Eastfield Library

The library sits on the edge of Scarborough, a proper working community space rather than a grand Victorian institution. It's the sort of place locals actually use - school kids doing homework, pensioners browsing the shelves, someone always at a computer terminal. If you're camping nearby at Scarborough Camping and Caravanning Club or Prospect House Farm Glamping, it's worth popping in on a wet afternoon, though don't expect it to eat up hours of your time.

You'll find the usual mix: fiction, non-fiction, reference books, computers, and a decent children's section if you've got restless kids in tow. The staff know what they're doing and won't mind you wandering about. It's the kind of library where you could genuinely settle for an hour with a cup of tea and a stack of books, especially if the North Yorkshire drizzle is doing its thing outside.

Admission's free, which is the main draw. Families staying in the area should use it as a rainy-day backup rather than a main event - grab a few books for the caravan or tent, keep the kids occupied on an evening. It's functional and friendly, but it won't rival the beaches or moors you've come to Scarborough to see. That said, if you're into local history or want to access the internet without burning through your mobile data, it does the job without fuss.