Are you going to Scarborough fair?

By the North Sea off the coast of Yorkshire

By Trotternama

April 18^th, 2020

It was winter. A cold December had given way to the first snows of January and Leeds was covered in a powder of white. Outside 20 North Grange, the sidewalks were full of snow and the day had dawned crisp and chilly with a mild sun.

It was a weekend and we had decided on a day trip to Scarborough to see the famous Scarborough Castle. Built in the 12th century by Henry II, it is one of the greatest royal fortresses of England and as such we were all keen to spend a day out and about exploring one of the finest Victorian seaside resort towns off the coast of the cold North Sea. Britain's oldest seaside resort, where holidaymakers have been making merry since 1700.

Beaches of sandy coastline and craft beer joints beckoned.

The trip was about 90 odd minutes in a bus from Leeds, and we had to cross York and Malton along the way. By 9am, six of us were on a double decker down the A64, passing a winter wonderland of picture postcard villages covered in a thick blanket of snow, glistening brightly in the pale morning sun.

The countryside of England can be equally beautiful in spring and in snow.

From Malton onward the weather and the topography started to change as we neared the coast. The snow started to disappear and we started to see some greenery. And then, we heard the sound of the waves. North Sea is one of the most coldest vicious seas during the winter and every year thousands of tourists visit Scarborough South Bay to just catch these gigantic waves as they crash on the promenade and over the Scarborough Lighthouse.

We were not disappointed as the day wore by.

The bus had dropped us by the harbour and we slowly made our way across the promenade. Snow had given way to hoar frost and it was slippery as hell, with a wet cold wind lashing our faces. Misty fog clinging to the crashing waves swirled all round and behind the cliff face, we could see a pale bleak sun trying to break through.

Fingers numb and shivering to the bone - we huddled together over steaming cups of coffee as we walked across marine drive watching the fishing trawlers moored inside the bay as the tide from the North Sea rose steadily.

The idea was to explore the town a bit and follow it up with a quick breakfast before we made our way to the castle. Scarborough is famous for its fish and chips as well as its quaint little by-lanes and small cafes dotting the sidewalks both across North Bay and South Bay.

Not for no reason is it the second most visited travel destination for British holidaymakers.

Fish and chips with mushy peas washed down by a bottle of coke and we sat by the pier smoking our cigarettes. It was time to hit the castle. We decided to walk along the coastline, follow the cut and then walk up the cliff to enter the castle ramparts. The morning frost had melted away and it was easier to walk even though the ground was wet. It was also a bit risky, but we wanted to try that extra bit of risk, because it seemed to be more fun and a less travelled option. We had packed lunches in our bags and the plan was to sit on the grassy knoll once had made it inside the castle, overlook the cliff and enjoy a nice picnic.

Scarborough Castle stands on a massive promontory of rock that rises above the North Sea. Its 12th-century tower is it's centrepiece. Almost 3000 years old, it became one of the greatest royal fortresses in England and figured prominently in national events during the Middle Ages. But it's not just that. Over the years, the castle served as a fortress, a prison, a military barrack and was even bombed by German warships during the first World War.

And if that was not enough, the castle is supposed to be haunted by the ghost of Piers Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, and Edward II’s close friend. We didn't find any ghost during our excursion inside, but let that not come in at the way of a good urban legend.

An imposing ruin with a friendly ghost inhabiting it overlooking the Viking sea routes and the North Sea!

Most of the present day castle is now in ruins, a picturesque, haunting (or haunted), silhouette on the skyline. The castle gate and barbican, spanning the only reasonable approach to the promontory between Scarborough’s North and South Bays, is still impressive though; Henry II’s great keep, so badly damaged in the Civil War, looms over you and the curtain wall extends along the south, until it disappears over the eroding cliff. The 18th century Master Gunner’s House includes displays of interesting artefacts found on the site. Other remains – John’s chamber and hall and the Roman signal station – can be seen in outline.

By the time we had explored the ruin and had our lunches, evening was setting in and it was turning chilly once again. By the South Bay the tide was high again and the sun had disappeared. Dark clouds covered the horizon and lights started coming up in the village below and along the coastal marine drive. It looked like a perfect little fishing village tucked beneath a rocky cliff and nestled by the sea. We could see tourists making their way back to their lodges and hotels and one could hear music from the cafe's as people settled in for their evening drinks.

In summer, it would be a bustling tourist attraction. The perfect seaside weekend getaway for Britons amidst sandy beaches, victorian waterfronts, thermal spas and beautiful chalets by the sea.