Scarborough Castle

We visit the beautiful castle set up on the headland in Scarborough, Yorkshire.

Find out what to see and do...

The 'Unofficial Guide' tells you more....

We visited the castle on a rainy November day - most of the castle is outside - so it did feel a bit cold!

Scarborough Castle is the very striking ruin you can see on the headland between the north and south bays - overlooking the town, and out to sea.

History of Scarborough Castle

The history of the Castle at Scarborough is a long one (I'll try and keep it brief though!)...

• The headland was occupied in prehistoric times, with evidence of prehistoric settlement.
• In Roman times there was a Roman signal station here.
• In Viking times there may have been a chapel on the site (around 1000AD).









• The castle we see today was begun in the 12th Century with much building and re-building work then.
• The castle was involved in skirmishes in Tudor times with the Pilgimage of Grace, and other revolts and plots, as well as during the Civil War.

Visiting Scarborough Castle

..but there are still several points of interest to see...

• castle walls
• the ruins of an old chapel (site of the Roman signal station)
• ruins of rooms and buildings
• wells
• the old keep









• viewing platform (great views of Scarborough)









• the Master Gunners House, with:
  • Tea Rooms (closed in Winter)
  • Exhibition

The Exhibition Rooms across 2 rooms contain:

• prehistoric pottery
• replica Bronze Age sword - very shiny and impressive!
• jet cross - lovely!
• beads
• jewellery
• an interesting 'face' jug!

To get the most out of your visit, buy a Guide Book or Audio Tour...

...or visit when there is an event staged at the castle.

In the past, we have visited the Castle when there was a re-enactment event on and the castle had:

• battle re-enactments
• people in costume
• stalls
• loads of visitors

...perhaps less 'romantic' but surely more how the castle would have felt in its 'heyday'.

Souvenirs, gifts, books and light snacks/confectionary are all available at the shop (at the entrance).

Toilets are available.

We parked on the seafront at Sarborough's North Bay (P&D), and walked up a footpath (signposted - opposite the Luna Park funfair)...

...but although it's only 10-15 minutes walk, the path is quite steep!

You can park closer at St Mary's Car Park (Pay and Display). Parking is only available here when the Pay and Display signs are showing (it belongs to the church.)

While you are here you can also visit Anne Bronte's Grave in the nearby St. Mary's Churchyard.

Scarborough Castle on the Map

Find Scarborough Castle on the headland between the North and South Bays.

It's quite a steep hike up from the seafront.

The closest parking is at St Mary's (as described just above).

This map is interactive.

• Just use the + and - buttons in the top left corner of the map to zoom in and out.
• Use the arrows to move about the area.

Contact:
Castle Road,
Scarborough,
YO11 1HY

Tel: 01723 372451 and 0870 3331181

Visit the official English Heritage Scarborough Castle webpage for more information and to check for updates in opening hours.

Tickets:
(Correct at the date of writing - December 2010)

• Adults: £4.70
• Children: £2.40
• Concessions: £4.00
• Family Ticket: £11.80

Have you visited Scarborough Castle? What did you think? Where are your favourite days out? Let us know, here...

Where do you like to go in Scarborough? Tell us, here...

If you liked visiting the castle, you might also be interested in visiting the Rotunda Museum and Scarborough Art Gallery

More about Scarborough

More ideas for things to do

More about Yorkshire in British History - including more historical attractions to visit.

You might also like:
Whitby Abbey
Kirkham Priory

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