Happy TravellerWelcome to Scarborough, a charming seaside town located on the North Sea coastline in North Yorkshire, England. With a population of 61,749, Scarborough is the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire Coast and the largest seaside town in North Yorkshire. The town has a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and a thriving tourism industry. Join us as we uncover the many treasures of Scarborough and reveal why this enchanting destination should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
History:
Scarborough has a fascinating history that dates back to the Stone Age and Bronze Age. The town is claimed to have been founded around 966 AD as Skarðaborg by Thorgils Skarthi, a Viking raider. Scarborough recovered under King Henry II, who built an Angevin stone castle on the headland and granted the town charters in 1155 and 1163, permitting a market on the sands and establishing rule by burgesses. 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. Scarborough Spa became Britain’s first seaside resort, though the first rolling bathing machines were not reported on the sands until 1735. During the First World War, the town was bombarded by German warships of the High Seas Fleet, an act which shocked the British. Scarborough has been affiliated with a number of Royal Navy vessels, including HMS Apollo, HMS Fearless and HMS Duncan.
Landmarks:
Scarborough has a number of landmarks that are worth visiting. The town has an Anglican church, St Martin-on-the-Hill, built in 1862–63 as the parish church of South Cliff. It contains works by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, William Morris, Edward Burne-Jones and Ford Madox Brown. A notable landmark in the town is the Grand Hotel on St Nicholas Cliff. Designed by Cuthbert Brodrick of Hull, it was completed in 1867; at the time of its opening, it was the largest hotel and the largest brick structure in Europe. Scarborough Castle, which was bombarded by the German warships SMS Derfflinger and SMS Von der Tann in the First World War, is also a must-visit landmark. The town also has a number of Victorian buildings, including the Classical Public Library and Market Hall, the Town Hall, Scarborough Spa, the Art Gallery, the South Cliff Methodist Church, and Scarborough railway station.
Geography:
The most striking feature of the town’s geography is the high rocky promontory pointing eastward into the North Sea. The promontory supports the 11th-century ruins of Scarborough Castle and divides the seafront into two bays, north and south. The South Bay was the site of the original medieval settlement and harbour, which form the old town. This remains the main tourist area, with a sandy beach, cafés, amusements, arcades, theatres and entertainment facilities. The modern commercial town centre has migrated 440 yards (400 m) north-west of the harbour area and 100 feet (30 m) 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, in June 2007, was restored to its Japanese-themed glory, complete with reconstructed pagoda, a new boat house was added in 2018. For many years a mock maritime battle (based on the Battle of the River Plate) has been regularly 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 running from the park through Northstead Manor Gardens to the Sea Life Centre at Scalby Mills. The North Bay Railway has what is believed to be the oldest operational diesel-hydraulic locomotive in the world. Neptune was built in 1931 by Hudswell Clarke of Leeds and is appropriately numbered 1931.
Conclusion:
Scarborough is a hidden gem that boasts a rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and mouthwatering local cuisine. Whether you’re interested in exploring the town’s landmarks, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying the local entertainment, Scarborough has something for everyone. So why not add this enchanting destination to your bucket list and experience the magic of Scarborough for yourself?
