Delve through 3,000 years of history at the ruins of this headland castle with panoramic views of the North Sea.
Scarborough Castle is a set of fascinating ruins that remain from a 12th-century royal fortress. Built atop a cliff, the medieval castle commands panoramic views of the North Sea and the coastal town of Scarborough. Learn about the rich history of this spot, where evidence of Iron Age, Roman and Scandinavian settlements lies beside the main castle.
Capture photos of the castle walls that loom over the town from a distance. Arrive at the gatehouse and take an audio tour of the walls and rooms. The main castle was fortified to defend against the Jacobites and Napoleon’s army.
Visit the Roman signal station to see the reconstructed pottery dating back many centuries. Archeologists excavated fragments here that pre-date the Romans, from as far back as 2,100 B.C. Stroll through parts of the 16 acres (6.5 hectares) of picturesque grounds to get a sense of the complex’s history. Enjoy a picnic with your family on the headland with views of the port.
The Master Gunner’s House contains an intriguing exhibit on the history of the town and the castle. Inspect the replica of a Bronze Age sword and see tools that previous settlements used. Beside the museum is a tearoom with snacks, refreshments and meals. Purchase souvenirs and memorabilia from the gift shop.
Learn the intriguing past of the castle and its construction. The present stone castle was built in the 1150s to replace a wooden version built decades earlier. Monarchs added to the castle, which was considered an important point of defense, many times over the centuries. Hear about how the castle was besieged during the English Civil War.
There is a fee to enter the castle, with discounts for kids and families. Visit on any day between morning and late afternoon. In winter, it is open to the public only on weekends.
Scarborough Castle is on a small headland that juts into the North Sea in the eastern part of the city. Walk northeast for 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from Scarborough Railway Station to reach the castle. Nearby attractions include St. Mary’s Church and Scarborough Harbour.
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