10 minute read
SCARBOROUGH
Why we love… SCARBOROUGH
As Time Out notes, Scarborough is one of the best places to visit in the UK, so we delve into what makes the historic seaside town so special
By BETHAN ANDREWS
When it comes to what pops into your head when you think of Yorkshire seaside towns, it’s highly likely that the word you’ve heard on the most lips across the county has something to do with Scarborough. It’s long been one of the most popular coastal spots on the northern coastlines, and is synonymous with so many typical seaside joys, as well as being home to Europe’s largest open air theatre. From Simon and Garfunkel shining a spotlight on the town with their hit ballad Scarborough Fair, to it being the resting place of Anne Bronte and the birth town of Woman in Black author Susan Hill, Scarborough has become known for so much more than its donkey rides, majestic architecture and penny arcades.
AWASH WITH HISTORY
With a castle perched on the hill overlooking the inhabitants, Scarborough is clearly a place rich with history. Founded in 966 AD as Skarðaborg by Thorgills Skarthi, a Viking raider, Scarborough has been around for a long time in some form or other. It was Henry II that built the castle, but the town really did become famous for its Scarborough Fair in the Middle Ages, and it’s the receiving of a Royal Charter for this in 1253 that really put the place on the map. The six-week trading festival attracted merchants from all over Europe and ran from Assumption Day, 15 August, until Michaelmas Day, 29 September, each year. The fair continued to be held for 500 years, from the 11th century to the 18th century.
Scarborough also became well known for being a spa town, and one of the first at that. According to Visit Scarborough, this is because “in 1626, Elizabeth Farrow discovered a stream of acidic water running down the cli and into the sea in
EXPECT THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS
the South Bay. The water healed ailments because of its chemical make-up, much like stomach salts in chemists do today. A Dr Wittie book about the spa waters published in 1660 was a huge catalyst for visitors to ‘Scarborough Spa’ and the town became Britain's very first seaside resort. However, the famous old bathing machines didn't make an appearance until 1735”.
To further its place that attracted the rich and famous, including Sir Winston Churchill and The Beatles, when the Grand Hotel was completed in 1867, it was the largest hotel in Europe and one of the largest in the world. As Visit Scarborough says: “Four towers represent the seasons, 12 floors represent the months, 52 chimneys represent the weeks and originally 365 bedrooms represented the days of the year. A blue plaque outside marks where the novelist Anne Brontë died in 1849.” It’s a place that’s well worth a visit when planning a day out in the town, as well as heading to The Bolts, a relic of medieval life in Scarborough. Walk the narrow street from the Harbour
ST MARY'S CEMETERY
Bar all the way to Luna Park and discover some old treasures along the way. Although much of the old town has been lost, there are still many historic buildings, streets and landmarks waiting to be explored.
With archaeological advancements, fascinating stories of life in the seaside town have been pieced together over the years. In fact, the oldest house in Britain, which is dated 8500 BC, was discovered just outside Scarborough at Star Carr (near Seamer), and the Mesolithic archeological site has even been compared to Stonehenge in terms of its importance.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE GROUND
Speaking of architecture and archeological discoveries, Scarborough is the real gem of Yorkshire when it comes to fossil hunting – it’s no surprise the beaches attract hundreds of thousands of people every year. In fact, according to Visit Scarborough, “the Borough of Scarborough is the 3rd most visited place in the UK”. North Yorkshire's coastline is actually also known as ‘the Dinosaur Coast’, and Scarborough sits at the very heart of this. Organised fossil hunting trips are available, designed to show people how to go about fossil collecting in a safe and responsible manner, whilst directing you to the most exciting finds. The Rotunda Museum is home to ‘Scarborough’s Lost Dinosaurs’ – an exhibition which brings together all the fossilised evidence for dinosaurs in the area throughout the Jurassic period. As Discover Yorkshire Coast states: “Come face-to-face with the dinosaurs themselves, see what they ate and experience the sounds they heard and the world they inhabited.”
The sandy beaches in Scarborough are pretty special, so it’s no surprise they have people visiting in their masses. In recent
STUNNING VIEWS AT SCARBOROUGH CASTLE
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THE GRAND HOTEL
years, they’ve become known for surfing in the north, with The Wave Project working from the town and providing surfing on prescription to those in need, as well as many local surf clubs operating from there, too. If you’d rather stay on dry land, simply take a walk along either Cayton Bay or North Bay, or hitch a donkey ride to really get into the vibe of a Scarborough day out. Don’t forget to check out the funicular that dates back to 1881, too. It’s a great way to see the heart of Victorian Scarborough and the Central Tramway is continuing the tradition of cli top traditions, as well as being an e cient way to get down the bank!
THE ROTUNDA MUSEUM
ENJOY A DAY OUT
You really are spoilt for choice for things to do in Scarborough, from outdoor pursuits and activities to discovering attractions, museums and meandering around shopping streets. To really get the most out of a day out in the resort town, it’s good to have a plan so that you can fit in all there is to see on top of the glorious sandy beaches. So, once you’ve had enough of lemon tops and penny arcades around the waterfront, before you move away from the shoreline, it’s well worth checking out Scarborough Spa complex, which is home to the Scarborough Spa Orchestra, the last remaining seaside orchestra in the UK. Hop on the North Bay Heritage Railway, a quaint train that dates back to 1931 and a brilliant way of soaking up the seaside atmosphere and seeing the sights from a di erent perspective. Or, of course, take a ride on the famous open top sightseeing tour to really see as much of the town and its surroundings as possible. If you can’t get enough of the wild sea, why not take a boat trip out to see the seal colonies and other wildlife on o er on the Yorkshire coast?
Take some time out of exploring to dine out on Scarborough’s brilliant eating and hospitality options. Obviously, it wouldn’t
PEASHOLM PARK
A Warm Welcome To Thirley Cotes Farm
A collection of Grade II listed family owned self-catering holiday homes on the edge of the North Yorkshire Moors and Coast, between the seaside towns of Scarborough and Whitby. Surrounded by 21 acres of wild spaces and woodland u u Our collection of country-coastal hideaways are available for parties large or small and we re proud to say that u u u If visiting to experience the natural wonder of the Yorkshire coast or seasonal u of the North York Moors, you will feel instantly away from the day to day ll you have to do, is decide where to discover first?
Set between Broxa and Harwood Dale Forest, there are plenty of tracks and trails to explore from the doorstep and we are just a short drive from Scarborough South Bay, Robin Hood’s Bay and Grosmont. York is also an hour away.
North Yorkshire lays claim to one of the most beautiful coastlines the UK has to offer and is home to charming villages clinging to the cliffs, such as Staithes, Filey and Ravenscar. So it goes without saying that the surrounding scenery is a nature lovers paradise, including our rural estate (keep your eyes and ears peeled for our resident barn owls).
Whether searching for 2 or as part of a bigger group, Thirley Cotes Farm provides a chance to truly switch off in style, complete with romantic retreats and big and beautiful family homes.
The Durbin Family
SCARBOROUGH SPA ORCHESTRA
A ROAST AT FIVE STAR COLLECTION
be a trip to the seaside without some good old fish and chips, and Lifeboat Fish Bar is widely considered the best of the best when it comes to northern produce from the sea. If fish and chips isn’t what you’re after, Embers by Dan Hargreaves is right in the centre of town and specialises in seasonal menus showcasing the best locally sourced British produce.
If you fancy something a little more special, or you’re looking for somewhere for more of an occasion, Five Star Collection’s The Copper Horse is a favourite with the locals. O ering a delicious and varied menu it is renowned for its outstanding food and wine. Another popular eatery just outside of Scarborough is the Foulsyke Bistro, a brilliant farmhouse restaurant and co ee shop. Or, try the incredibly popular The Farrier, situated on the beautiful North Yorkshire coast between Scarborough and Filey, the village of Cayton, well known for having an outstanding co ee shop, cocktail lounge and restaurant.
If you’re a culture vulture, take a walk to St Mary’s Cemetery to find where Anne Bronte is buried, after portraying Scarborough in both her novels, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. Wood End is also within walking distance of the town and is the former family home of the Sitwells – eminent literary figures who made a significant impact on British culture. If you love theatre, keep an eye out for plays at the Stephen Joseph Theatre, too. According to Discover Yorkshire Coast, “Sir Alan Ayckbourn, the world-renowned playwright, premieres his plays at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough and attributes the area as a key source of ideas”.
What Scarborough does very well is its lovely mix of culture, hospitality, seaside and natural, open spaces. Immerse yourself in the quiet of nature at Peasholm Park after shopping and exploring. The beautiful Grade II listed Oriental themed garden celebrated its centenary in 2012 as a historic, tranquil park, and is set on the site of a medieval manor house and plays host to many activities, such as Naval Warfare Battles. With a pagoda, peaceful lake and boats for hire including dragon pedalos, end your day in Scarborough here and take some time out for wildlife watching and peaceful strolling.
GO STARGAZING THIS MONTH
PHOTO: NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS NATIONAL PARK
What’s on in FEBRUARY
Public Stargazing
3 February Luckily for you star-crossed lovers, Scarborough & Ryedale Astronomical Society hold regular public stargazing at the Low Dalby Astronomy Centre in Dalby Forest during the autumn and winter months.
The Rock Orchestra at Scarborough Spa
3 February Head to Scarborough Spa to find a chamber orchestra breathing beautifully dark energy into legendary Rock and Metal tracks, in immersive candlelit settings. Bathed in a sea of candles, skeleton players e ortlessly switch between sublime melodies and powerful walls of sound.
Waves of Waste Beach Clean
4 February Join the Waves of Waste coordinators at 10am at North Bay Promenade as they give Scarborough North beach a tidy up to protect marine wildlife.
National Theatre Live
23 February Don’t miss out on this performance of Othello at the Stephen Joseph Theatre.
If you want to know more about Scarborough, head to visitscarborough.com and yorkshire.com
