#OfftheBeatenTrack is NationalRail.com’s tribute to the tracks less travelled – finding hidden gems amongst towns and stations that don’t regularly attract the headlines or the limelight.
Today, we are looking at Scarborough, which only just qualifies for being off the beaten track, thanks to its recent resurgence in popularity over the past 10 years. Indeed, the station sees over one million passengers a year, with many more arriving by car.
However, it’s still something of an undiscovered gem, surrounded, as it is, by miles of spectacular countryside and lying at the edge of the North York Moors.
So why not take the train somewhere new today? Remember, you can buy all your train tickets at nationalrail.com – so what are you waiting for? Book train tickets with us today.
Town/city: Scarborough
Population: 61,749
By train: Head to York, then change for trains to Scarborough, which lies at the end of the North Trans-Pennine route, offering services from York, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool. Scarborough station is home to the world’ longest station seat, at 139 metres long!
Things to do: There are enough things to do in Scarborough to fuel a week-long family holiday, so it’s well worth considering making at least a long weekend of your trip.
Weather permitting, there is a range of boat trips to be taken from the excellent (and still functioning) fishing harbour.
North Bay miniature railway is great fun for the kids – big and little – it runs for a mile between Peasholm Park and Scalby Mills stations. £3.30 for a return trip.
Scarborough Castle is also a must-see – which is fortunate, because you can’t miss it. It looms over the town, holding a dramatic position over two bays, with sheer drops down to the sea. The castle commands stunning views – be sure to allow at least 90 minutes for a visit.
There is a range of traditional seaside attractions – a small funfair, amusements, plenty of fish and chip shops, and, naturally, a wide range of seafood stalls selling freshly-caught wares.
Popular/famous tourist spots: The Rotunda Museum is the UK’s oldest geology museum. The East Coast of Yorkshire is a rich source of fossilised creatures and many of them have found their way here. There is also an interactive Dinosaur exhibit.
Scarborough is home to the final resting place of author Anne Bronte, who wrote Agnes Grey and the Tenant of Wildfell Hall, which is considered to be one of the first sustained feminist novels. She died of tuberculosis in 1849, and you can find her grave in St Mary’s churchyard. While you’re there, the church itself is well worth a visit – dramatic by day, and beautifully lit by night.
Did you know? Scarborugh’s Grand Hotel, a spectacular building at the heart of the town, is shaped like a letter ‘V’ to honour Queen Victoria.
Whetted your appetite? Return to our home page to book your cheap ticket to Scarborough.
Picture courtesy of Wikipedia.
