All about Scarborough

Everyone knows Scarborough, the original destination for seaside fun, sand castles, fun and games, fish & chips... everything you associate with the classic coastal holiday.  But there is much more to the town, here are a few things people often ask:

What is Scarborough famous/known for?

• Being Britain’s first seaside resort catalysed by the discovery of spa waters in the 1620s Scarborough fast became a bustling holiday destination with people eager to bathe in the so-called healing waters.
• It’s 12th-century castle. Scarborough Castle dominates the headland and separates the two bays, North and South with views up and down the Yorkshire coastline and across the town.
• The Naval Warfare ‘Battle of Peasholm’ - “the smallest manned navy in the world!” which has seen model boats re-enact battles on the lake and from the air within the park since 1927.
• The song “Are you going to Scarborough fair?”, most famously recorded by Simon and Garfunkle

Where does Scarborough get its name? It has long been thought that the name Scarborough comes from Old Norse from the Vikings. Scarborough meaning Skarthi’s stronghold (Skarthborg).

What day is market day in Scarborough? There is an indoor market in Scarborough open Monday to Saturday all year round.

Does Scarborough have an old town? Yes, Scarborough’s old town is made up of a mix of Georgian town houses and characterful fisherman’s lodgings. The streets, many still cobbled with narrow paths and alleyways and steps between, lead up the steep rise to the castle which dominates above. The old town is home to the indoor Market Hall, and Eastborough which is home to a collection of independent shops, cafes and pubs.

Did Anne Bronte live in Scarborough? Anne Bronte loved and wrote about Scarborough and died in the town, though she never actually lived here. She is buried at St Mary's Church near Scarborough Castle.