Scarborough Castle – 3,000 Years of History Above the Yorkshire Coast

More Than Just a Medieval Castle

Although the castle dominates the headland today, people were using this strategic location long before the medieval fortress was built.

Evidence of human activity on the headland stretches back thousands of years, while the castle itself became an important stronghold during the Middle Ages.

Its position explains why. From the headland you can see for miles along the Yorkshire coastline and across both of Scarborough's bays.

Over the centuries, Scarborough Castle has witnessed royal struggles, sieges, rebellion and war.

The Great Tower

One of the most recognisable features of Scarborough Castle is the remains of its Great Tower.

Built during the 12th century, this enormous stone structure would once have been an impressive demonstration of royal power.

Although only part of the tower survives today, its ruins still give you a sense of the scale of the medieval castle and make an impressive sight as you explore the site.

Scarborough Castle and the English Civil War

Scarborough Castle played an important role during the English Civil War.

Its commanding position made it a valuable defensive stronghold, and the castle endured fierce fighting and lengthy sieges.

Walking around the ruins today, it's difficult not to imagine what conditions must have been like for the soldiers defending this exposed headland hundreds of years ago.

The German Bombardment of Scarborough

Scarborough's military history didn't end with the medieval period or Civil War.

On 16 December 1914, German warships attacked Scarborough during the First World War.

The town was bombarded by naval guns, and Scarborough Castle was among the locations struck during the attack.

It is an extraordinary part of Scarborough's history and a reminder that this ancient defensive position continued to find itself involved in conflict many centuries after the castle was originally built.

Exploring the Castle Grounds

One thing that surprised us was just how much there is to explore.

This isn't somewhere where you simply look at one ruined building and leave. The grounds cover a substantial area, and walking around them reveals different sections of the castle's history.

There are also superb viewpoints across Scarborough's North Bay, South Bay, harbour and the surrounding Yorkshire coastline.

On a clear day, the views alone make the climb to the castle worthwhile.

Take your time walking around because there are plenty of details that are easily missed if you rush.

The Nuclear Bunker

Another fascinating part of the site's more recent military history is the presence of a Cold War-era nuclear monitoring post.

It's quite a contrast to the medieval ruins surrounding it and demonstrates how the strategic importance of Scarborough's headland continued into the modern era.

From medieval soldiers watching for approaching enemies to observers monitoring the potential effects of nuclear attack, this remarkable headland has been connected with Britain's defence for centuries.

Is Scarborough Castle Worth Visiting?

For us, absolutely.

Scarborough Castle combines several things we love when exploring Britain: fascinating history, impressive ruins, plenty to discover and some fantastic scenery.

Even if you're not a huge history enthusiast, the views across Scarborough and the Yorkshire coast make the site well worth considering.

If you enjoy castles and British history, however, you'll probably want to allow several hours to explore it properly.

Watch Our Visit to Scarborough Castle

Join PJ and Mrs PJ as we explore Scarborough Castle, walk around the extensive grounds, discover some of its fascinating history and take in the spectacular views across Scarborough.

We've also captured 360° aerial footage from outside the castle grounds, giving you another perspective of this incredible location and its commanding position above the Yorkshire coast.

As always, we'll show you what we found so you can decide whether Scarborough Castle deserves a place on your own Explore Britain list.

Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England
Managed by: English Heritage
Best for: History, castles, coastal views, photography and families
Allow: Around 2–4 hours if you want to explore properly
Explore Britain verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Highly recommended