Scarborough and street crime?

Phil, I can't help with recent experiences because my last trip to Scarborough was maybe 4 or 5 years ago. But I can help with some fairly comprehensive knowledge of Scarborough as I used to go to a conference there every year for several years. I'd be surprised if the ASBO and street crime there is any worse than most other English towns. My main question - why Scarborough? Its midway is nice enough, pretty blah actually, the cliff is OK, the cliff railway is OK for 3 minutes and then that is done, the town is typical English seaside tatt without the end of the pier because there is no significant pier; the fishing fleet has been eliminated; the beach is OK. Its not a place I would go out of the way for; in fact since the conference moved elsewhere I haven't returned. You haven't said when you are making your journey. If in the off season unless a big binge is happening at the Conference Centre it is likely that the Cliff Railway won't be running. If you want neat day trips from York, I'd suggest Harrogate. Fabulous gardens in the summer, the original Betty's Tea Rooms including one at the Royal Horticultural Society Gardens, very scenic. Or the North York Moors Railway which would be my personal strong suggestion. But, please share what takes you to Scarborough. I may be able to help with other detail. BTW - be very careful with accommodation if you decide to overnight. Much is marginal.

Thank you for the reply. My wife and I love York and Yorkshire. We manage to spend time there whenever we make a trip to Britain - this will be trip number eight. We have seen many sites including Castle Howard, Beningborough Hall, Newby Hall, Hemlsley, Ripon, both Rievaulx and Fountains Abbeys, and Whitby. We were looking for a costal location that could make for an easy day trip from York. Since we travel only by coach and rail, Scarobough looked like quick transit by rail - leaving us more time on the ground. We are certainly open to any suggestions you may offer. Our only challenges are mass transit and the desire for a day trip. Thank you so very much for your advice and your help. Best Regards Phil

There is one place that you should really try to see while you are in Yorkshire......http://www.jervaulxabbey.com/findus.php It's worth the visit.

If you like James Herriot (All Creatures Great and Small author) I'd recommend a day trip to Thirsk, the town where he lived. His home is open to the public. It was a highlight of our trip. Very easy to get to from York by train (about 1 hr I believe).

Thanks to everyone for your suggestions! We understand the challenge of visiting the Yorkshire coast via coach or rail. We will look into Skipton and the other suggestions. Please feel free to add other ideas to this thread. Again, our thank you all for your wonderful suggestions! Regards Phil & Kim.