From the old Toll House on the south side to North Bay, this impressive walk or drive takes you around the prominent castle headland, offering views of the sea, sounds, and fresh air. This route is part of the Sea Wall Heritage Trail - Portholes in Time project.
From the old Toll House on the south side to North Bay, this impressive walk or drive takes you around the prominent castle headland, offering views of the sea, sounds, and fresh air. This route is part of the Sea Wall Heritage Trail - Portholes in Time project.
Marine Drive was constructed under a license granted by the Woods and Forest department, connecting the north and south bays. The Town Council sought approval to borrow seventy thousand pounds (approximately £1,088,952.76 today) for the construction, which would create numerous jobs. After seven years, the final block out of over 1,500 blocks, weighing between 2 and 9 tons, was laid by Scarborough's Mayoress, Mrs. Morgan, signifying the near completion of the Marine Drive, considered one of the finest stretches of roadway in the country.
Initially, a toll of two pence was charged for motorists and pedestrians, but this was reduced to one penny in 1934 following visitor complaints.
The final block out of over 1500 blocks weighing from 2-9 tons of the four-mile-long wall was laid by Scarborough's Mayoress, Mrs Morgan. At long last, the Marine Drive, one of the finest, if not the finest stretch of drives in the kingdom, neared completion.
The corporation levied a toll of two-pence per person for motorists and pedestrians. However, in 1934, following complaints from visitors, this was reduced to one penny
Limestone Cliffs
Old Toll House
Marine Drive Sea Defense
The limestone cliffs along the headland naturally facilitated the establishment of a Roman signal station and later a fortified castle. These cliffs attract various seabirds, including nesting Kittiwakes from mid-May to late June, and occasionally Peregrine Falcons.
Along the route, visitors can see Hairy Bob’s Cave, a popular skate park, and access to Royal Albert Gardens, which leads to the Castle and Old Town. At this point, Marine Drive transitions into Royal Albert Drive.
Royal Albert Gardens which will take you up to the Castle and the Old Town
Marine Drive Walk
Hairy Bob’s Skate Park
Portholes in Time project has received £40,000 in National Lottery Heritage Funding, marking the 14th year of operation for the Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre. Each 'Porthole in Time' conveys a small piece of Scarborough’s rich history.
Each 'Porthole in Time' tells a small part of Scarborough’s rich and varied history
Residents, visitors, and local students were involved in selecting the historical topics for the project.
A total of 31 engraved granite storyboards have been installed along the mile-long Marine Drive.
The trail of portholes was installed in November 2022 and was inaugurated by Sir Alan Ayckbourn on December 6, 2022, highlighting Scarborough’s diverse history.
