YorkshireNet Guide to Scarborough on the Yorkshire Coast

Since the 17th century Scarborough has been catering for family visitors to the Yorkshire Coast.

Its sandy North Beach has been awarded a Blue Flag award for high environmental standards and safety facilities, whilst the golden South Beach attracts visitors with its backdrop of shops, entertainment venues and amusements.

Between the town’s two beaches is the Scarborough fishing harbour, bustling with boating activity. Above it on the headland is Scarborough Castle, now maintained by English Heritage.

During Victorian times Scarborough became a favoured resort, leading to the creation of superb parks and gardens, the Esplanade and the Spa complex. The cliff lift was built for easy access from beach to town, and the shopping centre developed to meet the demand.

Scarborough has all the attractions of the traditional English seaside - donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, amusements, the Sea Life Marine Sanctuary, and evening theatre events with leading entertainers and comedies at Scarborough Spa, home of the unique Spa Orchestra. The famous Stephen Joseph Theatre is noted for its Alan Ayckbourn premieres.

The Scarborough area hosts many attractions - visit villages, museums and heritage centres along the Yorkshire Coast and inland in the North York Moors.

For those seeking an active holiday there is sailing, surfing, river or sea fishing, even llama trekking.

Various Festivals are held throughout the year, including the Scarborough Cricket Festival and the national Student Drama Festival. Motor cycle racing is held at Oliver’s Mount.