Chasing the Last Light: An Atmospheric Day in Scarborough, North Yorkshire

There’s a unique, nostalgic magic that settles over the British coast as summer reluctantly gives way to autumn. On September 7th, 2024, I found it draped across the cliffs and lapping the shores of Scarborough, North Yorkshire. It was a day of transition—the vibrant crowds of high summer had thinned, leaving behind a profound sense of place, perfectly captured through the lens of my trusty Nikon D3300.

This wasn't about seeking out picture-postcard sunshine. It was about atmosphere, the contrast of Victorian grandeur against the raw, rugged North Sea.

---

The Headland’s Timeless Watch: Castle and Lighthouse

The journey to the heart of Scarborough always starts with the dramatic headland, where the past is literally carved into the rock. The formidable ruins of Scarborough Castle stand guard, silently surveying both the bustling South Bay and the calmer North Bay. From this vantage point, you feel the weight of over 3,000 years of history, from Roman signal stations to Civil War sieges.

Looking down towards the harbour, one of the most compelling scenes unfolds: the South Bay beach, the colourful boats, and the sturdy white and red stripe of the Scarborough Pier Lighthouse.

On a day like this, the air was thick with a salty, invigorating mist, softening the edges of the town and lending a timeless, cinematic quality to the light. The lighthouse, a beacon of safety since 1806, seemed to glow from within, a stark, steadfast pillar against the movement of the sea. Capturing this composition—the power of the ancient castle looming over the industry of the harbour—is the essence of Scarborough.

---

The Elegance of Iron: Scarborough's Spa Bridge

As you move away from the wild coastline, you encounter the architectural elegance that cemented Scarborough's status as Britain’s first seaside resort. The Cliff Bridge, often still referred to as the Spa Bridge, is an astonishing multi-span cast iron footbridge dating back to 1827.

Spanning the valley from St Nicholas Cliff to The Spa complex, the bridge is more than just a convenient shortcut; it’s an iconic piece of Georgian engineering and Grade II listed beauty. Its green iron arches cut a striking silhouette against the sky. Walking across it, high above the valley, offers a unique perspective on the town.

It was designed to transport Victorian gentry effortlessly to the natural Spa waters—a testament to the town’s luxurious heyday. The intricate ironwork, still perfectly preserved, feels like a delicate lacework against the sheer drop, contrasting the brute force of the coastline with a touch of civilised finesse.

---

In the Frame: A Photographer’s Love Letter to the D3300

As a photographer, there’s a certain satisfaction in using a workhorse like the Nikon D3300. While the latest models boast incredible features, the D3300’s 24.2-megapixel sensor and robust handling prove that you don't need the most expensive gear to capture breath taking images.

On this September day, the challenge was the atmospheric light. The D3300 excelled at rendering the deep, moody blues and greys of the overcast sky and the texture of the sea. I paid particular attention to:

1. Composition: Using the strong vertical lines of the lighthouse and the horizontal lines of the pier and bridge to anchor the images.

2. Detail: Focusing on the incredible detail in the castle stone and the rust on the fishing boats, showing the town's character.

3. Timing: The mid-morning light, diffused by the cloud cover, was perfect for capturing the muted, gentle colour palette that defines the early autumn seaside.

---

The Enduring Charm

My day in Scarborough was a reminder that the best seaside towns offer more than just a beach and a handful of arcades. They offer layered history, architectural marvels, and a constantly changing, dramatic landscape.

Whether you're visiting for the fish and chips, a walk along the Cleveland Way, or to find a quiet spot to watch the tide come in, Scarborough remains utterly captivating.

If you’re planning a trip to the North Yorkshire coast, make sure to pack your camera—you won’t regret capturing the enduring, powerful beauty of Britain’s original seaside resort.

Clicking any of the images below should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the images remain the copyright of Colin Green.

The Charm of Castleton Moor Railway Station

In an age of bustling, modern transport hubs, there's a unique and quiet beauty to a place like Castleton Moor Railway Station. Tucked away on the scenic Esk Valley Line, this stop in North Yorkshire feels like a step back in time. It’s a place where the journey is as much about the destination as the space in between.

Castleton Moor, which connects Middlesbrough with the coastal town of Whitby, has a history that stretches back over 160 years. Opened on April 1, 1861, as simply "Castleton," the station was once a much busier place. Originally, it was a two-platform station with a passing loop, complete with a signal box and a goods warehouse. But like many small stations across the UK, its facilities were streamlined over the years, with these features being removed in the early 1980s. The station was renamed Castleton Moor in March 1965, a subtle change that reflects its quiet, moorland surroundings.

Today, the station retains a charming simplicity. Its main building, a handsome stone structure with classic Victorian railway architecture, is no longer a ticket office or waiting room. It has been beautifully converted into a private residence, watched over by a row of traditional chimney pots. This transformation adds to the station's unique character, creating a sense of a living, breathing history.

For the traveler, the station offers a peaceful waiting experience. A basic shelter, information boards, and a ticket machine are all that's needed here. This low-key functionality is a far cry from the crowded stations of major cities and is a key part of its appeal.

The numbers tell a story of a station serving its local community. With 4,732 passengers in the last full year of recorded stats, the station sees an average of around 91 people a week. It's a modest but vital link for the village, with 11 trains per day—five heading towards the dramatic coast at Whitby and six making the journey towards Middlesbrough.

These photos, taken on a sunny day in August 2022, capture the station's tranquillity perfectly. The bright blue sky, the meticulously maintained buildings, and the lush greenery and wildflowers growing along the tracks all contribute to its picturesque charm. Castleton Moor Railway Station is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most interesting stories are found not in grand, sweeping gestures, but in the quiet, enduring places that connect us to the past.

Clicking any picture should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!

All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.

Scarborough: A Journey Through Time in England's Original Seaside Resort

Scarborough. The very name conjures images of bracing sea air, sandy beaches, and classic British holidays. As the largest resort town in North Yorkshire, this coastal gem has a rich history intertwined with the industries of fishing and, of course, tourism. Join us on a nostalgic trip through a collection of vintage postcards, offering glimpses into Scarborough's past and highlighting some of its most iconic attractions.

The Grandeur of the South Bay Bathing Pool

Imagine a time when outdoor swimming pools were a novelty, especially along the British coast. That's exactly what Scarborough offered with its magnificent South Bay Bathing Pool. The brainchild of borough engineer Harry W. Smith, who was inspired by a similar facility in Guernsey, this ambitious project promised a revolutionary experience for bathers.

Construction began before the outbreak of World War One, and remarkably, the pool officially opened in 1915. It featured different depths, exhilarating diving boards, and even water chutes – amenities that would have been a true first for Britain. Designed not only for recreation but also to combat coastal erosion, the pool was meticulously filled daily with fresh seawater, thanks to the rhythm of the tides. For decades, it was a wildly popular attraction, drawing crowds seeking refreshing dips and lively entertainment. Sadly, the pool closed in the 1980s and the site eventually fell into disrepair, a poignant reminder of changing times.

The Ill-Fated North Bay Pier

While the South Bay revelled in its bathing pool, the North Bay had its own grand vision: a magnificent pier. Opened on May 1st, 1869, the North Bay Pier, constructed by Josiah Foster Fairbank, was intended to serve as both a steamer landing and a promenade. Stretching an impressive 1000 feet (305 meters) out to sea, it was a significant architectural statement.

However, the pier's life was plagued with misfortune. It was frequently struck by steamers at its head and consistently struggled to turn a profit, changing hands numerous times. Its fate was sealed on January 7th, 1905, when a devastating storm wrecked a large section, leaving only the head and entrance standing. The pier closed permanently after this, with the remaining head demolished shortly after, and the iconic entrance pavilion following suit in 1914. A testament to nature's power, the North Bay Pier remains a captivating chapter in Scarborough's history of ambition and the unforgiving sea.

The Enduring Charm of Peasholm Park

For a more tranquil escape, visitors to Scarborough have long been drawn to the picturesque Peasholm Park. Opened in 1912, this beautiful green space offers a delightful array of attractions. Peasholm Glen provides a serene pathway amidst lush foliage, while a putting green invites friendly competition. The park's crowning glory, however, is its boating lake, famous for staging mock naval battles three times a week during the high season – a truly unique and entertaining spectacle that continues to delight visitors of all ages.

Like many public spaces, Peasholm Park experienced a period of decline from the 1970s onwards, even facing a temporary closure after a fire destroyed some buildings in 1999. But thanks to vital Heritage Lottery funding, the park has been beautifully restored to its former glory and is once again a beloved and thriving attraction, a verdant oasis in the heart of the town.

More Glimpses of Scarborough's Past

Beyond these highlights, the collection of postcards offers fascinating glimpses of other significant Scarborough landmarks. Imagine the opulent relaxation of the Turkish Baths, a true luxury in its time. The Floral Hall would have been a hub for entertainment and social gatherings, while the grand Railway Station served as the gateway for countless holidaymakers arriving in the town. And of course, the Open Air Theatre, a testament to Scarborough's long-standing commitment to entertainment, remains a popular venue for performances to this day.

These 25 postcard images provide a wonderful window into Scarborough's vibrant past, showcasing its evolution from a fishing port to a beloved seaside resort. They remind us of the ingenuity, the challenges, and the enduring charm that define this special corner of North Yorkshire.

Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!