Scarborough

Scarborough is the country’s original seaside resort. Its two sandy bays are divided by a headland bearing the 12th-century Scarborough Castle.

For families there’s lot’s to do. On the North Bay, if paddling in the sea becomes a bit sedate, why not visit Alpamare – Scarborough’s new waterpark with its thrilling waterslides, or the Sea Life Sanctuary with it’s rich array of marine life on display. It also boasts a miniature railway and the Sky Trail Adventure Course. The South Bay serves up traditional seaside fare – amusement arcades abound on the Foreshore and there is no shortage of ice cream parlours and shellfish stalls.

A stones throw away, Peasholm Park offers relaxing boat rides and in the summer also boasts musical diversions.

For culture you can visit the Art Gallery, Rotunda Museum of Geology or take in a show at the fabulous Spa Complex. And just up the road from the chalet is the Open Air Theatre which hosts top entertainment – previous acts have included Elton John and Britney Spears!

Filey

Ten miles south of Scarborough lies this picturesque seaside town. Its Bay stretches from the historical Filey Brigg peninsula at the northern point, to the majestic white cliffs of Flamborough Head to the south; and in between over six miles of golden sand.

Enjoy gentle pursuits such as kite flying, rockpooling, fossil-hunting, birdwatching or walking the Wolds or Cleveland Way. Visit Bempton Cliffs to watch seabirds – puffins, gannets, kittiwakes and more. And Filey Dams offers unrivalled opportunities for sightings of curlews, oystercatchers and lapwings.

For the more adventurous, paragliding, hang gliding, sailing and surfing. Or hire a bike from the local bike hire shop, and ask for the best tried and tested routes; or try a beach bike!

Enjoy the many independent shops selling antiques, handmade chocolates, vintage games, jewellery, and art and crafts by local artists. Our many restaurants, cafes and coffee shops offer a wide variety of choice, from fine dining, all day breakfasts, excellent coffee, to afternoon teas, and of course, fish and chips.

Whitby

With Blue Flag beaches and many attractions, including the world-famous steam North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Whitby is the perfect base for a family holiday. But it doesn’t end there. Whitby wallows in history, including fishing, the jet industry (did you know that it’s still the best place in the world to find the gleaming black gemstone so beloved by the Victorians?), Captain Cook (who was born nearby, and whose famous ship the Endeavour was Whitby-built) and whaling. And its literary connections – Bram Stoker’s famous Dracula features the town, with the vampire first coming ashore here from Transylvania in the guise of a black dog – have inspired the world famous Goth Festival, which now takes place twice a year, in the spring and around Hallowe’en

Further afield…

Home to Yorkshire’s Food Capital, Castle Howard and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Ryedale’s Market Towns – Helmsley, Kirkbymoorside, Pickering, Malton & Norton – are also surrounded by some of Britain’s most spectacular countryside, with walking, cycling and wildlife-spotting from the doorstep, and tranquil views perfect for gentle escapism.

One of the most historic city’s in Britain, York is only an hour’s drive away. It has a wealth of unique shops, fabulous restaurants and drinking establishments as well as attractions such as the Jorvik Viking Centre, National Railway Museum and York Minster.

Also nearby is the vibrant landscape of the North York Moors National Park. Stretching from just above Scarborough in the south, to beyond Staithes in the north, and inland to Helmsley, Osmotherley and Kilburn, the national park includes some of the area’s best-loved villages, ancient landmarks and unspoilt woodlands.