2 miles north of Scarborough and a two-minute glide from the scenic cycle path, Scarborough Campsite resides. Nestled amongst the fields in its own grassy space, this vast campsite has space for no fewer than 300 pitches, so room to play is certainly never an issue. While the gargantuan size may be a little off putting, it is easy to find your own secluded corner and quieter minded folk should ask for a spot away from Burniston Road, where traffic noise can sometimes percolate through the hedge line. The best way to sink your head into a pillow of calm and quiet, though, is to try their new pre-pitched luxury safari tents. The furnished abodes feature sofas, double beds, a kitchen and a dining area so campers can turn up with nothing but a laissez-faire attitude and a map to explore the area. Facilities are excellent, folk are friendly and the fact there is a pub right next-door, well that’s just a big fat bonus.
The proximity to Scarborough may provide the campsite name, with clean sands, kitsch amusement arcades, a charming old town, and outlying castle ruins, but the best of the locale expands well beyond the central townscape. Along with the old railway route, now renamed the Cinder Trail, is the Cleveland Way coastal footpath and the two together create an excellent circular walk. The pair both run adjacent to the coastline, treading the dynamic scenery where inland moors meet seafront bluffs. It’s real Famous Five country with ancient smugglers' coves like Robin Hoods Bay and the unfinished village of Ravenscar. If you’re a Five Go Down to the Sea fan, then try Hayburn Wyke, a boulder strewn bay perfect for crabbing and dabbling around in rock-pools. Look out for starfish sucking on the stones as they wait for the returning tide. Or, if you’re more of the Five on a Hike Together type, then head back inland to the footpath strewn valleys of the North York Moors, alive with the sound of running water and the cascade of ancient falls.
The real winners, of course, are those who have delved into Five Go Off to Camp or Five Go Off in a Caravan – we know just the place for these kind of literature lovers. It’s up to you to create the adventure - not that it’s a challenge around these parts - but on the camping side, well, I think we’ve got that box ticked.
The Cleveland Way and the Cinder Track are well worth their salt and excellent ways to see this stretch of the North Yorkshire coast. It's the locations they link, though, that make for such excellent routes. Scarborough is a 25 minute walk along the coast and, for the most commanding views, its castle (01723 372451) should be visited. It allows you to look down on the town and establish the general layout of the place. From there head to the south bay or pop into the old Spa (01723 821888). If you're heading north, towards Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay, stop in at Hayburn Wyke, a beach seemingly built for children (or at least the childish) – its huge rocks and boulders make it perfect for hopping along, delving for crabs and minnows.