Scarborough

Two golden beaches stretch either side of a Victorian headland where seagulls wheel around the castle ruins and Grand Hotel. That's Scarborough in a nutshell - Britain's original seaside resort that refuses to fade quietly into history.

South Bay draws the crowds with its sandy expanse and traditional pier entertainment, while North Bay feels properly different - wilder, less manicured, backed by the Valley Bridge that spans the dramatic gorge between the two. The castle perched on the cliff between them has watched over this coast for nearly a thousand years.

Beyond the town, North Yorkshire's countryside unfolds in all directions. Staxton Hill rises to the west, offering cracking views across the Vale of Pickering, while archaeological treasures like Star Carr - one of Europe's most important Mesolithic sites - dot the landscape. The Mere provides a peaceful contrast to the coastal bustle.

Worth noting that Scarborough can feel a bit tired midweek out of season, but that's when you'll have the beaches largely to yourself. Summer transforms the place completely.

Getting here is straightforward - the A64 runs straight from York, taking about an hour by car. The train from Leeds takes roughly the same time and deposits you right in the town centre.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around Cayton Bay or Filey makes perfect sense for exploring this stretch of coast. You're close enough for daily trips into town but can escape the crowds when you fancy a quieter evening. Plus, many parks offer direct beach access - something the town centre hotels can't match.