Holiday rentals in Scarborough

A town that wears its tradition proudly, Scarborough is Britain’s oldest seaside resort, and still one of its friendliest. Puppet shows and arcades animate the family-oriented South Bay beach, whose tranquil waters are sheltered by the rocky headland. On the other side of the harbor, North Bay offers a quieter, wilder experience, with tidepools, colorful chalets, and pristine golden sand. Fossils abound — the coast’s geological importance is explained in the Rotunda Museum — and the Bolts, a series of narrow streets in the historic harbor, offers a glimpse back to the town’s medieval days, when it hosted the famous Scarborough Fair. But it’s the town’s Victorian heritage that’s most apparent, in its beautiful pleasure gardens and 19th century funicular railway that will carry you from the beach to the esplanade. The Scarborough Spa Complex, opened in 1858, still houses the country’s last remaining seaside orchestra, which plays during the summer season.

Scarborough is chiefly a summer attraction, when the temperature hovers in the mid-to-high 60s Fahrenheit. The South Bay beach in particular is a lovely sun trap, and protected from too much sea breeze by its natural surroundings. Spring and fall temperatures are a bit brisker at 45 to 55 degrees, so you’ll want to be prepared with plenty of layers and warm clothing options. Winter can get close to freezing. Rain is a perennial threat, so bring a waterproof jacket, and remember it needn’t spoil your fun. Scarborough has plenty of indoor entertainment to keep you dry.

Scarborough Castle

There’s no need to climb any battlements to appreciate Scarborough’s history because you can see it from your beach chair. While the romantically ruined stone tower that perches upon the headland was built in the 12th century by Henry II — when it was one of England’s greatest royal fortresses — the promontory has been a place of refuge and settlement since the Iron Age, nearly 3,000 years ago. The town has a fascinatingly varied history, and the castle itself withstood attacks in both the English Civil War and World War I.

Peasholm Park

People began coming to Scarborough for its health benefits in the 17th century, when its natural mineral springs were discovered. With its peaceful lake and Japanese-inspired landscape design, Peasholm is probably the prettiest of the town’s parks. If you’re not too busy admiring the beautifully constructed glen, with its waterfalls and diversity of trees, you might hop a ride on a paddle boat or take in a sunset concert from the bandstand. Other pleasant spots include Royal Albert Park, Northstead Manor Gardens, and the St. Nicholas Gardens.

Stephen Joseph Theatre

Scarborough’s well-known theater looks best by night, when neon lighting illuminates its Art Deco lines and curves. This painstakingly restored former cinema became the permanent home of one of Britain’s best-loved playwrights in the 1990s, and it’s in-the-round 400-seater is the cultural heart of the community.