Scarborough in North Yorkshire

Scarborough Introduction

Scarborough is the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast. The most striking feature of the town's geography is a high rocky promontory supporting the 11th century ruins of Scarborough Castle and separates the sea front into a North Bay and a South Bay. The South Bay was the site of the original early medieval settlement and the harbour, which form the current Old Town. This remains the main focus for tourism, with a sandy beach, cafes, amusements, arcades, theatres and entertainment facilities. The modern commercial town centre has migrated a quarter mile north-west of the harbour area and a hundred feet above it, and contains the transport hubs, main services, shopping and nightlife. The harbour has undergone major regeneration including the new Albert Strange Pontoons, a more pedestrian-friendly promenade, street lighting and seating. The North Bay has traditionally been the more peaceful end of the resort and is home to Peasholm Park which has been restored to its Japanese-themed glory, complete with reconstructed pagoda. The park still features a mock maritime battle re-enacted on the boating lake with large model boats and fireworks throughout the summer holiday season. The North Bay Railway is a miniature railway which runs from the park to the Sea Life Centre at Scalby Mills. The North Bay is linked to the South Bay by Marine Drive, an extensive Victorian promenade, built around the base of the headland. Both bays have popular sandy beaches and numerous rock-pools at low tide. Slightly less well known is the South Cliff Promenade situated above the Spa and South Cliff Gardens, commanding excellent views of the South Bay and old town and from which many iconic postcard views are taken. Its splendid Regency and Victorian terraces are still intact and the mix of quality hotels and desirable apartments form a backdrop to the South Bay.

Scarborough Map

Scarborough Picture Guide

Scarborough Beach
Photo © Stefan Willoughby (CC)

An aerial view of Scarborough
Photo © Mr R Jordan (CC)

Donkeys on Scarborough Beach
Photo © Dave-F (CC)

Fishing boats in Scarborough Harbour
Photo © Dom H UK (CC)

Scarborough Lifeboat
Photo © Kevin Hutchinson (CC)

A fishing boat in Scarborough harbour at low tide
Photo © tallpomlin (CC)

Colourful Beach huts on Scarborough seafront
Photo © Coradia1000 (CC)

Scarborough Rock and Buckets & Spades for sale
Photo © jillyspoon (CC)

Soft toys waiting to be won on Scarborough seafront
Photo © eyeSPIVE (CC)

Arcade machines on Scarborough seafront
Photo © eyeSPIVE (CC)

The view of the aerial walkway and the harbour beyond
Photo © Stefan Willoughby (CC)

Diving Belle statue, representing modern Scarborough
Photo © dullhunk (CC)

Scarborough Lighthouse, which has been helping to guide ships since the early 19th century
Photo © tallpomlin (CC)

Scarborough South Bay
Photo © AdamKR (CC)

Scarborough North Bay
Photo © Alan Zomerfeld (CC)

Scarborough Grand Hotel dominates South Bay
Photo © alh1 (CC)

The entrance to Scarborough Grand Hotel
Photo © NeilT (CC)

The Scarborough Cliff Railway in South Bay
Photo © NeilT (CC)

The view of Scarborough at Night
Photo © kewy1 (CC)

Peasholm Park, a beautiful park and boating lake behind North Bay
Photo © Keith D (CC)

Scarborough Castle, a medieval Royal fortress dating from the 1130s
Photo © Gidzy (CC)

Scarborough Castle, managed by English Heritage
Photo © Dean Sas (CC)

The entrance to Scarborough Castle
Photo © Steve Montgomery (CC)

A close-up of the exterior of Scarborough Castle
Photo © Gidzy (CC)