Former Location of Holbeck Hall Hotel

Standing on the clifftop south of Scarborough, you'll find nothing but grass and a viewing area where the grand Holbeck Hall Hotel once perched. The four-star Victorian hotel dramatically slid into the sea during a massive landslip in June 1993, taking a chunk of the cliff with it. What remains is a sobering reminder of coastal erosion's power and a fascinating geological site.

The viewing area offers spectacular views across the North Sea, though the real draw here is the story itself. Information boards explain how the hotel's foundations were gradually undermined until the inevitable happened. It's particularly compelling for anyone interested in geology or dramatic historical events.

Families will find it makes a good short stop rather than a destination - there's not much to occupy children for long, though the dramatic story usually captures their imagination. The site is free to visit and takes about 20 minutes to explore properly.

From nearby holiday parks like Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay or Haven Blue Dolphin, it's an easy drive that combines well with a trip into Scarborough proper. The contrast between the bustling resort town and this quiet, contemplative spot is quite striking. Worth the short detour if you're staying in the area, though don't expect much beyond the views and the sobering tale of nature's unstoppable force.