Scarborough Castle stands on a rocky headland between the North Bay and South Bay of Scarborough, with the North Sea on one side and the town below. The site is a medieval fortress in ruins, but its ground holds traces from the Bronze Age, the Romans and the English Civil War. Walk the 16-acre grounds with the optional audio tour, climb to the viewing platforms in some towers, and step into the Master Gunner's House to see finds from the excavations. The wind on the top can be strong, so bring a layer.
Who built the castle
The first stone fortress on the headland went up in 1136, built on the cliff top by the earl of Albemarle. The earl is recorded as William, third Earl of Albemarle, called le Gros. He may have begun the work during the unrest of Stephen's reign.
Henry II took the castle and finished the work. He added the great keep that still dominates the ruins.
Earlier use of the headland
The headland was in use long before the castle. Excavations suggest it was a hill fort in the Bronze Age, and pottery finds date early activity to around 2100 BC, though the site was not settled permanently until about 800 BC.
Iron Age people used the cliffs as a natural fortress. The Romans built a timber signal station here in the late 4th century, and some stonework from a Roman structure survives, thought to have guarded against sea raiders. Around AD 1000 a Saxon chapel was built on the site of the signal station. Its ruins can still be found.
Sieges and the ruins
The castle faced five sieges. Attackers included Vikings, Tudor rebels and, during the English Civil War, a Parliamentary army. The Civil War siege did most of the damage, and the castle was left in ruins afterwards.
The Tudors let the castle fall into neglect. In World War II the headland was bombarded by German naval forces. English Heritage now looks after the ruins.
Inside the site
The grounds cover 16 acres of headland, so allow time to walk the walls and the outer ruins. The Great Tower stands out for its distinctive outer forebuilding. King John's chamber block is an exceptional example of how medieval fortifications changed over time.
The optional audio tour recounts the site's past as you walk among the ruins. Some of the towers have viewing platforms that you can climb for a wider view of both bays.
The Master Gunner's House holds the exhibition. It displays items uncovered during the excavations, including tools and pottery, which show how the people who lived inside the walls got by.
Planning a visit
English Heritage runs the castle and sells the tickets. Book ahead, because timed entry applies and visitor numbers are limited. Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds, and a picnic works well on a sunny day.
For parking, the Marine Drive Car Park takes pay and display. Disabled parking spaces at the top must be booked in advance by phone. The entrance, seating and car park are listed as wheelchair accessible.
The Great Tea Room serves homemade cakes, jams and other treats, with views of both bays. A coffee stand in the grounds sells takeaway coffee, which is handy if you plan to eat on the headland.
Perguntas frequentes
Do you need a ticket to visit Scarborough Castle?
Yes. English Heritage runs the castle, and entry is by ticket. Timed tickets need booking in advance, so book before you travel.
How long do you need at Scarborough Castle?
Plan 2 to 3 hours to cover the ruins, the audio tour, the Master Gunner's House exhibition and the views from the towers.
Is Scarborough Castle good for children?
Yes. The site is listed as good for kids, and the audio tour and the exhibition give families things to explore between the ruins.
Can I bring a dog to Scarborough Castle?
Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds.
Is Scarborough Castle wheelchair accessible?
The entrance, seating and car park are listed as wheelchair accessible. Disabled parking at the top must be booked in advance by phone.
