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| Scarborough Guide |
Places to visit
Seaside – The Gem of the Yorkshire coast
Approach Scarborough – the gem of the Yorkshire coast – from almost any angle and you will soon realise that its attractions are diverse. The streets of the busy town centre narrow slowly as you descend to the seafront past a myriad of shops selling everything you’d expect from a high street to everything you’d find at the seaside. The south bay boasts its arcades, fish and chips, gift shops and real hustle and bustle while the more rugged north is busy with its all year round surfers who brave the waves. Visitors with appetites will all find something to their taste in this historic multi-faceted holiday destination.
One of the best places from which to view its diversity is from the top of Oliver’s Mount, so called because it was mistakenly thought that Oliver Cromwell placed his batteries on it during his seige of the castle in 1645. The site on which can be found remains of the 12th century castle was once used by early Iron Age settlers because of its easy defence. It offers another vantage point for panoramic views both to the north and south.
It is said of Scarborough that once visited never forgotten and many have come for a few weeks and ended up staying. Not only does it offer beach holidays, it also sits on the edge of the beautiful North York Moors National Park with open moorland and roaming sheep, small villages with cosy pubs, and – almost wherever you go – fantastic views.
Take a drive north towards Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Goathland (where Heartbeat is filmed - click here for more information about the North Yorkshire Moors) or go south to the large expansive golden beaches at Filey and Bridlington, areas of complete difference.
But back to Scarborough itself, there is always something to do no matter what the weather. If it rains there is bowling (ten pin or indoor green style), films, live shows, museums, amusements, the Millennium experience, an indoor swimming pool and plenty of places to eat and drink. When the sun shines take advantage of the large sandy beaches, walks, parks, water park and donkey rides. Everyone looks for something different out of a holiday and Scarborough has much to offer. One visit is never enough.
Malton Railway Station
Malton Railway Station departure times
Scarborough Castle
Vast 12th century fortress high above the town. See dominating remains of the great keep still standing over three storeys high and discover the exciting history of the dramatic site with a free audio tour. Leave two hours to explore every nook and cranny of the castle and its grounds which stretch to the headland, offering some of the most spectacular sea views.
The grounds also contain a viewing platform which offers panoramic views of both North and South bays. Gift shop and tea rooms Opening hours, end of April to mid October, daily.
Scarborough Castle
Castle Road,
Scarborough.
Tel: 01723-372451.
Scarborough Castle Website
Peasholm Park
Peasholm Park is one of the most popular attractions of the town for all ages and leads to a glen with a stream running through it. Rowing boats, canoes and swan pedaloes can be hired out to be taken on the lake and around the island with its waterfall, which is lit up in the evenings. For those who want to just sit back there are Swan Princess Launch trips around the lake.
Mini naval warfare, inspired by the historic Battle of the River Plate, is enacted twice a week with remotely controlled fireworks providing the fire power and there are water skiing displays one evening a week from May to August.
Throughout the summer, organ music is played in the afternoons on a small building in the middle of the lake with the organist being taken there and back by rowing boat. Sunday band concerts are held from May to September and you can see many of them free of charge.
Squirrels, ducks, and plenty of wild birds inhabit the park and are always glad of the titbits provided by children. An 18-hole pitch and putt and a 12-hole putting green are also available.
See life Centre
Overlooking Scarborough’s dramatic North Bay, the Sea Life Marine Sanctuary’s famous pyramids house hundreds of sea creatures. Visit the busy and highly successful hospital for orphaned, sickly and injured seal pups – a special underwater observatory allows you to see the effortless grace of these enchanting creatures.
Marvel at the Asian short-clawed otters as they dive, swim and play and learn all about these extraordinary creatures and the efforts being made to protect local otters and their habitats.
The centre has more than 30 amazing marine and freshwater habitats, alive with an amazing variety of creatures from shrimps and starfish to octopus and sharks.
At the heart is the impressive Ocean Tank featuring a spectacular walkthrough underwater tunnel, themed as the wreck of the brigatine Black-eyed Susan which sank off the Scarborough coast in 1880.
Visit the Kingdom of the Seahorse and take a privileged peek into their magical kingdom and discover all about these beautiful creatures. Learn about the centre’s pioneering captive-breeding programme and support its project to help safeguard wild populations throughout the world. At Jurassic Seas travel back to the dawn of time and discover how life on Earth first developed.
Come face to face with the ocean’s living dinosaurs which have remained completely unchanged for millions of years.
Can you solve the Captain Pugwash Quiz Trail? Learn all about life beneath our seas with the help of this jolly pirate.
With more than 30 fascinating displays, a full programme of feeding demonstrations, talks by expert staff, a touch pool, cafe, gift shop and soft play area, Scarborough Sea Life Centre is an intriguing, informative and exciting experience for everyone.
Scarborough Theatre
Home to the world’s most performed living playwright, Alan Ayckbourn, Scarboroughs Stephen Joseph Theatre has both a national and international reputation.
As well as premiering Alan Ayckbourns new work and presenting productions by already established playwrights, the SJT actively encourages and commissions new writing. Complementing the homegrown productions, there is also a varied schedule of visiting performances that range from music to mime, dance to drama and beyond. In addition to live entertainment, the McCarthy auditorium transforms into a cinema presenting both contemporary and classic films.
This summer sees two Ayckbourn premieres, two exciting collaborations with the Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond, Surrey and a busy programme of lunchtime shows and visiting productions.
The SJT also has a top-notch restaurant. Extremely popular, with its salmon fishcakes reaching near legendary status, its location at the heart of the town makes it the ideal place to take a break from shopping. The theatre shop stocks a wide range of posters, books and scripts – not to mention all currently available works by Alan Ayckbourn. Visitors hunting for that special gift or something different than the usual stick of Scarborough rock are well catered for.
For up-to-date programme information, performance pieces and times, and general information about the SJT, contact the Box Office on (01723) 370541 or visit the website: Scarborough Theatre
Scarborough Tourism Bureau
Tourism Bureau
Town Hall
King Street
Scarborough
YO11 2HG
Telephone: +44 (0)1723 383637
Opening Times: Daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
INFORMATION CENTRES
Unit 15a Brunswick Shopping Centre, Westborough, Scarborough
TEL +44(0)1723 383 637
Whitby Tourist Information Centre, Langborne Road, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 1YN
TEL +44(0)1723 383 636
Filey Tourist Information Centre, John Street, Filey, North Yorkshire, YO14 9DW
TEL +44(0)1723 383 636
Other useful links
Scarborough Today
Scarborough Borough Council
North Yorkshire County Council
Hotels In North Yorkshire
Scarborough Area
Wrea Head Hotel, Scalby, Scarborough - Click Here
The Greno Hotel, Scarborough - Click Here
The Highlander Hotel, Scarborough - Click Here
The Grand Hotel, Scarborough - Click Here
The Royal Classic Hotel, Scarborough - Click Here
Crown Spa Hotel, Scarborough - Click here
Swallow Hotel St Nicholas, Scarborough - Click Here
East Ayton Lodge Hotel, Near Scarborough - Click Here
North Yorkshire Moors Area
Best Western Forest & Vale Hotel, Pickering - Click Here
17 Burgate Hotel, Pickering - Click Here
Mallyan Spout Hotel, Goathland (Aidensfield!) - Click Here
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