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Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

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On a dry day on our trip to Yorkshire we decided to visit Scarborough, somewhere we’d heard so much about. A classic, British seaside resort, we weren’t expecting much more than the beach and arcades. So, seeing Scarborough Castle overlooking the town was a welcome surprise, and we decided to start our day there.

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

What is Scarborough Castle?

Managed by the English Heritage, Scarborough Castle is a former royal castle with a 12th-century great tower as its centrepiece. Originally begun by Henry II, it became one of the greatest royal fortresses in England and figured highly in events during the Middle Ages.

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

Scarborough Castle Parking

We parked on Scarborough seafront, in the Marine Drive car park, and walked to the castle. Scarborough Castle doesn’t have its own car park. There’s a well signposted route and although it’s very much uphill, it’s well worth the climb. As soon as we reached the top we were blown away, Scarborough Castle was so much more than we expected to find!

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

You walk through the main gatehouse and immediately step into 3,000 years of history. You can explore the castle headland with Iron Age settlements, the Roman signal station and medieval chapel. It’s a fantastic place to spend time and has amazing views of the coastline too – you can see both the north and south bays of Scarborough from the castle.

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

Scarborough Castle history

Scarborough Castle was besieged twice by Parliamentarians in the Civil War, and has defended king and country from the Jacobites, Napoleon and even the German Kaiser, when it came under bombardment during the First World War.

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

Inside the Master Gunner’s House where you can discover artefacts spanning the whole of Scarborough Castle’s past which have all been uncovered during site excavations. It includes tools and pottery from prehistoric times with the main part being a magnificent replica of a Bronze Age sword found on site.

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

Easter Adventure Quest at Scarborough Castle

When we visited Scarborough Castle we paid £1.50 per child for the kids to do an Easter trail around Scarborough Castle. The trail was great – with signs to find, questions to answer and activities it was perfect for keeping them engaged and there was a sweet treat as a prize at the end too.

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

We loved seeing Scarborough Castle and afterwards we played on a lovely adventure play area trim trail just below the castle entrance which was a great place for the kids to burn off some energy and let off steam.

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

If you’re planning on visiting Scarborough make sure you visit the castle too. English Heritage members get free entry. Find out Scarborough Castle opening times and book your visit over on the Scarborough Castle website. For reference, the address is: Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1HY

Visiting Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}
Scarborough Castle {English Heritage}

Author

  • Donna Wishart is married to Dave and they have two children, Athena (13) and Troy (11). They live in Surrey with their two cats, Fred and George. Once a Bank Manager, Donna has been writing about everything from family finance to days out, travel and her favourite recipes since 2012. Donna is happiest either exploring somewhere new, with her camera in her hand and family by her side or snuggled up with a cat on her lap, reading a book and enjoying a nice cup of tea. She firmly believes that tea and cake can fix most things.

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