Scarborough is a historic seaside town on the North Yorkshire coast and one of Britain's oldest and best-known holiday resorts. The town occupies a spectacular position between North Bay and South Bay, with the ruins of Scarborough Castle rising above the headland between them. Its history stretches back to Roman and medieval times, while the discovery of its mineral springs in the seventeenth century helped establish Scarborough as a fashionable spa destination. During the Victorian era, the arrival of the railway transformed the town into a major seaside resort and brought visitors from across northern England.
Scarborough: Historical sights and information
Facts about Scarborough
- Latitude:
- 54.282244
- Longitude:
- -0.402209
- GPS Coordinates:
- 54°17' N, 00°24' W
The historical and tourist importance of the town
Scarborough Castle is the town's most dramatic historic attraction, occupying a headland with wide views across the North Sea. South Bay is lined with the traditional attractions of a Victorian seaside resort, including the promenade, beach, harbour and amusement facilities, while North Bay provides a more open and spacious coastal setting. The Scarborough Spa, Peasholm Park and the Stephen Joseph Theatre are among the town's other notable attractions. Scarborough is also an excellent base for exploring the North York Moors, the Cleveland Way and nearby coastal destinations such as Whitby, Robin Hood's Bay and Filey.
Food, shopping and when to visit
Fish and chips, seafood, traditional cafés, ice cream parlours and classic seaside treats are an important part of Scarborough's food culture, alongside a growing selection of restaurants and independent eateries. Summer is the busiest period and offers the fullest range of seaside activities, while spring and early autumn are particularly good for coastal walking with fewer crowds. Scarborough's railway and road connections make it a useful base for travelling along the Yorkshire coast and into the North York Moors.
Locations & Tours
Discover famous landmarks, historical sites and tourist attractions in Scarborough.