We recently visited Scarborough Castle for the first time in years. Read on to find out more.
Standing on a massive promontory of rock that sits above the North Sea. A former royal castle with a 12th centaury tower. Scarborough was once one of the greatest royal fortresses in England. Twice besieged and has defended king and country from the Jacobite's, Napoleon and German Kaiser during WW1. In the 4th Centaury the Romans built a fortified signal station. The castle was first established by William le Gros, Earl of York in the 12th Century
The castle is steeped in over 3,000 years of history, I highly recommend purchasing the guide book for a later read.
Our Visit
We parked in the St Marys Parking spaces on our visit and walked up the steep hill to the gates. We spotted the numbers on the path which we thought were interesting and then headed into the shop which is your way in and out. The Tower was closed on our visit due to extreme winds and unfortunately we did cut our visit short due to the storm that we got caught in. We did see most things but it would have been nice to just take our time and even sit looking out to sea for a bit, however we still enjoyed our visit and did have a look at most parts. We are planning on heading back on a day when the weather is a bit nicer.
There's lots to see including:
Barbican & Gate
Master gunners house which has an indoor seating area downstairs and two exhibit spaces upstairs full of interesting archaeological finds.
Inner bailey
Great Tower
Viewing platform - This was open despite the weather
King Johns chamber block
Sally port
South steel battery
Kings hall
Roman signal station
Medieval chapel
The site itself is ruins but it does sit on quite a big patch of land for you to wander and enjoy. Don't miss the well either which goes a very very long way down!
Good to know
Shop
Café (small van) with indoor/outdoor seating available
Toilets
Dogs are welcome on leads
It does say disabled parking on the website but I honestly could not see where this would even be.
Audio tour available
Plenty of picnic space for nicer weather
Mostly accessible but please do bare in mind you have to walk over grass, there's steps up the Great tower, the viewing platform and top floor of the Master gunners house
Open daily from 10-5, free for English heritage members
For ticket options for non members please see HERE
Parking
Nearest is St Mary's Church Car Park which is pay and display
There is some side street parking available or if you are feeling super fit you could just park in the bay and walk up the hill.
Not to miss
Kids Rule 25th May - 2nd June
Knights tournament - 27th - 28th July
Legendary joust - 6th-8th August
Halloween Half Term at The castle 26th October - 3rd November
Other things to do nearby
Scarborough Sea Life
North and South Pier
Scarborough Fair
Bus tour
Peasholm park
Cliff tramway
North Bay railway
Donkey rides
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
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Spring walk ideas (Also nice during Autumn/winter)