Great Tower

The ruins of Great Tower sit on the cliffs just outside Scarborough, and they're worth a quick detour if you're passing through the area. What remains is essentially the keep - a solid chunk of medieval stonework that once formed part of a defensive fortress. You can't go inside, but the exterior tells the story well enough: thick walls, arrow slits, the works.

Historically minded visitors will find it interesting enough, though it's brief. Ten minutes of poking around is realistic unless you're keen on sketching or photography. The real draw is the coastal setting and the walk to reach it, which gives you proper seaside air and a sense of how the Norman builders chose this spot for good reason - commanding views across the bay.

It's free to visit and accessible year-round. The nearest proper base is Scarborough itself, about two miles away, where you'll find actual tourism infrastructure. If you're camping or caravanning - Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay Holiday Park is three and a half miles out, or Scarborough Camping and Caravanning Club even closer at under two miles - Great Tower works as a morning outing before heading to the town's beaches or heading out to explore the wider coast.

Children might find it a bit underwhelming on its own - it's a ruin, after all - but package it with a Scarborough seaside day and it becomes part of a bigger picture. The walk there is pleasant enough that the journey is half the point.