There are many reasons why Scarborough is claimed to be among the top coastal spots in the UK.

Even better, it’s less than two hours away from County Durham (according to Google Maps of course) but what makes it one of the best places to be beside the sea?

Previously, the seaside resort was ranked the fifth best place to visit in 2023 out of the entire UK by Time Out.

It was praised for having “many motivations” to visit by the publisher, including “The February Dark Skies Festival around the coast and North York Moors, the revival of Scarborough Fair and the town’s independent businesses and local ale scene”.

What makes Scarborough England’s ‘most beautiful’ seaside town?

Elsewhere, Scarborough was claimed to be the “most beautiful” seaside resort in England last year, according to Condé Nast Traveller.

Travel expert Madeleine Bunting who often visited the North Yorkshire town as a child explained: “The dramatic castle occupies the headland which separates the two main bays – steep cliffs stretching away in both directions.

“The old town ascends the slope to the castle in a maze of crooked streets, with buildings dating back to Tudor times. The town is a showcase of every stage of seaside architecture over the last two centuries – from Georgian crescents to Victorian hotels, with an Art Nouveau spa and an Art Deco theatre.”

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She added: “Scarborough was built to entertain the wealth of West Yorkshire textile owners with museums, galleries and theatres, and everywhere their ambition and flamboyance is evident.

“Meanwhile, still hovering over the town is the glamour and eccentricity of the Sitwell family and the sibling writers, Edith, Osbert and Sacheverell, who spent summers there in its Edwardian heyday.”

Scarborough's North Bay Beach is the 'double' of Australian coastal spot

North Bay Beach situated in Scarborough has even been described as the British “doppelganger” of an iconic Australian beach by Enjoy Travel.

This part of Scarborough’s coast was compared to Brighton Beach, all thanks to its rainbow-lined beach huts.

The Northern Echo: Have you been in these beach huts on Scarborough's North Bay Beach?Have you been in these beach huts on Scarborough's North Bay Beach? (Image: Getty)

The publisher said: “When placed side by side, the colourful beach huts at North Bay Beach and at Australia’s Brighton Beach look extremely similar.

“While you’re in the vicinity, why not hire one and spend a few days kicking back?

“The beach is very pet-friendly, and the waves make for excellent surfing.

“If you have kids, take them to the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary nearby – they’ll love the penguins!”

But what do the visitors think? On Tripadvisor, Scarborough Beach has a current rating of 4.5/5 out of 3,577 reviews.

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One person wrote: “Scarborough beach is lovely, there was no litter and we stood for ages watching all the different dogs have a wonderful time.

“It was so sweet to see them have fun and all get along. We had a relaxing walk along the front all the way to North Beach.”

Someone who wasn’t afraid to take a dip in the sea before summer arrives added: “What a totally awesome beach, I even managed a swim and to my delight there is a thriving sea swimming community. The sea temp was 5 degrees but utterly awesome!”