Fodor's Expert Review Scarborough Castle

There have been military structures on this promontory commanding a view of the North and South bays since prehistoric times. Digs have uncovered evidence of fortifications here dating back to 500 BC, and there is still some remaining stonework from a 4th-century Roman signaling station. In 1136, a cliff-top stone fortress was built by the Earl of Albermarle, and the massive keep that dominates the existing ruins was added by Henry II in 1158, along with the enormous curtain walls that made the castle virtually impregnable. It remained largely unscathed until Cromwell's cannons did their worst during the Civil War. Further demolition came in 1914 when German warships shelled the town, and in 2012 when local vandals significantly damaged the Roman stonework. The castle also has a spectacular panoramic view of the coast.