St Andrew's URC & Beacon Hall

United Reformed Churches don't tend to get much attention on the seaside pilgrimage circuit, but St Andrew's in Scarborough is worth a quiet look if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks. It's a proper Victorian-era build with genuine character - the kind of place that feels lived-in rather than polished for tourists.

The real draw here is Beacon Hall, attached to the church, which occasionally hosts community events and exhibitions. On a weekday morning you'll often have the place to yourself, which means you can actually sit and think rather than dodging school groups. The interior has that particular smell of old hymn books and beeswax that you either love or find vaguely unsettling.

Historically inclined visitors will appreciate the chapel's role in Scarborough's independent religious life - it tells you something about how the town actually functioned beyond the seafront attractions. But I'm honest: if you've only got a couple of hours free, the beach or South Bay will give you more bang for your buck.

The real value is proximity. If you're based at Parkdean Resorts Cayton Bay or Scarborough Camping and Caravanning Club, it's barely a detour before heading into town proper. Pop in on a quiet afternoon, twenty minutes maximum, then crack on with the rest of your Scarborough itinerary. Free to look around, though opening hours aren't posted online - ring ahead or try your luck.