By Debbie Bowen.
Read our blog to find out more about what Scarborough has to offer - whether that's unique museums, amazing castles or spooky walks.
If in fact you were like me, when I first thought of Scarborough that it was in fact, a tourist seaside resort, with lots of neon lit arcades, fish and chip and that was it, then read on!
I used to hop over to Scarborough to enjoy the beach walks and exactly the above for quite a few years, but little did I know what a disservice I was doing to Scarborough, a place I now call home, home because I really could not live anywhere else now, given its beauty and depth.
I guess the very things that I have enjoyed since I have lived here have been finding out about the rich diversity and historical importance that Scarborough has had to play, well that along with the great pubs, the even better friendly people, where you feel part of a community and the vast range of independent restaurants. I could write a blog just on those and will!.
But if you are looking for something out of the ordinary to do in Scarborough and I mean out of the ordinary, as I assume you know that there is a Castle here, which if you haven't visited is a must. I am also assuming and probably incorrectly that you know about the Stephen Joseph Theatre.
Stephen Joseph Theatre
The Stephen Joseph Theatre is the first theatre in the round, which means that the seats surround the stage, giving a 360 performance for the audience to see the performance from every angle whilst bringing the actor into the same space as the audience.
You feel involved and close, the lack of extensive props, relies on, I believe, even greater acting and the whole experience becomes for me deeply engaging. The performances are of very high quality with Alan Ayckbourn presiding over the theatrical direction and he always has a production each year as well.
The building is a well preserved and authentic 1930's Odeon cinema and these nostalgic architectural tones flow through many parts of Scarborough. See what's on https://sjt.uk.com/
The theatre may not be everyone's cup of tea but there are many other cups!
Naval War Fare at Peasholm Park
Probably one of the most (and there have been many) things I have found quirky and unusual about Scarborough is The Naval Warfare Battles at Peasholm Park.
Here fully sized men, climb into the smallest manned navy in the world on the lake and counter attack an air assult, by a small fleet of planes, with all the smoke filled bombs, naval manoeuvres, drama and atmosphere, which if it wasn't for the historical significance of the events, might rise a small titter inside.
Perhaps it is the contrast with the peaceful Japanese Zen gardens of Peasholm which brings this out in me or thinking of the full sized men that have passionately volunteered to lie flat out in these naval miracles to bring what is a unique experience to life, to which I have never witnessed anything of the kind.
For times on this check the Facebook page for Peasholm Park.
Wander The Old Town
Take a wander through The Old Town. I don't know about you, but every time I hit Europe I am looking for The Old Town in every place I visit, hoping for quaint cobbled streets, friendly locals and the best places to have a beer. If this resonates with you, then Scarborough Old Town is a must.
Start on Sandside and drop one street back by the Ivy, to quaint and cobbled Quay Street. An authentic rum run of fishermen's cottages with long tales of pirates and shipmates, with just one side of the street surviving the heavy WWII bombing. (Many an authentic rum bottle was found in our cottage on Quay Steet, buried deep in the sandy floor when it used to be the Kingfisher pub in 1834).
Ascend up via Long Greece Steps and onto the cobbles, passing all the the historical townhouses of the Georgian period towards St Marys Church, presiding over Scarborough with beauty and elegance, do step inside, it is an incredibly special church. I would further recommend St Martins on the Hill, a very arts and crafts church with a deep colourful beauty.
Journey further on up the hill from St Marys to enjoy the span of the North Bay, step back for a moment and enjoy the South Bay, dip between both worlds. Recollect your thoughts and stop by Anne Bronte's Grave. the authoress of "The Tenant of Wildfell Hall", sister to Emily Bronte, "Wuthering Heights".
The question for me was, given the girls lived in Haworth, why was Anne buried in Scarborough? The story is that she was a governess and travelled with the family, stayed in Scarborough and came to love it. She became ill with consumption before her 30th birthday and was slow to take any medical help following news of both Emily and her brother death. I understand why she loved it, as do the locals at the Leeds Arms, where you will find a friendly welcome and rub shoulders with Publishers, Authors, Actors, Millionaire Fishermen as well as sometimes ourselves.
After a refreshing drink, head down from the Leeds Arms, where you will find what remains of the Medieval Butter Cross. This dates back to the middle ages and was used in squares where people would meet to buy and sell things like eggs, butter and milk.
The stepped base of the cross was used to layout the fresh produce for sale and was located on what is now known as Princess Square where the market used to gather Not much unfortunately remains of the cross but the gothic carvings of leaves remains, suggesting that the cross was repurposed from a church's ornamental pinnacle at some point.
Continue your adventure along St Sepulchre Street up to the Market Hall and Vaults, a stunning Victorian building that is renowned for its unique architectural design and fascinating stories within its vaults. Housing 3 floors of food, drink, butchers, bread makers, jewellery makers, book binders, cobblers and that's before you get to the vaults, full of intrigue and yester year that promotes a good browse and happy purchase.
Jonno’s Field
Of all the things you don't expect to see is a link between Scarborough and Easter Island. In 2015 A series of eight carved wooden heads were installed into this wildlife sanctuary, carved in the style of Moai statues of Easter Island.
They were created by a local artist, David Shepherd and are surprising to find. But when you dig a little deeper and understand the connection between Scarborough and Easter Island, their long history of trade and a popular stop off for sailors from the pacific who brought back lots of souvenirs of their travels, the connection becomes more understandable. The views are also fantastic so also worth visiting for those too.
The Grand
The Grand is iconic, irrespective that it is no longer the place it used to be, it still stands for what it was.
An iconic architectural construction built in 1867 and the largest hotel in Europe. The building is designed around the theme of the seasons, 12 floors. 52 chimneys, 365 rooms and was built to accommodate the wealthy holiday makers to the Spa Town of Scarborough.
I often go inside still, and there is still the scale, proportion, drama and beauty of the building if you ignore its present ignorance of itself.
Marine Drive
You might think that mentioning Marine Drive should hardly make it to this Blog, in fact nearly everyone that visits will have walked or driven around Marine Drive, but the reason for mentioning it here is that not only does the construction of the drive have a fascinating history, but the wall itself is a fascinating factoid.
Opened by Alan Ayckbourn the Sea Wall Heritage Trail via the Portholes In Time tell fascinating facts.
I have walked the walk many times without stopping to read and when I did, I was amazed at the things I learnt about Scarborough and how it was the 1st at many epic parts of our history.
Funicular Trams
Scarborough was transformed from a fishing town into a spa town and tourist destination during the late 18th Century. Acidic waters were found in South Bay and believed to have health benefits.
However, it was long recognised that the height difference between the town and its beaches would cause a hindrance for the blossoming tourist trade. The Central Tramway company, the oldest surviving tramway company in the UK were commissioned to build 5 funiculars at various points along South Bay, of which 2 are still functioning today.
The cliff lift was the very first to be built in Britain between 1875 and 1930 and became an instant success with 1,400 people travelling on its first day. Steam operation continued until 1920 when it was then converted to electric power. Stepping into the carriages is a step back in time where you can appreciate the beauty of these distinctive burgundy and cream trams.
North Yorkshire Moors Steam Trains
For those who still love to travel by steam, The North Yorkshire Moor Railway is just a short drive from Scarborough and offering an unforgettable trip. It is one of the world’s greatest heritage railway experiences with thrills and family fun at its heart.
Climb on-board a steam or diesel heritage train on one of the earliest and most historic lines, to experience 24 miles of Yorkshire’s amazing scenery. It was opened rather suitably by George Stephenson in 1836 and now restored to their former glory, the heritage Pullman carriages transports you back in time to the golden age of train travel, powered by steam or diesel.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has been featured in several TV shows and movies, including Downton Abbey, Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning.
The NYMR also has its own TV shows, including The Big Steam Adventure and The Yorkshire Steam Railway. Hop on a train at one of the following stations: Grosmont, Goathland, Whitby, Newtondale Halt, Levisham or Pickering and get transported back to the magical world of steam.
Why not book the unforgettable dining experience through the stunning North York Moors National Park. Sit back and relax onboard whilst you enjoy a delicious meal featuring seasonal menus showcasing the best locally sourced food and drink as you embark on a journey through the heart of this wonderful countryside.
Bempton Cliffs
For bird and nature lovers should you want a change from the flocks of seagulls in the harbour, take a trip to Bempton Cliffs, home o the UK's top wildlife spectacles. Over half a million seabirds gather here between March and August to raise a family on the towering chalk cliffs that overlook the North Sea.
The cliffs themselves are impressive at any time of the year and you can enjoy a spectacular cliff walk whilst observing the largest seabird community of Puffins, Kittiwakes Guillemots and Gannets, gracefully diving into the deep.
Enjoy all the usual and unusual things to do whilst relaxing in the luxury of The Boat House. 7 stunning apartments over looking the North Bay sea, in easy reach of everything in Scarborough. https://www.theboathousescarbo...
