorkshire, its history dates back to 966 AD when it was supposedly founded by a Viking raider, Thorgils Skarthi. Over the years, archaeological studies have been able to confirm traces of the Stone Age along with Bronze Age settlements throughout the land. After many years of destructions and historical massacres throughout the land, Scarborough was finally recovered under the kingship of King Henry II. During his tenure as king, he constructed a stone castle on the headland and then officially granted the town charters in 1155 as well as in 1163. Those charters permitted a market to exist on the sands and also established rules by the burgesses as well.

Scarborough History

Scarborough survived the Middle Ages and even made it through the First World War after the town was surprisingly bombarded by German soldiers and warships that were part of the High Seas Fleet.

Things to do in Scarborough

There are so many different things that you can do and places that you can see while you are visiting Scarborough. This article barely scratches the surface when it comes to the overabundance of amazing experiences that are waiting to be enjoyed whenever you decide to visit.

Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary

Visit the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary

For an activity that will entertain all members of the family, the Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary is an excellent idea. Spread across 12 themed sections home to a different environment, here you can get up close with penguins in their walk-through home, make new friends at the shark tank, with its ocean tunnel and its own shipwreck and drop by the new turtle rescue centre where visitors can learn hands-on the entire process of rescuing these friendly sea creatures. But undeniably, the highlight of the sanctuary is the seal hospital with its adorable patients receiving treatment on-site. Make the visit even more special by making a special booking so you can help serve breakfast to the resident seal population.

Scarborough Castle

Visit Scarborough Castle

Located between North and South Bay, Scarborough Castle is a 12th-century castle overlooking the town. The medieval structure survived five sieges but was left in ruins during the English Civil War. And yet, it continues to attract visitors daily and reward them with impressive views across the town. After your visit, make your way to the nearby St Mary’s Church and its small graveyard where is buried Anne Brontë, the youngest of the famous sisters. And if you want to get spooked, take part in the ghost evening tour of Scarborough Castle, available on specific dates, including Halloween. This is a great opportunity to travel through time and hear tales of ghosts and learn more about the gruesome history of the castle and the town.

Wood End Museum

Indulge yourself in the arts

If you are interested in enjoying a cultured experience while you are on vacation, then you do not need to look any further than Scarborough. This town is overflowing with artistic experiences and exhibits that are ready and waiting to be explored by you. Since the town is the home of the University of Hull’s School of Arts and New Media, it is a breeding ground for new and evolving artists that are eagerly searching for ways to creatively express themselves.

The Wood End Museum was converted into a creative centre in 2006 that provides an open workspace for artists along with an exhibition space for them to display their work to the world. A multi-million-pound renovation project was recently completed on the Rotunda Museum to turn it into a national centre for geology and you can even visit Yorkshire Coast Art while you are there.

Places to stay in Scarborough

Park Manor Hotel

Park Manor Hotel

This property is just a 7-minute walk from the beach. Overlooking Scarborough’s scenic Peasholm Park, the 2-star AA rated Park Manor Hotel is less than 0.5 miles from the North Bay’s beach. Rooms have free Wi-Fi, and the restaurant uses fresh local ingredients. Offering a flat-screen TV and free tea and coffee, all rooms also have a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries. Along with a varied evening menu, the restaurant also serves full English breakfasts every morning. Guests can sample homemade shortbread in the relaxing lounge and bar. Park Manor’s leisure facilities include an indoor pool, hot tub and steam room. Pool tables and table tennis are on site, whilst The Scarborough Bowls Centre is a 10-minute walk away. South Bay’s seafront is just over a mile from the hotel. The hotel offers free parking, and both the South and North Cliff Golf Clubs are within a 10-minute drive.

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White Acre

White Acre

This property is 8 minutes walk from the beach. White Acre features garden views, free WiFi and free private parking, located in Scarborough, 200 yards from Scarborough North Bay. All units here feature a flat-screen TV, a living room with a sofa, a well-equipped kitchen with a dining area, and a private bathroom with a shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A dishwasher, a microwave and a fridge are also provided, as well as a kettle.

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Folkton Cottages

Folkton Cottages

Folkton Stable Cottages include three welcoming holiday homes nestled in the charming village of Folkton near Scarborough. Just five miles from the seaside resort of Filey, you can enjoy the award-winning beach and the historic promenade. Sleeping up to four guests across two bedrooms, each cottage is perfect for group getaways and family staycations. Boasting free on-site parking and outdoor space, you’ll have everything you could need for a relaxing break in Folkton. Each unit comes with a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area, a TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. A microwave, a fridge and an oven are also featured, as well as a kettle.

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Places to eat

Reflections 

Reflections Restaurant in Scarborough

Independent and family-run, Reflections Restaurant is set in an idyllic Georgian crescent in the heart of Scarborough. Serving a regularly changing a la carte menu always using locally-sourced fresh ingredients to reflect the changing seasons. Centrally located only 5 minutes walk from the train station. All produce is sourced locally with the best in fresh meat and vegetables the surrounding Yorkshire countryside on offer; seafood caught locally and their specialist steaks are the best Scarborough has to offer. Their team of highly trained chefs are constantly looking for innovations and they are always updating the menu to create a balance between traditional and modern British cuisine.

Clarks Restaurant

Clark's Restaurant

Clark’s opened its doors in 2016 in the historic old town of Number 40 Queen Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Famous for its buildings and heritage close to The Scarborough Market of food stalls, butchers, growers and the Market Vaults. Award-winning food and a warm Yorkshire welcome await your visit is comfortable, intimate surroundings.

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