Yorkshire Coast Guide

Scarborough

Scarborough won the 2008/2009 award for the most creative and inspiring entrepreneurship initiative in Europe. This is on top of winning the most enterprising town in Britain in 2008. Then on the 13th May this year at a ceremony held in Prague, Scarborough won the Grand Jury prize in the prestigious European Enterprise Awards, which was awarded to the most creative and inspiring entrepreneurship initiative in the whole of Europe. As the sole representative for the UK, the town was one of 13 entrants in the running for the Grand Jury prize out of an original 350 projects from across Europe who submitted entries for the competition. The aim of the European Commission Enterprise and Industry Directorate is to recognise those places of enterprise excellence across Europe that have helped to transform the social and economic fortunes of their area and are the best at improving economic prospects and encouraging enterprise in their countries.

The town celebrated once again after winning the Project of the Year category in the International Association for Public Participation’s Core Values Awards 2009. Scarborough’s entry based on ‘Scarborough’s Future – Delivering an Urban Renaissance’, beat off stiff competition in its category from 12 other projects from across the globe to take home the prestigious accolade. It was nominated because 'it is a most distinctive town' and has benefited from 'locally driven renaissance in recent years'. The resort offers a variety of cultural and visitor attractions such as the award winning Sea Life Marine Sanctuary, Scarborough Art Gallery and the newly refurbished Rotunda, along with many festivals, including Seafest, Jazz, Bike Week, Scarborough Fayre and the Scarborough Cricket Festival.' The town has a young and vibrant nightlife scene with many clubs, pubs and bars.

With a population of around 50,000, Scarborough is the largest holiday destination on the Yorkshire Coast, lying on the edge of the North York Moors with Whitby to the north and Filey to the south. It is home to residential communities, business, fishing and service industries, plus a growing digital and creative economy. Scarborough Borough Council is providing excellent business and residential regeneration services that have already made a significant difference to the appearance, image and prosperity of the area. The council has put the needs of citizens and users at the heart of the design and delivery of the service it provides and recognises the different needs of local communities and tailors its approach to address them. The council has developed very positive working relationships with public, private and voluntary sector partners.  This has led to an estimated £100m of public sector and £350m of private sector investment to regenerate the borough. See our news page for the latest on what is happening in the borough.

Scarborough was 'the first seaside resort in England'. It is still a popular destination with many attractions but is also a traditional fishing port. The most striking feature of Scarborough's geography is the 11th-century ruins of Scarborough Castle that separates the sea front into a North Bay and a South Bay. The North Bay has traditionally been the more peaceful end of the resort and is home to Peasholm Park which has been restored to its Japanese-themed glory, complete with reconstructed pagoda. The park still features a mock maritime battle (based on the Battle of the River Plate) re-enacted on the boating lake with large model boats and fireworks throughout the summer holiday season. The North Bay Railway is a miniature railway which runs from the park to the Sea Life Centre at Scalby Mills.

The North Bay is linked to the South Bay by the Marine Drive, an extensive Victorian promenade, built around the base of the headland. This area is undergoing regeneration with the 'Sands' development on the site of the old Corner Cafe, which has private and holiday accommodation, two new cafes, and new shops. Overlooking both bays is Scarborough Castle, which was bombarded by the German warships SMS Derfflinger and SMS Von der Tann in the First World War. Just under the castle on the north side is the new 'Hairy Bob's skate park'. The South Bay was the site of the original early medieval settlement and the harbour, which form the current Old Town district. This remains the main focus for tourism, with a sandy beach, cafes, amusements, arcades, theatres and entertainment facilities. The harbour has undergone major regeneration including the new Albert Strange Pontoons, a more pedestrian-friendly promenade, street lighting and seating.

Both bays have popular sandy beaches and numerous rock-pools at low tide. Slightly less well known is the South Cliff Promenade situated above the Spa and South Cliff Gardens, commanding excellent views of the South Bay and old town and from which many iconic postcard views are taken. Its splendid Regency and Victorian terraces are still intact and the mix of quality hotels and desirable apartments form a backdrop to the South Bay. The ITV television drama The Royal and its recent spin-off series, The Royal Today, are filmed in the area. The South Bay has the largest illuminated "Star Disk" anywhere in the UK. It is 85 feet across and is fitted with subterranean lights representing the 42 brightest stars and major constellations that can be seen from Scarborough in the northern skies. To the south-west of the town lies Oliver's Mount, where motorbike racing is held on a few weekends thoughout the summer. To compare Scarborough Hotels and find the best deal, click here. Over 20,000 hotels worldwide are covered.