This shot of Scarborough was taken from the footbridge near the Grand Hotel, looking over the South Bay towards the castle. Its excellent defensive location at the top of steep cliffs can be appreciated. The viewpoint for the last two shots posted is situated where the flag pole shows above the castle wall. The entrance to the castle can just be seen above the trees at the left of the picture, and as you can see, any attacker who got through that entrance would still have had a climb up towards the keep.
Scarborough is said to be Britain's first holiday resort. In 1626, Elizabeth Farrow discovered a stream of acidic water running down the cliff and into the sea in the South Bay. The water healed ailments because of it's chemical make-up, much like stomach salts in chemists do today. A Dr Wittie book about the spa waters published in 1660 was a huge catalyst for visitors to 'Scarborough Spa' and the town became Britain's first seaside resort. The famous old bathing machines didn't make an appearance until 1735. The first railway arrived in July 1845, making Scarborough accessible to the masses. The link was to York where it joined what was by then rapidly becoming a national network.
This part of the South Bay, around the Old Town, developed as a centre of entertainment, with a theatre (recently demolished) and more recently lots of amusement arcades along the sea front. However, just behind the sea front, to the right side of this shot, there can still be found old timber framed buildings. I discovered them a few years ago while following an excellent and informative town trail booklet produced by Scarborough Civil Society.
As a youngster, my parents regularly brought my brother and I to Scarborough for our annual week holiday, though we stayed at the other side of the headland in the North Bay. It is a rather different place, with fewer entertainments, and a long sandy beach, and two nice parks. We didn't visit there on this trip, but perhaps next time?
A super shot of the castle overlooking the town. My parents had their honeymoon here and stayed at the Grand. After my Dad died I brought my Mum back to stay there. It was a bit tricky because of the steep paths, although we did use the lift.
fav
the buildings and village look so neat and tidy
Ideal place for holiday
Thank you all for your lovely comments and favs, they are very much appreciated.
We very much enjoyed our trip to Scarborough, it is a very attractive place, and it has lots of interesting history to explore as well.
Ian
Thank you Bri. Scarborough is a very photogenic place!
Ian