North York Moors

Towns & Villages

SCARBOROUGH

One of the most popular North Sea seaside resorts in the north of England, Scarborough has fabulous cliff scenery and splendid sandy bays.

The Normans built a clifftop castle here in the 12th century, which was later besieged by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War.

The defenders surrendered but not before they’d eaten their own boots.

Scarborough Castle - Photo: Scott Rimmer CCL

Scarborough North Bay - Photo: Scott Rimmer CCL

At one time it was a major mineral spa town and became known as ‘The Queen of Watering Places’ It was the birthplace of the great Hollywood actor Charles Laughton (1899-1962) and witnessed the death of Anne Bronte in 1849 (she is buried at St Mary’s Churchyard).

The 19th century poets Edith Sitwell and Sacheverell Sitwell also lived here.