Scarborough, Yorkshire (England’s first seaside resort)
Scarborough was England’s first-ever seaside holiday resort, made popular when local resident Elizabeth Farrow stumbled upon the healing waters of a local stream in 1626. This North Yorkshire town has two bays (north which is quieter and south) separated by a dramatic rocky headline, that features the ruins of the ancient castle.
Scarborough remains one of the few resorts that still offers donkey rides (most parents now don’t see this as a form of ‘entertainment’ for children). The Donkey Sanctuary oversees welfare (including weight limits for children, and ensuring creatures have adequate shade, rest, food and water. Read more helping donkey friends (both here and abroad).
If at the nearby coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
Other seaside towns in Yorkshire
Filey is the ‘quiet alternative’ if you find Scarborough too busy. Known for its five-mile stretch of golden sand, it’s located between Scarborough and Bridlington, and has a quaint promenade and historic church. One fan was the writer Charlotte Brontë.
Saltburn-by-the-Sea is home to England’s oldest funicular railway, and the last remaining pleasure pier in Yorkshire. Founded as a resort by Quaker Henry Pease (a local pacifist Liberal MP) in 1861, it is home to many colourful beach huts.
Bridlington is popular with wild swimmers, split into an historic Old Town and a Quay area. It’s also home to Gypsey Race, the most easterly chalk stream in England. Bempton Cliffs just north of the town is home to one of England’s largest seabird colonies.
