Last Updated on April 15, 2022
A writer finds her trip to Scarborough to be just the escape she needed…
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
By Jordan Coates
After spending many months in the city of Leeds, I found my trip to Scarborough, England, on the northeast coast of the country, to be just the escape I needed.
I was lucky to travel on a warm and only slightly windy day and to be finally near the sea, the breeze and smells brought by the wind were warmly welcomed.
Founded in 966AD by a Viking raider, Thorgills Skarthi, Scarborough is Britain’s oldest seaside resort, and the 3rd most visited place in the UK.
Scarborough’s Harbour
This was my first time to travel to a location on the coast in England, so it immediately gave me a different view and take on British cities.
However, I was a tad baffled when I walked down by the shore and found myself feeling like I was strolling down an American boardwalk. Although there is also no short supply of fish and chip shops, along the street leading to the Scarborough’s harbor there are also numerous shops selling American donuts, ice cream, and other treats. Amidst these places of culinary delight are large arcades and souvenir shops selling all the knick-knacks commonly found in beach-side stores.
Besides the appeal of the harbor, there is a lot to see and do in Scarborough. I would recommend starting your day off with a delicious jam-and-cream-filled scone and a coffee at the Gala Coffee Bar near the Rotunda Museum. Once you are fueled up, get ready to experience the resort. Seeing Scarborough can be done in a number of ways. You can spend the day walking around, take a boat trip, or hop on and off throughout the day on the open-top bus.
Scarborough Castle
One of the most well known sights is the Scarborough Castle, which boasts both a 2,500-year history and beautiful views of the Yorkshire coastline. While visiting the castle and its grounds and admiring the view, you can also peruse the exhibition and tea room in the Master Gunner’s House, check out the live action events taking place in the summer, and learn about the castle’s history with an audio tour.
Another well-known attraction is the Grand Hotel, which when opened in 1867 was the largest hotel in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Lots of famous people have stayed in this hotel over the years, and popular novelist Anne Bronte died on the site.
Things to Do
Scarborough, England offers a range of interesting attractions and activities. Some of the top-notch attractions include the Scarborough Art Gallery, the Sea Life Marine Sanctuary, and the Rotunda Museum. The Rotunda Museum is dedicated to the coastal geology of northeast Yorkshire. There is also the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, the largest open-air theatre in Europe. St. Mary’s Church, the parish church of Scarborough where Anne Bronte is buried in this churchyard, was rebuilt in the 15th and 17th centuries and is an interesting place to visit..
A trip to Scarborough would not be complete without trying some seafood. Unless you are specifically craving fish and chips, I would try the next street up from the beachfront to find more varieties of restaurants with a greater selection of delicious seafood.
One good restaurant choice is Restaurant 55. The prices are reasonable, the seafood fresh, and the menu has a wide variety of choices. I would recommend trying a bowl of the seafood chowder. If you pick the right seats, the restaurant also has a beautiful view.
Scarborough, England is also a great place to bring your kids or grandchildren for a fun family vacation. The Peasholm Park is a beautiful place to take a stroll, relax, or head out on the water in one of the rowing boats, canoes, or pedalos with dragon heads. On Monday and Thursday, watch the world famous show “Naval Warfare,” a very old show that reenacts a famous wartime battle, featuring model ships, explosions and sinking ships!
Just near the park is the Scarborough North Bay Railways where you can take a short train ride to see the view of Scarborough. Trains have been operating since 1931, and take passengers about ¾ mile from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills station. This starting point also has a bistro and water activities. Another fun option is to take advantage of Scarborough’s miniature golf course.
After a day of sight seeing and activities, try winding down with a glass of wine at the Waterhouse Bar. Whether you fancy a fun day trip, a long relaxing weekend, an adult vacation or a family fun adventure, the charms of this coastal town make it a great place to visit.
If you go:
VisitBritain: https://www.visitbritain.com/us/en
Waterhouse Bar
2 ST Thomas Street
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 1DR
Tel: 01723371203
Restaurant 55
49-55 Eastborough
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO11 1NH
Tel: 01723 365921
Scarborough North Bay Railways
Burniston Road
Scarborough
North Yorkshire
YO12 6PF
I go to Scarborough every year! There is something about this place that I love and I never tire of it. I stay in a beautiful apartment overlooking the North Bay and watching the sun rise, the surfers and the dogs loving their morning run on the beach is so magical! You can keep your foreign destinations as my heart lies in the Yorkshire town of Scarborough!
Thank you Toni!
Love scarbrough always there always go to Wilson bar nice pint and lovely staff