Scarborough Castle is a former medieval Royal fortress situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the North Sea and Scarborough, North Yorkshire, England. The site of the castle, encompassing the Iron Age settlement, Roman signal station, an Anglo-Scandinavian settlement and chapel, the 12th-century enclosure castle and 18th-century battery, is a scheduled monument of national importance.
Fortifications for a wooden castle were built in the 1130s, but the present stone castle dates from the 1150s. Over the centuries, several other structures were added, with medieval monarchs investing heavily in what was then an important fortress that guarded the Yorkshire coastline, Scarborough's port trade, and the north of England from Scottish or continental invasion. It was fortified and defended during various civil wars, sieges and conflicts, as kings fought with rival barons, faced rebellion and clashed with republican forces, though peace with Scotland and the conclusion of civil and continental wars in the 17th century led to its decline in importance.
Such an amazing site from up here! I totally recommend spending a day out here as you will get such a magnificent view and wow.... The walks up here are also just as good! If you don't want to spend money to get in, you can still have an amazing walk up the hill! I love this place so much and will definitely be going again because of the atmosphere! Such a prehistoric monument of wonder!
Koopa V OcelotFeb 3, 2018
We went to visit the castle on a cold winters day the sun was out and the sky was blue but bitter. The castle looked beautiful with the sun shining upon it. It was busy that Saturday the grounds were well kept the staff as always were pleasant and helpful the cafe do snacks and drinks. And the toilets are very clean. We loved it and we will be back
Julie BreslinFeb 28, 2018
Love this castle, it has a fascinating history that carries on up to and including the first world war when it was shelled by German warships. We walked up a quite steep path from the seafront and enjoyed the walk but if you have small children or struggle to walk there are easier ways to get up. The views from the top are amazing and make the visit well worthwhile.
Mark DrinkwaterJan 27, 2018
A nice afternoon out. Great bit of history that is well presented and offers amazing views. Good cafe on site too.
Stephen FosterFeb 22, 2018
Absolutely love visiting the castle with my children. We spend hours there and the children love exploring and finding new things each time we visit. It's great for finding out about local history and they often have events on for all the family to enjoy. It's a great place to visit no matter the weather just make sure to wrap up in colder weather
Sarah NassauNov 23, 2017
First visit to the actual castle for us. Excellent views of Scarborough and coastline. The staff were friendly and gave excellent service both at the entrance and the master gunners cafe. Parked up on the approach, 2hr limit... Parking disc supplied by ticket office which helped tremendously. The castle has an amazing history, free audio guide supplied if requested. Best to visit on a dry day due to grassy areas.
Bri WilliamsMar 23, 2018
A good walk around the castle grounds looking at different features and reading about them with our 6 year old. Priced reasonable for the time and views you get. Kids also got a quiz and map to check off as they explored the different areas. The weather was kind to us on the day but it wouldn't have been as enjoyable had it rained. Another castle ticked off the list!
Nick OrmerodMar 29, 2018
Fantastic day out. Starts with a nice walk up to the castle. Plenty of facts available about the castles history and a small building containing artifacts found found during excavations. Refreshments are available and the view out to sea is fantastic on a clear day.
Stuart EganMar 7, 2018
Love Scarborough beach and beach front. There's a beautiful sandy beach which allows dogs from certain dates. If you walk right the way along the sea front you get to a bench with a massive metal man sculpture sat on the bench. He's a great addition! Perfect place for fish and chips, arcade games, stick of rock or famous ice cream. Brilliant for a throughly fun family day out.
Saffron GeeApr 19, 2018
A beautiful place to visit. The ground is rough I parts so can be difficult to walk over and wheelchairs may struggle. I recommend getting the audio tour guide from reception. The tea room is nice but a bit crampt. The food is lovely and there is a range you can purchase to take home too. The views of both Scarborough North Bay and South Bay are stunning with plenty of good places to take photographs. Allow a few hours to fully explore
Jo FlanaganMay 9, 2018
a great place to visit in scarborough, nice places to explore outside, great if the weather is good. plenty of information to read about the castle, nice friendly staff, definitely worth a visit. Great views from the top of the castle
Emma WatsonMay 10, 2018
Gorgeous. Beautifully located and stunning views. On a good day, it's a great day out. In bad weather, it would be awful for the fair weather loves but would make for a good adventure for the adventurous! Would recommend visiting for families, couples, and travellers
abhijit taseJun 5, 2018
The information about the history of the area & castle was very detailed. If you are going to walk around the area, being somewhat physically fit would be a good idea. There is a shop & facilities at the top. Well worth a visit for history/castle fans.
Vincent KentMay 22, 2018
Cool place but so much more could be done here. A large part of the area seems to have been left to have become overgrown. Other sites like this one have begun reconstruction that bring back to life the history of the place, something that seems missing from these ruins. Rebuild some of the wall and towers and this attraction would litetally come back to life.
Bryan PinderJul 24, 2018
Great historic site with a real atmosphere. The hand held audio tour devices really bring the place to life. The castle is of course a ruin, so don't expect interior rooms or decor etc. It can be cold due to the exposed position so I advise taking some warm clothing to slip on if required.
Darren HowarthJul 19, 2018
Standing proud above Scarborough this castle first set my imagination roaring as a small boy and I’ve loved castles ever since. Always love returning to see the castle. Great afternoon out and some lovely views over Scarborough.
A SJul 13, 2018
Very expensive. Take your own refreshments! We'll kept, but quiet.... Cut the price down and more visitors will come! But I enjoy history, so paid for 2 adults and 1 child
Jean RandallJul 6, 2018
Such an amazing site from up here! I totally recommend spending a day out here as you will get such a magnificent view and wow.... The walks up here are also just as good! If you don't want to spend money to get in, you can still have an amazing walk up the hill! I love this place so much and will definitely be going again because of the atmosphere! Such a prehistoric monument of wonder!
Koopa V OcelotFeb 3, 2018
We went to visit the castle on a cold winters day the sun was out and the sky was blue but bitter. The castle looked beautiful with the sun shining upon it. It was busy that Saturday the grounds were well kept the staff as always were pleasant and helpful the cafe do snacks and drinks. And the toilets are very clean. We loved it and we will be back
Julie BreslinFeb 28, 2018
Love this castle, it has a fascinating history that carries on up to and including the first world war when it was shelled by German warships. We walked up a quite steep path from the seafront and enjoyed the walk but if you have small children or struggle to walk there are easier ways to get up. The views from the top are amazing and make the visit well worthwhile.
Mark DrinkwaterJan 27, 2018
A nice afternoon out. Great bit of history that is well presented and offers amazing views. Good cafe on site too.
Stephen FosterFeb 22, 2018
Absolutely love visiting the castle with my children. We spend hours there and the children love exploring and finding new things each time we visit. It's great for finding out about local history and they often have events on for all the family to enjoy. It's a great place to visit no matter the weather just make sure to wrap up in colder weather
Sarah NassauNov 23, 2017
First visit to the actual castle for us. Excellent views of Scarborough and coastline. The staff were friendly and gave excellent service both at the entrance and the master gunners cafe. Parked up on the approach, 2hr limit... Parking disc supplied by ticket office which helped tremendously. The castle has an amazing history, free audio guide supplied if requested. Best to visit on a dry day due to grassy areas.
Bri WilliamsMar 23, 2018
A good walk around the castle grounds looking at different features and reading about them with our 6 year old. Priced reasonable for the time and views you get. Kids also got a quiz and map to check off as they explored the different areas. The weather was kind to us on the day but it wouldn't have been as enjoyable had it rained. Another castle ticked off the list!
Nick OrmerodMar 29, 2018
Fantastic day out. Starts with a nice walk up to the castle. Plenty of facts available about the castles history and a small building containing artifacts found found during excavations. Refreshments are available and the view out to sea is fantastic on a clear day.
Stuart EganMar 7, 2018
Love Scarborough beach and beach front. There's a beautiful sandy beach which allows dogs from certain dates. If you walk right the way along the sea front you get to a bench with a massive metal man sculpture sat on the bench. He's a great addition! Perfect place for fish and chips, arcade games, stick of rock or famous ice cream. Brilliant for a throughly fun family day out.
Saffron GeeApr 19, 2018
A beautiful place to visit. The ground is rough I parts so can be difficult to walk over and wheelchairs may struggle. I recommend getting the audio tour guide from reception. The tea room is nice but a bit crampt. The food is lovely and there is a range you can purchase to take home too. The views of both Scarborough North Bay and South Bay are stunning with plenty of good places to take photographs. Allow a few hours to fully explore
Jo FlanaganMay 9, 2018
a great place to visit in scarborough, nice places to explore outside, great if the weather is good. plenty of information to read about the castle, nice friendly staff, definitely worth a visit. Great views from the top of the castle
Emma WatsonMay 10, 2018
Gorgeous. Beautifully located and stunning views. On a good day, it's a great day out. In bad weather, it would be awful for the fair weather loves but would make for a good adventure for the adventurous! Would recommend visiting for families, couples, and travellers
abhijit taseJun 5, 2018
The information about the history of the area & castle was very detailed. If you are going to walk around the area, being somewhat physically fit would be a good idea. There is a shop & facilities at the top. Well worth a visit for history/castle fans.
Vincent KentMay 22, 2018
Cool place but so much more could be done here. A large part of the area seems to have been left to have become overgrown. Other sites like this one have begun reconstruction that bring back to life the history of the place, something that seems missing from these ruins. Rebuild some of the wall and towers and this attraction would litetally come back to life.
Bryan PinderJul 24, 2018
Great historic site with a real atmosphere. The hand held audio tour devices really bring the place to life. The castle is of course a ruin, so don't expect interior rooms or decor etc. It can be cold due to the exposed position so I advise taking some warm clothing to slip on if required.
Darren HowarthJul 19, 2018
Standing proud above Scarborough this castle first set my imagination roaring as a small boy and I’ve loved castles ever since. Always love returning to see the castle. Great afternoon out and some lovely views over Scarborough.
A SJul 13, 2018
Very expensive. Take your own refreshments! We'll kept, but quiet.... Cut the price down and more visitors will come! But I enjoy history, so paid for 2 adults and 1 child
Jean RandallJul 6, 2018
Such an amazing site from up here! I totally recommend spending a day out here as you will get such a magnificent view and wow.... The walks up here are also just as good! If you don't want to spend money to get in, you can still have an amazing walk up the hill! I love this place so much and will definitely be going again because of the atmosphere! Such a prehistoric monument of wonder!
Koopa V OcelotFeb 3, 2018
We went to visit the castle on a cold winters day the sun was out and the sky was blue but bitter. The castle looked beautiful with the sun shining upon it. It was busy that Saturday the grounds were well kept the staff as always were pleasant and helpful the cafe do snacks and drinks. And the toilets are very clean. We loved it and we will be back
Julie BreslinFeb 28, 2018
Love this castle, it has a fascinating history that carries on up to and including the first world war when it was shelled by German warships. We walked up a quite steep path from the seafront and enjoyed the walk but if you have small children or struggle to walk there are easier ways to get up. The views from the top are amazing and make the visit well worthwhile.
Mark DrinkwaterJan 27, 2018
A nice afternoon out. Great bit of history that is well presented and offers amazing views. Good cafe on site too.
Stephen FosterFeb 22, 2018
Absolutely love visiting the castle with my children. We spend hours there and the children love exploring and finding new things each time we visit. It's great for finding out about local history and they often have events on for all the family to enjoy. It's a great place to visit no matter the weather just make sure to wrap up in colder weather
Sarah NassauNov 23, 2017
First visit to the actual castle for us. Excellent views of Scarborough and coastline. The staff were friendly and gave excellent service both at the entrance and the master gunners cafe. Parked up on the approach, 2hr limit... Parking disc supplied by ticket office which helped tremendously. The castle has an amazing history, free audio guide supplied if requested. Best to visit on a dry day due to grassy areas.
Bri WilliamsMar 23, 2018
A good walk around the castle grounds looking at different features and reading about them with our 6 year old. Priced reasonable for the time and views you get. Kids also got a quiz and map to check off as they explored the different areas. The weather was kind to us on the day but it wouldn't have been as enjoyable had it rained. Another castle ticked off the list!
Nick OrmerodMar 29, 2018
Fantastic day out. Starts with a nice walk up to the castle. Plenty of facts available about the castles history and a small building containing artifacts found found during excavations. Refreshments are available and the view out to sea is fantastic on a clear day.
Stuart EganMar 7, 2018
Love Scarborough beach and beach front. There's a beautiful sandy beach which allows dogs from certain dates. If you walk right the way along the sea front you get to a bench with a massive metal man sculpture sat on the bench. He's a great addition! Perfect place for fish and chips, arcade games, stick of rock or famous ice cream. Brilliant for a throughly fun family day out.
Saffron GeeApr 19, 2018
A beautiful place to visit. The ground is rough I parts so can be difficult to walk over and wheelchairs may struggle. I recommend getting the audio tour guide from reception. The tea room is nice but a bit crampt. The food is lovely and there is a range you can purchase to take home too. The views of both Scarborough North Bay and South Bay are stunning with plenty of good places to take photographs. Allow a few hours to fully explore
Jo FlanaganMay 9, 2018
a great place to visit in scarborough, nice places to explore outside, great if the weather is good. plenty of information to read about the castle, nice friendly staff, definitely worth a visit. Great views from the top of the castle
Emma WatsonMay 10, 2018
Gorgeous. Beautifully located and stunning views. On a good day, it's a great day out. In bad weather, it would be awful for the fair weather loves but would make for a good adventure for the adventurous! Would recommend visiting for families, couples, and travellers
abhijit taseJun 5, 2018
The information about the history of the area & castle was very detailed. If you are going to walk around the area, being somewhat physically fit would be a good idea. There is a shop & facilities at the top. Well worth a visit for history/castle fans.
Vincent KentMay 22, 2018
Cool place but so much more could be done here. A large part of the area seems to have been left to have become overgrown. Other sites like this one have begun reconstruction that bring back to life the history of the place, something that seems missing from these ruins. Rebuild some of the wall and towers and this attraction would litetally come back to life.
Bryan PinderJul 24, 2018
Great historic site with a real atmosphere. The hand held audio tour devices really bring the place to life. The castle is of course a ruin, so don't expect interior rooms or decor etc. It can be cold due to the exposed position so I advise taking some warm clothing to slip on if required.
Darren HowarthJul 19, 2018
Standing proud above Scarborough this castle first set my imagination roaring as a small boy and I’ve loved castles ever since. Always love returning to see the castle. Great afternoon out and some lovely views over Scarborough.
A SJul 13, 2018
Very expensive. Take your own refreshments! We'll kept, but quiet.... Cut the price down and more visitors will come! But I enjoy history, so paid for 2 adults and 1 child
Jean RandallJul 6, 2018
Monday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
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