History and heritage in Scarborough

Scarborough is a town filled with history and for centuries has been known as a popular seaside resort in the UK.

During the 17th and 18th century, doctors claimed bathing in seawater was good for health and wealthy people began to take trips to the seaside. To this day Scarborough is still known as a place for escapism and relaxation as it is still believed that being by the ocean can have a positive impact on your health (it is actually a scientific fact)!

You will also find many historic sites in Scarborough that each have their own story to tell, you may have heard of the famous Scarborough CastleScarborough Market HallThe Rotunda MuseumStephen Joseph Theatre and many more.

Scarborough Arts

Scarborough Arts community is known for many famous artists be it painters, writers, poets, actors or playwrights who have either lived, visited or were inspired by the town.

With such beautiful coastal views, Scarborough is the perfect place for budding artists to get creative, for example, John Atkinson Grimshaw was known for his landscape work and even rented a second home here as it became his favourite place to paint!

You may have also heard of the famous Bronte Sisters? Anne, Charlotte and Emily were all famous novelists and between them had best sellers 'The Tenant of Wildfell Hall', 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights'. Anne Bronte in particular loved to visit Scarborough and became the place she came to rest in her final days, you will now find her gravestone in Scarborough’s St Mary’s Church. An exhibition was held at Scarborough’s Art Gallery and Woodend this year to celebrate the 200th anniversary of her birth.

Alan Ayckbourn is another famous name that you may also know, he lives in Scarborough and over the years has written more than 80 plays and is the Artistic Director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre where the majority of his work is showcased to this day! He has also won an Oliver and Tony Award and many of his plays have also been produced in London’s West End and New York.