Scarborough

Two sandy bays stretch either side of a dramatic castle-topped promontory, making this Yorkshire's most enduring seaside resort. The South Bay buzzes with traditional seaside energy - donkey rides, fish and chips, and the Victorian grandeur of the Grand Hotel dominating the cliff edge. Cross the harbour to the North Bay for something altogether more relaxed.

Scarborough Castle commands the headland between the bays, its 12th-century ruins offering proper views across the North Sea. Down in the old town, narrow streets wind uphill from the working harbour where fishing boats still land their catch daily. The Stephen Joseph Theatre keeps things cultured, while Luna Park provides classic seaside thrills.

Venture inland and you'll find yourself in gentler countryside. Throxenby Mere offers peaceful walks just outside town, while Ayton Castle provides a glimpse of medieval Yorkshire. The archaeological sites at Hagworm Hill and Basking Howe hint at much older stories - this coastline has been drawing people for millennia.

Getting here couldn't be easier - trains run direct from York and Leeds, while the A64 brings drivers straight to the seafront. The town works perfectly as a base for exploring the wider Yorkshire coast too. Robin Hood's Bay sits just up the coast, while Whitby beckons to the north.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around Scarborough puts you within easy reach of both the town's attractions and the stunning North York Moors. Cayton Bay, just south of town, offers excellent facilities right by another lovely stretch of sand. It's the best of both worlds - seaside fun when you want it, countryside calm when you need it.