As summer approaches, many Brits are planning their holidays and you don't need to venture far for a fantastic beach staycation.
Scarborough, a picturesque seaside town in North Yorkshire, is renowned for its stunning coastline offering breathtaking views of the North Sea. This charming town is an ideal holiday spot with plenty of natural beauty to discover. Not only is it near the North York Moors National Park, but it also boasts rugged cliffs, golden beaches, and the historic Scarborough Castle perched on a hill overlooking the ocean.
In 2023, Time Out magazine named it one of the top destinations to visit in the UK, and CN Traveller hailed it as the "most beautiful seaside resort in England" due to its rich history.
They penned: "The dramatic castle occupies the headland which separates the two main bays steep cliffs stretching away in both directions. The old town ascends the slope to the castle in a maze of crooked streets, with buildings dating back to Tudor times.", reports the Express.
What sets Scarborough apart is the unique experiences it offers while soaking up the sights. One must-visit attraction is the vibrant Scarborough Fair Collection, home to Europe's largest collection of vintage rides and transport.
This museum offers a unique perspective on history as well as having bumper cars, penny arcades, a merry-go-round plus afternoon tea in front of a stage show. Another wonderful place to visit is Scarborough Rotunda Museum, a Jurassic geology museum which explores 65 million years of history and features thousands of fossils, dinosaur footprints plus a Speeton Plesiosaur skeleton.
It is free for those under 18 to visit and only costs £5 for adults to visit the Rotunda Museum and it also offers you admission to the Scarborough Art Gallery. However, no seaside holiday is complete without a visit to the beach, and Scarborough offers two stunning beaches named the North and South Bay.
South Bay Beach is best for a family day out as it was extremely popular during the Victorian era, and still offers similar attractions such as donkey rides and a bustling prom filled with activities. North Bay Beach is much quieter and the perfect spot to relax or take a walk with a camera as there are many rocky pools and beautiful vintage beach huts to explore all set on a backdrop of beautiful hills and cliffs.
Both beaches are separated by the ruins of the majestic Scarborough Castle, a 12th-century castle which hich has endured attacks from the Vikings and played a significant role as a royalist keep during the Civil War. After a day of exploring, the Scarborough Castle Great Tea Room is a must-visit. It offers breathtaking views of both beaches and serves homemade cakes, jams, and other cosy treats and beverages.
Regardless of your plans, Scarborough is an ideal destination for a relaxing beach holiday. With its spectacular sights, rich history, and fun attractions, it's no wonder it's considered one of England's most beautiful seaside resorts.