Nestled in the heart of Scarborough's Old Town, The Anchor offers a captivating blend of history and modern comforts. This 1712 cottage features exposed beams, a woodburner, and original wooden ship-style walls; enjoy games in the second-floor games room or unwind in the enclosed courtyard with garden furniture.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Pet-friendly
Free Wi-Fi
Outdoor space
Fireplace
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About this property
This property is completely unique.
This property is completely unique! Dating back to 1712, The Anchor is a listed property nestled in the heart of the old town. This house embodies the very essence of Scarborough.. Ground Floor:
Living/dining room: Freeview Smart TV, Woodburner
Kitchen: Electric Oven, Electric Hob, Microwave, Fridge/Freezer, Dishwasher, Coffee Machine, Washing Machine, Tumble Dryer
First Floor:
Bedroom 1: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bedroom 2: Kingsize (5ft) Bed
Bathroom: Bath With Shower Over, Toilet
Second Floor:
Games Room: Games Console, Games
Bedroom 3: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds Ensuite: Cubicle Shower, Toilet
Bedroom 4: 2 x Single (3ft) Beds. Gas central heating, electricity, bed linen, towels and Wi-Fi included. Welcome pack. . Enclosed courtyard with garden furniture. 1 small dog welcome. On road parking. No smoking or e-cigarettes.. Nestled below Scarborough Castle in the heart of the Old Town lies this charming 1712 cottage steeped in history and fantasy, a captivating blend of historical allure and modern comforts, peacefully located near key attractions and amenities. Once the holiday residence of the Bishop of York, The Anchor is also celebrated in a series of nine books, written by a former resident, as the home of the fictional character Agnes, a 300 year old very practical and friendly white witch, and her one eyed one eared cat, Marmaduke who time-travel through the ancient old town walls in the cellar, with stories of piracy and smuggling unfolding around them. Read all about their adventures on the bookshelves!
The property has been completely renovated in 2023, retaining original features such as the exposed beams, wooden ship style walls and support beams reclaimed from old ships. Step inside to a warm, nostalgic sanctuary. The ground floor features a living room with a decorative fireplace adorned with nautical touches. The adjoining dining room leads to a modern shaker-style kitchen finished to a high specification with integrated units, beckoning you to create delicious meals using fresh, local ingredients. The first floor houses a bathroom and two bedrooms; a spacious twin room and a kingsize room offering stunning bay views. The second floor hosts another twin room with sea views and an en-suite shower room, accessible via the bedroom or the games room, complete with a games table, board games, and a massage chair with glimpses of the castle walls. Each room promises a restful sleep with luxury mattresses and pillows. Wake up to the soothing sound of seagulls, heralding another day of seaside bliss. The enclosed courtyard at the back offers outdoor seating creating a private patio for relaxation. The Anchor is more than a destination; it’s a special experience, perfect for romantic getaways, family retreats, or solo adventures. This coastal haven promises a unique escape.
From The Anchor, a 4-minute stroll down the hill leads to the South Bay beach. Within easy walking distance are restaurants, wine bars, pubs and shops, as well as the castle and North Bay beyond. The route along the cliff top is part of the Cleveland Way walk ending in Filey. Scarborough boasts two very famous theatres: The Stephen Joseph Theatre, which is home to most of Alan Ayckbourn’s premiéres, and the open-air theatre, one of the largest open-air theatres in Europe.
The Anchor is a great base to visit the East Coast, with Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby to the north, and Filey and Flamborough Head to the south. The RSPB bird sanctuary at Bempton Cliffs is a short drive away where in nesting season you can watch the puffins perched on the cliffs. York, an hour’s drive or a direct train ride from Scarborough, is a must-visit medieval city with its rich history, museums, and beautiful minster. Conveniently, the nearby Scarborough Market Hall is just a 5-minute walk away.
Free WiFi
Small dog/s only allowed.
No smoking or e-cigarettes (vaping)
Suitable for up to 1 pet
Property amenities
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Kitchen
Dishwasher
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
TV
Outdoor areas
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Location highlights
Near the ocean
On a lake
On a river
Things to do
Fishing
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
The guest will be charged 50% amount for a cancellation after the reservation is made.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: This property accepts a maximum of 1 pet(s)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is no carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
About the area
Located in Scarborough, this cottage is on a river. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Scarborough Open Air Theatre, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore North Bay Beach and North York Moors National Park. Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre and YMCA Theatre are also worth visiting. Visit our Scarborough travel guide
Is This property is completely unique. pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at This property is completely unique.?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at This property is completely unique.?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is This property is completely unique. located?
Situated by the ocean, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of South Bay Beach and North Bay Beach. Scarborough Pleasure Steamers and Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre are also within 5 minutes. Scarborough Station is 14 minutes by foot.
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This property is completely unique. Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Absolutely fantastic. Authentic historical property. Extremely comfortable, warm, quiet, everything provided to make it a fabulous holiday. Superb location only 5 mins from Scarborough front. A wonderful choice for families with 4 bedrooms sleeping 8 and a games room to keep the older kids occupied. I cannot recommend enough. You will not be disappointed
Richard Carter
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Pamela Matthews
1 Jan 2026
We thought the Anchor was spacious and cmfortable.
We thought the Anchor was spacious and cmfortable. Really enjoyed our stay. Would have liked a few instructions on working some of the very modern kitchen appliances, but we cracked by the time we left. Would be nice to come back.