Wartime weekend returns 1940s to Scarborough Castle

Rationing, threat of bombings and conscription – one of the bleakest times in modern history and yet many people fondly remember the amazing spirit and sense of camaraderie of World War II.  Over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend, visitors to Scarborough Castle will be invited to relive the up-side of the War years, when English Heritage marks the 70th anniversary of the outbreak of hostilities in its Wartime Weekend.

On Saturday 23, Sunday 24 and Bank Holiday Monday 25 May, the clock will be turned back 70 years, with the sights and sounds of the 1940s brought vividly to life by a host of historic interpreters.  From soldiers relating stories of their life on campaign, to ARP personnel advising people what to do if their home is bombed, and giving classes on dealing with explosions or unexploded bombs, the early years of the War will be recreated against a backdrop of music and singalongs.

Each day, weather permitting, visitors to the castle will get the finest views of the aircraft that were so vital to wartime success, with flybys or displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.  On Saturday, the Dakota bomber will take to the skies above the castle at around 3.35pm, with a Spitfire taking over at 2.55pm on Sunday, and a special treat for visitors on Bank Holiday Monday, when both planes return in displays at 2.50pm and 4.00pm respectively.

“Although the war was often a time laden with grief as both soldiers and civilians lost their lives in encounters with the enemy, it was a also a time of great patriotism and celebration of what made Britain proud – the distinctive sound of a Spitfire still arouses strong patriotic emotions in people who remember their key role,” says event manager, Jon Hogan.  “During the weekend, we’d love to rekindle some of the wartime spirit that got our country through a particularly tough period – a time when everyone in the country was pulling in the same direction for the common good!”

Visitors interested in seeing a military perspective on the war will enjoy a series of battle re-enactments each day at 12 noon and approximately 3.00pm, when fully armoured soldiers of the Northern World War 2 Association and the East Yorkshire Regiment Re-enactment Society come face to face to recreate a fire fight between Allied forces and the Germans – expect gunfire and plenty of explosions!

The event runs each day from 11.00am to 5.00pm, although living history displays will be in place throughout the Castle’s opening hours (10.00am to 6.00pm). 

Admission to the Wartime Weekend is £6.00 for adults, £5.00 for concessions and £4.00 for children, with a family ticket (two adults and up to three children) available for just £16.00.  English Heritage members receive discounted entry of £2.00 for adults, £1.50 for concessions and £1.00 for children, or £5.00 for a family ticket.  Prebooking for fast-track entry is recommended, and tickets can be prebooked by calling the site on 01723 372451.  More information is also available on the English Heritage website at www.english-heritage.org.uk/Scarborough.

The wartime theme continues throughout the half term holiday, as younger visitors to Scarborough Castle are invited to join the Time Travellers at their Spy School.  Inside English Heritage’s big top, children can learn some of the techniques employed by spies in the second World War, with have-a-go activities available all week.  Activities take place between 11.00am and 5.00pm each day from Tuesday 26 to Sunday 31 May, admission prices are £4.50 for adults, £3.80 for concessions, £2.30 for children or £11.30 for a family ticket. Please note there is a £1 charge per child for participation in Time Travellers events.