Scarborough

Two magnificent bays sweep round this classic Victorian seaside resort, separated by a dramatic headland crowned with the ruins of a 12th-century castle. The South Bay draws most of the crowds with its traditional pier, donkey rides and amusement arcades, while North Bay offers a quieter stretch of sand and the wonderful cliff railway that's been hauling visitors up and down since 1875. The castle perched high above both bays provides cracking views across the Yorkshire coast - well worth the climb.

Families particularly love Playdale Farm Park, where children can meet alpacas, pigs and sheep in a proper working farm setting just outside town. The surrounding countryside reveals fascinating glimpses into the area's ancient past too. An old chalk pit and mysterious entrenchment works hint at settlements stretching back centuries, though these archaeological sites require a bit of local knowledge to find.

Scarborough sits at the heart of some of Yorkshire's finest coastal scenery. Robin Hood's Bay lies just 20 minutes north, while Whitby with its gothic abbey ruins is barely half an hour away. The North York Moors National Park begins practically on the town's doorstep, offering endless walking opportunities through heather-covered hills and deep valleys.

Trains run directly from York and Leeds, making this one of the more accessible coastal resorts in the north. Several holiday parks dot the coastline south towards Filey, putting you within easy striking distance of both Scarborough's Victorian splendour and the wilder stretches of coast beyond. It's an ideal base for exploring this dramatic corner of Yorkshire.