Tuesday 1 November 2011

Scarborough - the city by the sea.

I take artistic licence in calling Scarborough a city--because in fact she isnt - not demographically anyway. But in stature she is much renowned and a much sought after maiden, by both  young and old alike!
For a peep into her byegone past read here.
Scarborough -from Skardaborg (Viking influence), is Britains first seaside resort and has been welcoming visitors ever since Elizabeth Farrow discovered spa water in 1620, and claimed the water had beneficial qualities.
I must confess that it was neither the spa waters nor her beautiful beaches that caused my feet to trod her sands. It was more of a mundane materialistic desire to eke out a living within her arms.
Her beautiful beaches and lovely parks simply added to her charms.















Our first trip to Scarborough included the quintessential beach walk, followed by a meal. Me being me, I couldnt resist departing before tasting some succulent crab cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, whilst I enjoyed the fare my other half decided to get an allergic reaction to our multi-clawed friend. Luckily for me it didnt turn out into an anaphylaxis and settled eventually with a couple of swollen eyelids and an itchy back.

The beaches of Scarborough are divided into the South Bay beaches and the North Bay beaches. Personally I would say I prefer the South bay and all it has to offer. It has lovely sandy beaches with the Victorian façade of the Grand hotel as an awesome backdrop(as seen in the picture to the right). Amusement arcades, cafes, and other entertainment facilities complete the personality of the South bay.
The famous Scarborough spa is also on the south side of town. Though public consumption of the Spa waters ceased in the 60's, the Spa continues to be a crowd puller by rebirthing itself into a 21st century entertainment venue with various conference and banqueting facilities with a spectacular view of the North sea.





The South bay is linked to the North bay by the Marine Drive, a victorian promenade. The North bay is usually the quieter of the two.
On the North side of town we also have the Peasholm Park. I've always loved walking through the glen within which the park is situated. It's so quiet and tranquil even in the heights of summer. A walk through the glen brings us to the lake and the Oriental themed park with its Central island and rowing boats and pedaloes. The key thing about peasholm park is that there is something for everyone. A quiet walk through the glen, beside the gurgling brook, for the solitary reaper; a boat to row and explore the lake and park for the more water inclined; some nice music played by the orchestra on the central island for the lazy relaxers; and even witness the Battle of Peasholm, a bit of juicy naval warfare while you are there!

Beyond all this are the remnants of the famous Scarborough castle which overlooks both bays from its high vantage point.  I must though confess that its paths are not one that I have traversed.
On a more 'modern' note the Victorian and Georgian architecture of Scarborough is something that one cannot escape from. In one word--its absolutely fabulous! I love the rows of terraces overlooking the sea, so grand in their appearance and eloquent in their stance. They speak of a time when grandeur was conventional and people were not shy to build retreats that healed.
The Valley bridge,which opened in 1865, crosses above Valley road and is a very beautiful sight in the night as its lit underneath with green lighting. Unfortunately it takes its rather inglorious fame from being the preferred suicide spot for those keen on making a swift exit from this life. Fortunately the huge mesh installed on either side of the bridge now hinders many in hastening their demise.
Strolling away from the gory, Scarborough is connected by rail and by road.
But personally I wouldnt say that you can get away  anywhere in a hurry. The long road that leads to York(the nearest city) was a nightmare when we lived there, simply because it was a single carriageway for the bulk of the journey and if you are caught behind slow traffic(which you are more likely than not in summer) then you are in for a painfully slow journey. And I should say that that was the single most important reason that I chose to leave when the opportunity arose.
But for tourists, this is Mecca -  with so much to see and do one keeps thirsting for more and invariably returns to North Yorkshires famous shores.

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