Steve's Aquatic Pet Emporium

Steve's Aquatic Pet Emporium sits just outside Scarborough, and if you're after tropical fish, aquatic plants, or anything else that swims, this is where locals send you. It's a proper specialist shop - the kind of place where the staff actually know what they're talking about, which beats most garden centre pet sections hollow.

The emporium stocks everything from standard goldfish to more exotic species, along with tanks, filters, and all the kit you'd need to set one up at home. It's not a visitor attraction in the traditional sense - you're not here to spend an afternoon gawping. You pop in, browse the stock, chat to Steve or his team if you've got questions, and leave with whatever you came for. Maybe twenty minutes if you're leisurely about it.

Really it's useful if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Parkdean Resorts at Cayton Bay or Haven Blue Dolphin are all within five miles - and fancy picking up a fish or two for the kids to look after during the holiday. Or if you're a serious aquarist wanting to source stock that's actually been properly cared for before you buy it. The staff won't sell you a disease-riddled tank setup; they'll make sure you're doing it right.

Worth noting: you'll want to ring ahead or check opening times before you visit, as independent pet shops can keep odd hours. Not a detour in itself, but handy to know about if you're in the area.