Scarborough Off The Beaten Path

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About 10 miles from Scarborough is a national forest at Hackness. Dalby Forest is situated on the southern slopes of the North York Moors National Park. The southern part of the forest is divided by a number of valleys creating a 'Rigg and Dale' landscape whilst to the north the forest sits on the upland plateau.
Entrance to the forest is paid at a toll booth and prices vary but a car costs £7.00. This may see high but upkeep of the forest must be expensive but the facilities within such as public toilets are very good and the paths are easy to negotiate as they are so well maintained. It i deemed disabled friendly and I agree although pushing someone in a wheelchair along country paths is not easy.
There are several walks to make and clear streams and a lake. Lots of picnic sites , BBQ areas, shops, cafes and cycle trails. There are dedicated mountain bike routes to which look very exciting.
See also my two tips on cafes within the forest.
Access possible by Moorsbus (see separate tip) if you do not have a car.

Scampston is an English country house set in 18th century Capability Brown parkland . The house has a wealth of art treasures and fine Regency architecture. However the house is famous for its famous gardens and parkland and although the house is worth seeing the gardens are the real treasure here. Dutchman Pit Oudolf has planted imaginative gardens with an innovative approach in the 4.5 acre grounds with a series of hedged enclosures and inside the enclosures an individual garden.

Down the coast on Flamborough Head is a large white lighthouse that has limited opening in 2007. Quite a long climb to the top ( not possible for the elderly or disabled) there are good views over the area and out to sea. There is a mapping system that shows every vessel off the headland and a film show showing the history of lighthouses.
A minimum height restriction of 3'3" (1 meter) applies.
Prices in 2007 are £2.75 and concessions £1.75.
Open Wednesday to Sunday.

This theme park/zoo is only a 35 minute drive from Scarborough and is mix of exciting rides , zoo animals and shows. You do need a day to see it all but there is a cable car to take you from the rides to the zoo.
The rides vary in size but there are some real white knuckle rides here such as the Corkscrew and the Wild Mouse.
There are regular animal shows throughput the day and also a sea lion show.
Take a picnic and drinks if you do not want to pay the high prices fro food and drink inside the park.
Prices in 2007 are £20 per person and £10 for concessions.

The ruins os the castle on the promontory provide a fine lookout point. Throughout the summer, fairs and festivals celebrate days of yore with mock battles, pageantry, and falconry displays. The castle is open April through September daily from 9:30am to 6pm.

Scarborough is it'self almost off the beaten path. You would only go there, to go there as to the east there is just the North Sea!
The nearest motorway is 50 miles west and the nearest city is York about 40miles.
Having said that it is well worth a visit; in the season it is very busy but off season quiet and that is the (in my opinion) best time to enjoy Scarborough.

The photo shows Scarborough in February - enjoy!

For a lovely suanter or picnic try Raincliffe woods and Forge Valley
Situated to the west of the town these woods are well used by locals and there are numerous walks and trails, there are several picnic areas and a bird watching area.
Forge Valley follows the line of the Derwent River and there is a boarded trail along its banks which is suitable for Disabled visitors.

A few miles out of the town lies the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. This is an area of secnic beauty protected from change.
I have a gallery of photos on my home page.