Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle which includes heritage elements, a beach and a sunset
Scarborough Castle featuring a ruin, a castle and heritage elements
Scarborough Castle showing heritage architecture, a garden and château or palace
Scarborough Castle featuring general coastal views, building ruins and a sunset
Scarborough Castle


Delve through 3,000 years of history at the ruins of this headland castle with panoramic views of the North Sea.

Scarborough Castle is a set of fascinating ruins that remain from a 12th-century royal fortress. Built atop a cliff, the medieval castle commands panoramic views of the North Sea and the coastal town of Scarborough. Learn about the rich history of this spot, where evidence of Iron Age, Roman and Scandinavian settlements lies beside the main castle.

Capture photos of the castle walls that loom over the town from a distance. Arrive at the gatehouse and take an audio tour of the walls and rooms. The main castle was fortified to defend against the Jacobites and Napoleon’s army.

Visit the Roman signal station to see the reconstructed pottery dating back many centuries. Archeologists excavated fragments here that pre-date the Romans, from as far back as 2,100 B.C. Stroll through parts of the 16 acres (6.5 hectares) of picturesque grounds to get a sense of the complex’s history. Enjoy a picnic with your family on the headland with views of the port.

The Master Gunner’s House contains an intriguing exhibit on the history of the town and the castle. Inspect the replica of a Bronze Age sword and see tools that previous settlements used. Beside the museum is a tearoom with snacks, refreshments and meals. Purchase souvenirs and memorabilia from the gift shop.

Learn the intriguing past of the castle and its construction. The present stone castle was built in the 1150s to replace a wooden version built decades earlier. Monarchs added to the castle, which was considered an important point of defense, many times over the centuries. Hear about how the castle was besieged during the English Civil War.

There is a fee to enter the castle, with discounts for kids and families. Visit on any day between morning and late afternoon. In winter, it is open to the public only on weekends.

Scarborough Castle is on a small headland that juts into the North Sea in the eastern part of the city. Walk northeast for 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Scarborough Railway Station to reach the castle. Nearby attractions include St. Mary’s Church and Scarborough Harbour.

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Things to do near Scarborough Castle

During your visit to Scarborough Castle, immerse yourself in a variety of activities, including live entertainment and engaging audio tours that bring the castle's history to life. Nearby, you can enjoy relaxing spa treatments and explore local golf courses for a round of golf. Don't miss the vibrant theatre scene, adding to the cultural richness of your trip to this historic site.

Shopping

Scarborough Castle offers charming local shops for souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Talbot Yard Food Court, 32.2km away, for a mix of entertainment and family vibes. Hornsea Freeport, 45.1km away, also boasts a variety of shops in a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Scarborough Cricket Club offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 805m from the castle. For a more tranquil experience, Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club, located 1.6km away, provides stunning outdoor views. Alternatively, enjoy the picturesque setting at Lebberston Golf Club, situated 6.4km from Scarborough Castle.

Adventure

Alpamare, a vibrant waterpark located 1.6km from Scarborough Castle, offers thrilling slides and family-friendly fun. For motorsport enthusiasts, Oliver's Mount Racing, situated 3.2km away, provides exhilarating racing experiences. Additionally, the Spa Cliff Lift, found 1.4km from the castle, offers stunning coastal views and an exciting ride.

Nightlife

For a delightful evening near Scarborough Castle, visit the Scarborough Open Air Theatre, just 1.6km away, for a vibrant cultural experience. Alternatively, the Stephen Joseph Theatre, 1.1km away, offers a charming atmosphere. The Spa Bridlington, located 25.7km away, presents an enchanting setting for entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle offers a delightful mix of attractions, including beautiful beaches, urban parks, and historic buildings. Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture while enjoying outdoor experiences that cater to a variety of interests. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day by the sea or exploring the rich history of the area, Scarborough Castle and its surroundings provide a perfect backdrop for a memorable holiday.

  • South Bay Beach: Just a short stroll from Scarborough Castle, South Bay Beach offers a vibrant seaside atmosphere. With its golden sands and stunning views of the coastline, it's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or enjoying a leisurely walk along the shore.
  • Scarborough Spa: This historic building, located nearby, is a cultural gem. Visitors can explore its beautifully restored architecture, enjoy various performances, or simply relax in its gardens while soaking in the rich heritage of Scarborough.
  • Peasholm Park: Ideal for families, Peasholm Park boasts lush greenery and tranquil lakes. Whether you're picnicking, boating, or wandering through its charming pathways, this urban park offers a delightful outdoor experience amidst the city's hustle.

Best time to go to Scarborough Castle

The best time to visit Scarborough Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Scarborough Castle falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Scarborough Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyHighAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
May50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
June55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
September57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage
December43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Scarborough Castle

For a budget-friendly visit to Scarborough Castle, consider travelling in the off-peak months of January to February or October when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay about a month in advance often yields the best rates, especially on Mondays, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Utilise Expedia’s tools to find and refine deals, and look for last-minute offers for potential savings. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can also help cut costs significantly. Don’t forget to check for discounts and the best rates directly on hotel websites.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Scarborough Castle are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Scarborough Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Scarborough Castle is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Scarborough Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. To discover the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay at Scarborough Castle with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.

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