ARTISTS

Coastal beauty meets creative heritage

Whether you're a casual rider or a seasoned cyclist, Scarborough offers some of the most rewarding cycling routes in the UK. From smooth coastal paths to challenging forest trails, this part of North Yorkshire is made for two wheels, and The Artist’s House is the perfect base to explore it all.

A town steeped in artistic heritage

Scarborough has inspired generations of artists, from Victorian painters to contemporary creatives. In the 19th century, the town’s popularity as a seaside resort brought with it a wave of painters, drawn to the dramatic cliffs, changing seascapes, and genteel spa life. Notable visitors included J.M.W. Turner, who sketched coastal scenes on his tours of Yorkshire.

In the decades that followed, Scarborough remained a magnet for artists. John Atkinson Grimshaw captured its twilight harbours, and maritime painter Albert Strange found endless inspiration here. The surrounding coastline, fishing villages and moors became recurring subjects in both painting and photography. Even nearby Whitby became central to the photographic work of Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, whose images of Yorkshire life are still celebrated today.

A contemporary creative scene

That same spirit of creativity continues to thrive in Scarborough today. The town is home to several excellent galleries and arts venues:

  • The Scarborough Art Gallery, set in a beautiful Italianate villa, displays both historic and contemporary works

  • Woodend Gallery and Studios hosts exhibitions and supports working artists with studio spaces just a stone’s throw from The Artist’s House

  • The Old Parcels Office Artspace, in a striking converted railway building behind the train station, regularly hosts exhibitions, talks, and artist residencies featuring both local and national talent

  • The annual South Cliff Art Trail (dates vary) invites visitors into homes, gardens and studios to view and buy local artwork in a relaxed, neighbourhood setting—right in the area surrounding The Artist’s House.

You’ll also find pop-up exhibitions, workshops, and independent galleries scattered throughout town, especially in the warmer months.

Stay in a space with an artistic spirit

Whether you're here to create, explore, or simply unwind, The Artist’s House offers a space that’s infused with Scarborough’s creative energy. Each of our four self-contained apartments combines comfort, style and character—perfect for a short break or a longer artistic retreat.

With the beach, gardens, and galleries all within walking distance, it’s an ideal base for anyone looking to connect with Scarborough’s rich artistic past—and present.