Scarborough Castle
Scarborough Castle
With its 3,000 year history, stunning location and panoramic views over the dramatic Yorkshire coastline, Scarborough Castle fully deserves its place as one of the finest tourist attractions in the North. It started life as an Iron Age Fort, was occupied by the Romans, became a Viking settlement and reached its heyday under Henry II.
Scarborough Castle stands on a massive promontory of rock that rises sheer-sided high above the North Sea. The 12th-century great tower crowning it is the centrepiece of a royal castle begun by Henry II, which was strengthened by later monarchs.
It played a prominent part in national events during the Middle Ages, and was twice besieged during the English Civil War. But the castle buildings are relatively modern additions to a site which, as a natural fortress, has been intermittently inhabited and fortified for nearly 3,000 years.
This royal stronghold, built by successive medieval kings over two centuries has seen more than its fair share of conflict and sieges. Learn how it was fought over in the English Civil War and came under bombardment during the First World War. And to complete your family day out in North Yorkshire, enjoy a hearty tea in the Master Gunner’s House.
Don't Miss
- Fantastic views of the Yorkshire Coast and the expansive castle grounds
- The exhibition and tea room in the Master Gunner's House
- Live action events throughout the summer
- The audio tour, which gives a fascinating insight into the castle's 3,000 year history
Education at Scarborough Castle
A school visit to Scarborough Castle is a unique experience where we offer free self-led visits.
Dominating Scarborough’s headland, Henry II’s 12th-century keep is the centrepiece of the fortifications developed on the site following repeated sieges during 1312 and twice during the Civil War. The headland was used long before the castle was built – firstly by prehistoric settlers and later by the Romans who housed a defended signal station here.
In December 1914 key parts of the castle were destroyed by German naval warships, but what role has Scarborough played in local and national events like The English Civil War and WW1?
Let your class be the judge - gather all the evidence and decide for themselves.
Contact us to arrange a free planning visit and find out more about our free learning resources.