North Bay Promenade

The promenade stretches along Scarborough's northern seafront, and it's one of those places that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick visit. You get decent views across the bay, with access to the beach below and a genuine sense of the Yorkshire coast doing what it does best - looking moody and dramatic depending on the weather.

This is walker territory, frankly. The paved path is straightforward enough for families with younger kids, but it's really the sort of spot where you'd spend an hour or two ambling along, stopping to look at the sea, maybe grabbing fish and chips from one of the seafront cafes. The nature reserve aspect means you might spot seabirds and coastal plants if you're into that sort of thing, though don't expect dramatic wildlife encounters.

If you're camping at Scarborough Camping and Caravanning Club - just over a mile away - this is basically your backyard. Same goes for Prospect House Farm Glamping further out. It's free to access, which is the main reason to include it in an itinerary rather than pay for something fancier elsewhere.

Timing-wise, go when the weather's decent. The promenade isn't particularly magical in the rain, and windy days can make it feel a bit bleak. Summer mornings are best - you'll have space, decent light, and the tide's usually cooperative. Allow two hours if you're combining it with a beach walk or cafe stop. It's solid rather than spectacular, but that's rather the point of a proper Yorkshire seaside stroll.