The coastal town of Scarborough is situated in the county of North Yorkshire. It is located along the North Sea coast and is a popular tourist destination. It is around two hundred and forty five miles from London with an average train journey taking approximately three hours.
Scarborough’s history is interesting and can be traced back to the medieval period when it was a small farming and fishing settlement, being mentioned in the Domesday book of 1086, although it is believed its origins date back even earlier. Scarborough Castle, which dates from the twelfth century, played a significant role in various conflicts and was crucial during the English Civil War. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Scarborough began to gain popularity as a spa resort with many visitors enjoying the alleged health benefits of the spa waters. By the Victorian era, the town was expanding and becoming a popular seaside resort, building one of the largest coastal hotels in Europe, The Grand, which is still used as a hotel to this day.
Over half of the working age population of Scarborough have at least two A levels or equivalent and key sectors in the town include administration and service occupations, manufacturing, sales, health and social care, hospitality and retail. The IT and communications industry has also seen a rapid rise in the town recently. Alongside this, mining, quarrying and utilities opportunities have increased as the North Yorkshire area has long been associated with being rich in mineral resources.
There are several ongoing projects in the town from the Scarborough Town Investment Plans that were chosen to be delivered as part of Town Deals which include exciting regeneration, addressing infrastructures and the environment and offering training opportunities for local people as well as improving access to blue and green spaces in the town.
Scarborough has so much to see and do that it is impossible to list them all. A favoured holiday destination, the town has dramatic cliffs with award winning sandy beaches and plenty of traditional amusements. You can even travel down to the beach using a tram - Central Tramway is Scarborough’s Victorian cliff railway which opened in 1881.
Other attractions include Sealife, a waterpark (closed until Spring 2024), theatres and museums! Fossil remains found nearby have given the coast near Scarborough the interesting name of Dinosaur Coast! Scarborough Spa is home to several venues and hosts numerous events throughout the year and the magnificent Peasholm Park is a beautifully unique park with an oriental theme which is regularly voted as one of the UK’s best parks. The Scarborough Fair Collection hosts a fantastic working collection from steam engines to musical organs while the original Scarborough Fair, last held in the 18th century, is being revived as a programme of arts, heritage, music and sports events.
Scarborough Castle sits high above the North and South bays and although now in ruins, it attracts many tourists and there are often events and exhibitions taking place where you are able to learn even more of the history of the castle as well as admire the breathtaking views.
Scarborough offers various sporting activities and is home to several golf courses, access to water sports and a football club. Historic Scarborough Cricket Club is witnessing renewal and investment, securing the future of First Class county cricket within the town. The club dates back to 1849 and continues to attract both players and cricket enthusiasts from all over the world.
Slightly out of town, you will find the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park and the pretty fishing town of Whitby which is known for its gothic charm, association with Dracula and a long seafaring heritage! The fabulous Dalby Forest and the quaint coastal village of Robin Hood’s Bay are also within easy reach of Scarborough.
The town’s unique charm draws in people wanting to live and work in this coastal town. Its stunning location along the North Sea offers a quality of life that is hard to resist. The history and character of the town, along with a growing economy and the welcoming spirit of the locals, creates a warm and inviting place that is increasingly appealing to many.