Scarborough
I find a day at the seaside utterly charming. Especially if that day happens to be dry. Scarborough has all the trappings of a good day out. If you arrive via train, you can enjoy the stroll through town, a typical high street with chain shops. But wander either right or left and you can find independent shops, a market hall, art galleries, cafes, bars, and pubs. Descending via eastborough you'll pass a variety of tea shops, pubs and fish and chip restaurants and takeaways. Eventually you will stumble out onto the seafront. The harbour is in front of you to the left and South bay beach to the right. The golden sands entice you to kick off your shoes and feel the sand between your toes. In the holidays you may well still find donkeys ready to traipse children on a short circuit of the sands. Behind you the classic arcades, sweet shops fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours buy for your trade.
Continuing South you can stroll along the prom prom prom to the Scarborough Spa. The Spa complex is still an impressive sight. It consists of a theatre, grand hall for concerts, bar areas, cafes and of course the outdoor sun court which you may recognise from its appearance in films and on television. A full range of entertainment events usually take place throughout the year.
You can continue past the Spa complex and if accessible either walk along the beach or along the Cleveland way, which will eventually lead you to Filey some 10 miles away.
The Spa cliff lift also runs from the Spa complex. Opened in 1875 this funicular railway was originally powered by seawater. The lift usually operates from February to November and for a small fee will take you up to the esplanade. It's a short but fun journey and the chance to enjoy something built to aid the victorians enjoyment of the Spa. On a fine day you can also benefit from wonderful views.
The walk along the esplanade and into town is really rather worthwhile. There is a beautiful viewpoint over the sea and harbour front which is particularly enjoyable on a fine evening. The route also takes you over the Spa Bridge. Opened in 1827 the iron bridge spans the valley from the Spa to St Nicholas Cliff. Much like the cliff lift this was built for the comfort and ease of visitors to the Spa.
The Grand Hotel lies at the other side of the bridge. Opened in 1867 it's heyday was also the Victorian era. Today the Grand Hotel is rather less grand. However, the outside of the building remains impressive and some of the internal grandeur remains and you do not need to be staying there to step inside and enjoy it.
Continuing along St. Nicholas and then on to St. Nicholas Street you'll discover another viewpoint over South bay beach, a steep footpath leads from here back down to the seafront.
Scarborough harbour is a working harbour but visitors can enjoy boat rides and purchase fresh seafood from the stalls along the front. There is also a small funfair with rides. It is generally a blustery walk from here to North Bay beach along the seafront. Beyond this you will eventually reach the Sea Life centre, mini golf course and Scalby Mills Station. The north bay heritage railway runs from this station to Peasholm during the summer and for special events. Inland you can delight your children or your own inner child and take a ride on a pedaloe or rowing boat in the Peasholm gardens. The Japanese themed gardens are well worth a stroll.
You can easily while away an hour or two wandering the ruins of Scarborough Castle and enjoying the magnificent views. This is an English Heritage owned and operated site and definitely worth a visit if you are a member and worth the fee if not. A short walk from the castle you can also find Anne Bronte's grave in St. Mary's churchyard.
