The Story of the Grand Hotel, Scarborough

[@ry491]

My wife and I stayed at the grand every year for 15 years . We loved the Faded glory and atmosphere of it . We had some wonderful and happy times there . We planned to return this year but sadly my darling wide passed away in June . I will never go back there but it has such wonderful happy memories for me . RIP my beautiful Janet . I miss you so much xx

[@janegoodfellow1529]

Sorry to hear that. Must be bittersweet to watch this video. You must have had some wonderful times there though, to return so many times. Take care.

[@danabrahams7892]

Sorry for your loss... but the happy memories are still yours and only yours - what a gift she has left you with

[@ignoblesurfer6281]

Very sorry to hear that, fella. I hope your memories offer you some comfort.

[@terrycoles9079]

Bless you, so sorry for your loss.

[@ry491]

@@terrycoles9079 Thank you and best wishes to you

[@tallwilliam4370]

I worked in the Grand Hotel in 2004. My Mum also worked there in the 70s. I have some memories about what is underneath the hotel. This was a long while ago so some may not be accurate. This is kind of like describing a dream, but as you asked in the video for anyone with information to get in touch I'll at least try my best to give an impression. One thing is certain: it's an absolute rabbit warren. I worked in the main dining room as a waiter and even the back area with the kitchens, pot wash, break room and office were hidden behind blind corners and several narrow doors. There's even a handy (but steep) backstairs passage connecting the kitchens with the coffee room upstairs. An extreme sport of you're clearing away the coffee morning to the potwash. I was asked to go down to the laundry for new table cloths and that's when I first went under the hotel. Going through a normal side door between the restaurant and the offices you're immediately in a different time. Stone steps and brickwork going down. I don't know if it was straight away, but I remember entering a large cavernous space at one point, with iron railings on the stairs and massive pipes along the walls - huge. This was only to pass through to another area and go further down - kind of like a spiral staircase but on a diagonal. The first time I went I had to have a guide with me so I didn't get lost. The laundry was in an space tucked to the side of a corridor which I think was once a shopping arcade. What I found most odd was this is where one member of staff worked all the time - there was even a nude poster on the wall of the laundry. No natural light at all. A round trip from the restaurant to the laundry would take at least 10 minutes. I heard from a restaurant manager that the rink is still there, but I never saw it. There were people who had worked there a long time who had not seen all the areas underneath the hotel. Some where simply bricked up. Not to sound mysterious, but this place is simply mysterious - some place just are! The guests were interesting too. I met a woman who attached guns to Spitfires during the War. I met another man who used to tour the northern circuit as a magician in the 50s. I hope some of you found this comment interesting. Seems like a lifetime ago when I worked there.

[@slodown3670]

Thank you. You’ve captured what must be the immense size of the hidden parts of this building. Must be like an iceberg - as much “underwater” as on the surface.👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@carolhancock5152]

Fascinating! Thanks so much. Only yesterday my husband and I were thinking about the naval attack as we walked on Fraisthorpe beach with the dog. I've been visiting Scarborough since I was very young, now 77, and had a couple of holidays there with an aunt. My parents were newsagents in Leeds and couldn't get away. We went on the night time Tree Walk in Peasholme Park once, which seemed magical at the time. The original seats to the outdoor theatre were just concrete terraces - bring your cushions! My Father also went to the fishing competition on the Mere and brought me with him. There was a Pirate ship and a sandy island where you could dig for dubloons! I've taken my children and grandchildren there in turn. I was interested to hear about the oriental influence in the Park. Chinoiserie was highly fashionable in homes at the time as you know. The children always loved finishing the day with a short stop, that always got longer, at the Amusements, then back to Hull where I live now after living in Lancaster, Shropshire (Broseley nr Ironbridge) and Hessle. Scarborough still has plenty to recommend it and is suffering, like so many towns and cities worldwide, from the effects of changing shopping habits on the internet which has led to the decline of the high street, finished off further by the pandemic and the political under investment leading to unemployment and poverty. We would never have foreseen that in the 50's. Sad. Vive la Revolution!

[@daveh1081]

Andrew, that was brilliant! But I could weep for the Grand and Scarborough too.......let me tell you why. I'm in my late 50's and first stayed in the Grand circa '74 ish. We were introduced to it by family friends who were fussy and well healed to say the least. They were well known there and so when we asked for a guided tour, the maitre'd had no hesitation. We got to go below stairs and see the kitchen.......I remember it as being huge, Victorian and busy! The hotel was warm and welcoming with a porters office on both sides of the entrance.....and though I didn't know it then, I was privileged to experience this place as it clung desperately to a bygone and never to return era. We then experienced it in Christmas '78/New Year '79......the first Christmas under Butlin's ownership. I still possess the pamphlet detailing the activities for the week of celebrations. They even named us in it........long story!! We got to see the New Year in in "Grand" style. We stayed several times after that.......Butlins tried their level best.....they really did......but I think it beat them in the end. We have continued to visit Scarborough......staying with our kids in all the nice hotels.......The St Nicholas.....The Royal......The Crown......Wrea Head etc. It was always a tradition that I would wander around the Grand at some point in our stay......my wife would say......"do we have to?" but she knew I absolutely had to. We last stayed in Scarborough in April or May this year. I hope the place makes a come back, I really do........but I doubt I'll see it because I've thrown in the towel with Scarborough......I'm done. To see the Grand being wrecked by Britannia is one thing.......but to see the asylum seekers administer the final blow is just too much for this former Bradford lad. Goodbye Scarborough and thanks for the great memories!

[@briancockerill1394]

Born and bred in Scarborough, I have lived here all my life (68 years) and I thought I knew a bit about this iconic building, but after watching this video I feel that I have learned so much more. Well made, well presented and well filmed, a beautiful and fair presentation. Keep 'em coming! Thank you so much! Brilliant!

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Brian! Appreciate you commenting 👍🏼

[@jamesangus8422]

Hello! Back In the late 90’s/early 2000’s I was going to the Grand for a weekends holiday once every 2 months. I loved the place & got to know the staff really well & one night the night security guard asked me if I’d like to go down into the basement to see what it was like. It was like a time capsule. The Old Victorian kitchens with piles of plates stacked up. Metal teapots that had almost corroded away, so much sand on the floor & he showed me the old salt water intake pipes. It was so fascinating to see but unfortunately before the age of camera phones. Loved your video.

[@marcuscannon2919]

Great and honest video. In the late 80’s our company did some wiring work at the hotel, whilst trying to drill through a wall the guys couldn’t work out where they had drilled to, with some measurements they realised that there must be a void in between the to walls. They broke through the wall to find an abandoned kitchen which had been left as if it had been at an end of a shift and then bricked up.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Cheers Marcus.

[@mpjuk100]

Thank you for a thoughtful and well made video. I lived in Scarborough and was a teenager in the late 1970s when Butlins took over the Grand. They must have been desperate for staff, because they took me on, along with a load of other teens, as summer hires. I started working as a waiter in the dining room, but was pretty much a disaster. So I got moved, with my friend, to help clear out some of the upper rooms and move the furnishings to the basement. We found some diagrams on the wall of one of the rooms that may have been from its WWII days as a training facility for RAF pilots. I don’t remember how, but I did get into the lower basement levels and explored, with a couple of colleagues. It was suitably creepy, with a massive disused kitchen prep area, which seemed to include stalls for cattle. Maybe they milked their own cows. Much of the floor was gone, leaving huge holes that went even further into the bowels of the place. We couldn’t figure out a way down there and, as it was pitch black, we didn’t want to. I never went back down there.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Mike! Fascinating stuff!

[@lynnepostings]

OMG ... stalls for cattle ? Weird ! 😳

[@muckle8]

@Mike Johnson either milked their own cows or maybe even their own abattoir , probably pipes going out to sea to wash away any nasty stuff - either that or I’ve been watching too many horror films! Lucky you got out alive…….. 🧛‍♂️

[@IfUfindthisURlost]

Could they have been stalls for a stable area?

[@lyndadavison8075]

I keep thinking the Yorkshire Wanderer can't get any better ... then he does! The Grand Hotel is a wonderful building, it's a crime that such a fantastic icon, so full of potential has been allowed to decline. Thank you Yorkshire Wanderer for giving us such an eye opener, incredibly interesting, if I'm honest it has made me emotional!

[@lotsofspots]

Another reason for the V shape - it would be quite hard to provide light and ventilation to the inside rooms if it’d all been one solid block. In 1867 gas-lights would’ve been what was available, no electricity.

[@jamesa1918]

It’s a stunning building, faded Victorian splendour, would really love to see it renovated, thank you for sharing!

[@MaximilianvonPinneberg]

Completely agree. One of the better hotel groups (yes, looking at you Firmdale) need to buy and renovate, perhaps adding in service apartments overlooking the bay. It is a stunning building with a fascinating history.

[@judithbowles8252]

@@MaximilianvonPinneberg p8

[@KKTR3]

Personally I think it’s on the Vulgar side there again Victorian architecture had a tendency for excess compared with the simplicity and perfect symmetry of the Georgian period however it still is to be admired and of course we are looking at it today and not at the time of construction-it’s difficult to see beyond the coronavirus signage everywhere

[@howey935]

@@KKTR3 I agree I much prefer Georgian buildings to Victorian buildings, my mother lives in a Georgian farmhouse and it’s a stunning building and not far up the road from Scarborough just outside Durham city.

[@keithf_]

Whilst never having visited or stayed here, I have lived locally all my life, so I'm very familiar with the Grand Hotel as a landmark. This was a really interesting film about the hotel. It really does need a wealthy entrepreneur to restore/preserve such a wonderful building. Many thanks, Mr Wanderer, for posting.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Cheers Keith!

[@highpath4776]

I think some of the rooms were meant for wealthy , with adjoining for their butlers / maids in smaller rooms, This kind of place, for those kind of people no longer go together, so the rooms get overall smaller to increase the amount of occupancy, so it is being made to do something it wasnt designed for

[@eoscarz]

Fascinating. What a marvellous piece of Victorian engineering and architecture. It is absolutely captivating. In fact I always wanted to go to Scarborough just to see the hotel.

[@glen1555]

Back in the late 1950s, I had afternoon tea at The Grand, and that was a special occasion. Silver service, tiny cakes on multilayered glass plates with lace doilies

[@jodybobble]

I stayed at this hotel a few years ago. I think it's a remarkable building and the setting is just stunning. It's very atmospheric. I fell in love with Scarborough from the terrace of this magnificent hotel! Yes, it's no longer a high class affair, but the fabric of the building is still there...including the beautiful staircase, amongst other delights. Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@linedwell]

What a well produced and made video. It's like an episode of a TV documentary with a huge budget. Enjoyed it.

[@ericgeorge5483]

Love the Grand. Stayed very recently and it was a treat. The staff were good, the room was really clean and warm and there were new carpets everywhere, and it was freshly painted. Food was good too. This was a fab look at this amazing place so cheers for this.

[@marianwithrington6490]

This was such an interesting video, I love The Grand so much and have read widely about it but definitely found out more from you so thank you very much. I fell in love with with the building after seeing it in a programme around 2006 and was lucky enough to spend a week staying in one of the turrets in 2007. Yes the hotel is quirky and there are problems with water leaks but I always feel so lucky to actually be staying there that I disregard the ‘issues’. I stayed there again around 2018 in a standard room and enjoyed exploring every corner of the hotel again. It really is the most beautiful building in the most fantastic coastal position. Thank you once again.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Marian. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andyrob3259]

My great grandparents, their children and my mother (as a baby and young girl) used to take several suites here in the 1930’s and after the war in the late 40’s for holidays when the hotel was far nicer and more upmarket. Great granddad was an architect from Bradford who had a hand in designing many grand buildings over the years in the 20’s & 30’s. Mum has fleeting memories and always tells me about it.

[@edwardoneil3962]

Sounds wonderful

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

Upmarket people from Bradford..? Smell a rat here lol

[@andyrob3259]

@@Roscoe.P.Coldchain lol. Not these days. This was the 1930’s when there was actual industry, and actual jobs.

[@TheChodax]

@@Roscoe.P.Coldchain plenty of brass made in Bradford before the terminal decline of the country. Some very clever and successful people got started in Bradford, shame it has fallen so far these days.

[@loveeuropehatetheeu5271]

Visited Bradford wetherspoons a week ago and was shocked at the beauty of the city cente architecture such as City hall. As with most cities anything that looks good is pre war era.

[@martincunningham5815]

A great informative video. The presenter’s engaging style and tone of voice kept my attention to the end. Well done, mate.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Martin!

[@izzisusu7663]

Stayed there a few times with my sister we loved it. Staff very friendly, meals well prepared and rooms clean

[@cliffmiller689]

Brilliant Video. I'm a local photographer specialising in sunrise photography around the Scarborough coastline. However, if it is a cloudy morning I look for something else to photograph. One early morning I found myself in the Grand before the guests got up and I had an amazing time photographing the ground and first floor areas devoid of people. A brilliant experience.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Cliff! I love your work and follow your Facebook page. I've not seen your photos inside the Grand so I'll try to find them.

[@dougfurniss734]

We stayed in The Grand earlier this year although its obvious the hotel has seen better days our room was excellent with an amazing view and the staff were very friendly and helpful

[@alisonlee3314]

That's actually nice to hear.

[@jimking3288]

Was that before or during the dinghy peoples being put up there for a reported £250 a day ?

[@jimking3288]

@@JAM3586 someone said they have the top 2 floors but there has been reporting blackouts about problems they were causing !! Another source said these hotels have a deal that they'll take these folks at £250 a day and they are to get a tax payer paid for refurbishment in the future when they run out of dinghy people !!

[@gerardtom5722]

@@jimking3288Tory right wing racist overtones pathetic !

[@dospalmascb]

Not often I see positive comments about a Britannia hotel lol. We’re you sober at any point?

[@fairlyvague82]

Wow that’s fantastic! I never knew most of that. I stayed there several times as a kid with my Grandparents and remember them waltzing together in the ballroom. Happy days!

[@paulsugden6041]

My wife and I absolutely love Scarborough, it’s one of our Favourite get always. And maybe just maybe one day we might stay at the Grand, but unfortunately we love to stay on the North Bay. Great views and lovely B&B’s Always making you welcome and can’t do enough for you. So Here’s to our beautiful Scarborough 👍👍

[@johnalexander5535]

As a resident of Scarborough I thought you did a good job presenting the building. It is sad that it has attracted some bad press and it is probably unlikely to be a quality hotel in the future without massive investment. Thanks for the video.

[@stokeontrentchannel3593]

Been Scarborough few times great to visit

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Cheers John.

[@andyboardman7052]

No mention of the illegals across the top 2 floors?? Running amock, forcing the cleaners 5o refuse to go into rooms?

[@countfloydschillerhorrorth2090]

@@andyboardman7052 People are trained to ignore the obvious these days(It's a career decision for many)

[@ronor7916]

@@andyboardman7052 Demolish

[@radiator0]

What a great vid, really enjoyed it. Iv stayed at the Grand a few times, always enjoyed myself and for what we've paid for the room iv got no complaints. Cheap and cheerful in my experience is what it is, however id love to see someone chuck 200 million at the place which in reality is what it needs to bring it back to it's former glory..

[@RootlessNZ]

Excellent. I was in Scarborough briefly about 2 years ago. I live in New Zealand and was visiting my brother who lives in Whitby. Had I known about the hotel I would certainly have taken a close look. Thanks for this informative and interesting video.

[@richardsprojects]

Been going to Scarborough all my life but never new much about the Grand , really enjoyed watching , thanks

[@Arthur-db5ke]

Thank you so much for making this video Andrew. I'm from the north east myself, but had no idea about the history of this most majestic landmark. An illuminating, fascinating and beautifully made film. Absolutely terrific!

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Andrew.

[@elainesmiles3671]

Was there 2019. Spectacular hotel. First room ok but had bad smell so moved to upgraded room. It was lovely. Meals were fine. Payed very little for a fantastic time in Scarborough. ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@petersimms4982]

Extremely well done and very informative. Can’t believe this amount of work with so little resources can be achieved by one person. Awesome

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Peter!

[@billwinship3734]

I fully agree, it makes you wonder why the BBC pays some of their staff millions of pounds each for producing material nowhere near as good as this?

[@alistairshaw3206]

What an interesting and informative video and so well made. I've stayed in the Grand, not by choice, but as a coach driver. The lower levels have rooms without windows! They are usually given to the drivers. I had a room with no window, but someone had drew a window on the wall! Another time I got a room with water running down the wall. Most drivers won't eat in the hotel. Britannia hotels are the worst and I can't understand people who go to their hotels.

[@mandymoo7406]

yes ,who wants to go on a mystery tour and end up here,not me,sad really as ive always loved this iconic building

[@jackiemarriott9928]

I agree with you This Hotel used to be Lovely My Husband and I went quite a few Times when they had Table Service for coaches But it all Changed when Brittana Taken over Can't believe Why they would Neglect such a Beautiful Building As for your experience in staying there is not good for the Drivers as well We found the Staff very helpful But I think very understaffed .

[@glendakirby5579]

It's a sad fact but true that this is the curse of sea side towns. The hotels are taken on by those who want them as a cash cow, but to put nothing in. So over the years they just fall into disrepair. The best they can hope for is a lick of paint to make the front and reception look presentable. In the end they are just whited sepulchers. This Hotel is Grade 2 listed, which doesn't mean much it should be Grade1. Once holidays abroad became the vogue, they were doomed.

[@RushfanUK]

I worked for Britannia Hotels back in the 80's in management when at least the properties they owned then were in decent condition, we were always understaffed and resourced poorly, the owners didn't care about the guests or the staff and would often leave members of staff in tears or shocked by their treatment, in one hotel I had to take the keys off a General Manager and lock him out of his office on the instructions of one of the owners as he was sacked without any warning by them.

[@johndrake3731]

I think I've stayed in the Grand Wet room too. (share - a - shower we called it)

[@glynnwadeson5605]

This is an excellently filmed and presented video. Fascinating history. Keep up the good work!

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Glynn!

[@flashtheoriginal]

Really enjoyed this. History is so interesting, the opportunity to learn. Thanks, keep 'em coming

[@harrietlyall1991]

Love Scarborough, where I’ve stayed many times. Thanks for this fascinating and evocative documentary. Beautiful shots of the blue sea and golden sand of the magnificent coastline.

[@moonspirit6555]

Stayed in Scarborough in the summer, wonderful place. Had a look round the Grand and thought it was a magnificent building but unfortunately shabby, what a shame. Thanks for the vid, very interesting

[@JINNYJANNY]

If only it was given to national trust who could give this amazing historical building a lifeline & return to its former splendor it would be an amazing visitor attraction for Scarborough

[@DadgeCity]

The National Trust isn't made of money.

[@derekheeps1244]

On the other hand , Donald Trump might buy it ... is there space to build a golf course nearby ?

[@xvsupremacy7190]

DadgeCity well one would think The National Trust was made of money 💰. Their prices are not realistic. Outside of the pockets of the Working Classes. I have stayed there when Butlins owned it. It’s an imposing building.

[@johnfarrell3175]

Terrible hotel group britania hotels ,all there hotels are run down,,they also have butlins Wich is in a hell of a state

[@dees3179]

National trust pretty much can only take buildings that come with significant endowments . They really are incredibly short of money. Property and collection staff are thin on the ground. The prices for visiting keep pace with other attractions but don’t fill the holes in the budget. And as others have stated are very high for a single visit. Only becomes economical if you get a years membership and visit multiple sites. Running and maintaining buildings and collections are very expensive and logistically complicated. Expertise is expensive to develop and increasingly hard to buy in as the heritage industry can’t support people long enough to develop skills, it’s all short contracts. And yes, I used to work for them, and afterwards used to be a member. Now I can’t afford it!

[@mickfarnell8664]

Me and my wife stayed there last week , was heart wrenching to see such s palacial building in so much delapodation . Full of refugees who I feel for . But not the place for them . Spoke to many old dears that had been going for years . Speaking of the way it's gone down hill . And felt uncomfortable surrounded by strange foreign men . In the foyer . Not right , the building is beautifully designed a memory of the past . Shouldn't be a wreck and abused nor a refugee camp . Such a shame , and the comments over rooms , the queueing , the disrepair is all true . Such a shame . But in its day I bet it was beautiful . Should be a campaign to reclaim the building , spend the money that is spent in other buildings in the UK and looked after . !!! Great content 👍

[@maratonlegendelenemirei3352]

Those 'foreign' men of fighting age are in the UK by design. They are there to carry out atrocities at the behest of the elite. Think Rwanda. MOT

[@simonthompson7124]

Well said ,it is not the place for them.

[@mickfarnell8664]

@@maratonlegendelenemirei3352 well on my eyes not the place for them , the old dears I spoke to did far more to keep the Nazis out !! I feel for them but wrong place and certainly shouldn't be making the old dears feel uncomfortable in their surroundings . End of

[@debbiehenderson7803]

The refugees have been moved to the Clifton and the whole place has been renovated room was beautiful and clean meals were delicious the staff were friendly andhelpful all painted and new carpets i stayed there last weekend with my parents and we have booked today to go back in september

[@LadyBlanche.888]

Thank you for this. I was amazed at the beauty of the building inside and out. What a pity the current owners of the hotel don't look after such a treasure. These buildings are nearly impossible to find now. ❤

[@michaelhamilton7111]

Greetings from Costa Rica😎

[@GaryHayward]

My Dad was (ie now deceased) a Yorkshireman, born in Kirkstall (near Leeds) before his family moved to Eccleshill (in Bradford). He loved Scarborough, and all our family's annual main holidays were there, so happy memories for me. Been inside the Grand a few times but never stayed there; mostly, instead, we stayed at the Hotel St Nicholas, opposite. An impressive and iconic landmark, I can't imagine Scarborough without the Grand, so long may it remain and be maintained to at least basic standards.

[@mpersad]

A fascinating video of an iconic building. I do so love Scarborough, memories of many lovely holidays on the North York Moors! Top video!

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Mark.

[@jasonm4982]

Thank you. It is an amazing building, and i would hate to see it gone. Sadly i was compelled to give it a scathing review after staying in a loft room, largely on fire safety grounds, bearing in mind the fire alarm went off 4 times in the depths of the night and nearly knocking myself out, jumping out of bed in the tiny room, hitting my head on the window recess.

[@mrlister2000]

Firstly, another excellent video! It is indeed a very grand looking hotel, and the stairs & reception area you filmed back this up. However, it is the condition of the rooms that lets it down. The fact it is owned by Britannia explains why it is in the state it is. Everything they own falls in to disrepair, or look like the rooms have never seen a dust pan & brush. They own Pontins & The Norbreck Castle in Blackpool (another hotel that is slated every year for the condition of its rooms), need I say anymore?

[@yvettemoore1228]

True, the Norbreck is notorious too (Blackpool, we also have a Norbreck which is much better) That said, they also own the Royal, which is a good hotel 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@kenskill3201]

It is well known for grand out breaks of the winter vomiting bug. Local

[@smiffymiffed2734]

Housing the dinghy divers and Afghans so they can claim a full re-fit on the taxpayer!

[@TheBrummie60]

@@smiffymiffed2734 Indeed. As reported by the brilliant Alex Belfield earlier.

[@oddities-whatnot]

Norbreck Castle looks like Colditz !

[@johnsmith-ht3sy]

" Paul Joseph Watson " has updated the history of this hotel , it now houses refugees.

[@KKTR3]

You mean mostly male people intent on finding a better life for themselves into another country, and succeeding

[@thebatman4279]

@@KKTR3 Was that life not viable in France?

[@gaynor247]

Fantastic hotel, and very interesting to see it's owned by the Britannia hotel chain. I live in Eastbourne, and we have a similar hotel - The Cavendish - on our seafront. Another grand old building desperately in need of some TLC by Britannia.

[@jasoncaulkin9830]

Gaynor - I worked at the Cavendish for 22 months & it is a shame the state of the hotel but the miserable old git of an owner doesn’t give a shit about guests or staff,

[@gaynor247]

Sorry to hear that. Such a lovely hotel, such a shame..

[@Cragglerock93]

Britannia are no doubt an awful hotel operator as most people would admit, but when it comes to the condition of the building itself, I wonder if there is much they can really do. To fully restore a building that size would take likely tens of millions, and in a town like Scarborough there is just no way that the occupancy rates and room rates would be sufficient to recoup that investment, IMO.

[@markdavy7733]

Will be taking a good look at this place next week. Scarborough here we come!

[@vonmyc]

What a fabulous video, both informative and visual. I love this building and Scarborough, they both have a special place in my heart and your video took me across the sea from Australia right back to my grandparents hometown. I worked at The Grand in the early 1980s when Butlin’s owned it and worked up on the fourth floor land side cleaning the rooms, our housekeeper was fabulous and everything had to be done to perfection. In summer, high season I had 54 beds to strip and remake between 8.30 and 10.30am- don’t know how I did it but I did lol. I loved looking after the Victorian bathrooms on the landing, they were exquisite works of art. In winter when it was very quiet and only a few guests were there I always felt there was ‘somebody’ walking close behind me on that fourth floor, I was petrified at first but got used to it, obviously nothing harmful. My ex husband worked there as a chef before I met him when Butlin’s took over in 1978 and he could not believe it when he saw the workers smashing the marble worktops in the kitchen and the wardrobes in the bedrooms as they couldn’t get them out in one piece and taking them apart carefully was obviously not an option! He managed to get a monogrammed chamber pot for his mam to use as a plant pot. He said it was heartbreaking to watch all that good quality furniture which was solid wood being destroyed. All the crockery was monogrammed and I suspect it was all destroyed too, so sad. He also went exploring down in the tunnels that ran off the kitchen and said there were more but they had to get back to work so could only get so far on his break. If I ever become rich I would bring that place back to its former glory, it deserves that. Like you said when you enter the building you can sense it’s former glory and every time I went in I could ‘see’ it as it should be……….

[@veraaxe2604]

Very interesting keep up the good work

[@christopherfranklin972]

Ben Hogan and the visiting US Ryder Cup team used the Grand as their base in 1949 for the matches that were played at Ganton,with Britain still subject to food rationing they brought steaks,bacon and other food which they shared with their GB&I opponents. The building is superb,a real jewel of the Victorian age. Great video,thank you!

[@bjoeljones]

I am just now finding your channel, Andrew. What a first video to watch as a newcomer. I love seeing old grand hotels such as the Grand, and I am glad to see this beauty is being kept open in spite of the critical reviews, ...haters will hate regardless. Looking forward to watching more of your videos. Slàinte🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@DurhamGooner]

I was a Redcoat there in 1986/7. We lived on the 6th floor, it was a magnificent place. I have a lovely picture of my Mum & Dad standing at the foot of that beautiful staircase.

[@leetsimpson]

Another great video, thank you. Your direct delivery is so refreshing, and the perfect antidote to so many over-excited hosts on this platform. We went to an end of University ball there, from Leeds, in 1995. I think the degree course had been banned from the Harrogate hotels for bad behaviour! From what I can remember the hotel wasn’t too bad then. I’m sure these videos take loads of work, but keep them coming, please.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Lee! Plenty more to come!

[@fifty-somethingwitch2406]

Absolutely brilliant video - thank you so much! Scarborough is my favourite place and I have had some of the most special times of my life there. It’s lovely to find someone who knows so much about this beautiful town!

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@thereunionparty]

Britannia Hotels - say no more! What an amazing building though. It's a shame what happened to the lower section. It seems as though it was abandoned too hastily and now is a bit of an eyesore at street level.

[@giveitsomepain]

you are right been sorely neglected we stayed there a while ago place smelled of old people and cabbage. thankfully we were only there a couple of nights. Would be a stunning hotel if it had the right owner and investment.

[@Insectoid_]

It’s a beautiful building. Sad to hear it’s been neglected.

[@markmitchell450]

When i saw Britannia on the floor entrance matt i did think ohh

[@sallypickard2227]

They need to spend money on windows ..one day a rich person will make good of them 😊

[@guss2099]

It’s definitely an impressive building in need of good care! History always seems to fade away if we don’t keep on top of it. Great video. 👍🏼🙂👍🏼🙂

[@Nasphotography13]

Thank you for the informative vlog, i am now in my 61st year and have been coming to Scarborough all my life at least once a year, i can say with hand on heart that i am embarrassed to say i have never been in the Grand but have always wanted to stay there, maybe one day, love your vlogs thank you

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thank you! Glad you're enjoying them.

[@d.i.sgusted3820]

If you want too stay there free just roll up in a dingy, from what i hear you can smash the place up like a rock star and nothing will happen but this is exclusively for the top two floors where you get excellent views.

[@Nasphotography13]

@@d.i.sgusted3820 Not really in the keeping of the video, i would rather you keep your opinions to yourself

[@gilzean9]

So sad, we went to Scarborough as kids on holiday, not to thei hotel. we rentred caravans and flats and we loved it as well as Witby, i love that coastline, we also went to whitley bay, Crimdon and eventauly Oban

[@ScarboroughCouple]

Always love it when videos of our town appear in the suggestions, Grand Hotel has always given off a real creepy vibe, people have had some good ghost investigations there

[@chrisshaw7541]

Amazing building, last time we stayed there was a booking mistake and they asked if would stay in a dome instead of our booked room. Was surprisingly spacious. A lot of the original features are gone but it gives you the sense of being in a special building with a lot of history.

[@Jack-sf9zo]

I stayed there about a decade ago with my family for a few days and I remember something my grandma said that perfectly represents the hotel still and its faded grandeur the hotel was clearly stunning in its day but as so many under the control of Britannia it's barely kept in working order with little to no money put into it, it clearly needs a restoration of the whole interior and some exterior work and I have a feeling it wont get that any time soon if ever

[@ellenbennett1842]

We stayed here in August 2021 and, although there was some areas needing decorated, it was a great stay. The hotel is impressive and staff lovely. We intend to visit again. Thanks for the video , very informative.

[@johnbellamy6449]

really interesting. i love modern history. you did a great job researching and making it.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks John!

[@suemitchell4345]

I was a Redcoat at The Grand Hotel in the 80's and loved it there. The building is amazing and so much history. There are definitely 3 or more floors basement wise. I would have loved to have ventured below ground but it was strictly out of bounds. I am sure there would've been a way down there.

[@Grumpyman78-c7d]

Thanks for sharing! My wife and I love Scarborough. What a shame this grand old building is not being looked after. The current owners Britannia just seem to be interested in profit and not looking after the buildings!

[@countfloydschillerhorrorth2090]

Since it's being over run by refugess and all the paying guests are asking for refunds. Im guessing the Tax Payer money is being funneled to the hotel owners as they continue to let the hotel erode.

[@lorrainebennett7528]

What a beautiful old building and a fascinating story. Thank you, I've subscribed!

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Lorraine! 🙂

[@JasonBatterham]

I love Scarborough, and I really enjoyed this, thank you!

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Cheers Jason!

[@lovemytuneskristian7751]

i worked at the hotel in 1984, i was 16. I've been in 2 of the towers and the sub basements, boiler rooms. it gos to the ground / beach. thanks ,Si.

[@DamianDeEu]

Now this is the content I enjoy! A well put together video about a random hotel in random town I perhaps only heard once about. Thanks for shining a light on this hotel (in what looks like) a beautiful town of Scarborough. It was indeed very interesting to listen to you talking about the history of this place and seeing the drone shots. Regards D.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Damian!

[@jamesbrook16]

Go stay there Damian! It’s a brilliant experience. See my comment above. .

[@kevingraham3957]

Great video, thanks. I stayed here in 2006 on a business trip with a few colleagues. My fondest memories were Being given mouldy toast for breakfast Reception being only a hatch An inability to charge to your room The seagulls nesting outside my window ( How boring life would be if everything was perfect)

[@peteressextrucker8014]

That was really enjoyable! I’d love to see more and especially anything about the basement!!

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Cheers Peter!

[@jonathananderson5620]

Iv stayed in the grand and the royal they are both lovely old hotels and I wish I could travel back in time to see them at full grandeur and see the basements and old pool area

[@tonofdynamite]

It was a privilege to stay there this week Easter 2024, as it has its own beauty which can only be experienced by being there, I will go there again.

[@isctony]

Thank you for the insight in to this building, all interesting stuff, would love to see another video on the underground sections thats for sure!

[@samgeorge191]

I would go to Scarborough and Filey on holiday when I was little - such good memories 😊🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@flaneur5560]

The basement levels were discussed in a recent Scarborough history group and someone said they'd seen original Victorian bathing machines still inside.

[@WiseAngelUK]

Could they not be refurbished

[@rizla9986]

I worked in the lowest area of that hotel , we had to go thru the wall to get in there sealed up long ago , there is only rail tracks down there and trash ! the crooks in charge of that job (Tim + Ian) sold all the stone from the other floors which twisted and warped all the beams costing thousands to put right

[@alisonlee3314]

@@rizla9986 Where did the rail tracks go to?

[@rizla9986]

@@alisonlee3314 the rail track go towards the sea ,there was chalet type things they pushed towards the sea ran on the tracks , there is a grand entrance behind that brickwork decaying away you can see it was once the main feature of the building now sadly in disrepair and hidden behind brickwork

[@alisonlee3314]

@@rizla9986 Very interesting. Thank you for your reply. I always think it's a shame when beautiful buildings are neglected....but the upkeep must be horrendous. Maintenance is the key with buildings. Let's hope it's not allowed to deteriorate further. Once again. Thank you for your prompt reply 😊

[@TheGazza636]

As a family of three we spent two days there five yrs ago.it was a bit tired inside in places and the food not fantastic but we still had a great stay there as our room over looked the sea.hearing the fishing boats early in the morning was nice.very fond memory now.

[@kerrywoolford4699]

Wow loved this . Never stayed at the grand but have heard bad things in recent years shame as such a magnificent hotel . Needs alot of money spending on it to bring it back to its former glory . Would love to see you do a ghost Hunt very interested in that type of thing X

[@tamaracarter1836]

I absolutely love beautiful North Yorkshire, and will definitely have to visit Scarborough at some point in the future. The town looks to be very attractive and filled with character.

[@falafel4618]

Another beautifully shot video and interesting to learn about this iconic building's history. I'd give an extra thumbs up if I could for your honesty in reflecting all the negative reviews. Having worked in some of the biggest hotels in the south I can vouch for the fact that these places are like rabbit warrens below ground floor level, and can only imagine this daddy of them all has an even bigger labarynth of hidden passages and rooms. Keep up the good work!

[@spinout3]

thank you for making this short documentary. I love Scarborough. been there many times over the years but never ever thought about the history of the place. hope you make more like this.

[@jeffallinson8089]

Great work Andrew. I lived in Scarborough in the early to mid 80's and loved my time there and have always been a fan of the Grand; its such an icon and the architecture is beyond beautiful. As I still have friends in the town I visit a lot and once stayed there; my room was spotlessly clean and the en suite was massive, and really nice. The only downside was the price at £70 for a room with only a window in the ceiling was a tad steep and I can't comment on the food as I didn't eat there however I would definitely stay again if I could get a room with a sea view. Your video was informative and interesting and I really enjoyed it so thank you for your effort. I am fortunate to live only about 50 minutes up the coast and can visit whenever I want, I love Scarborough and the Grand in particular.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Cheers Jeff!

[@owenmcgheeandbdawg]

I stayed at the grand hotel for a while two years ago. I really hope it gets renovated to it's once iconic status. BRILLTASTIC video. I'm now subscribed.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Cheers Owen! 👍🏼

[@rachelmayes298]

Another wonderful video, I’ve been totally immersed for the whole video, which isn’t normally me. What an impressive building, is it not a listed building ? With having so much history, and splendid Victorian design and construction surely it will never be demolished? Your drone work was amazing, and the history of all those famous people was wonderful. Thank you you do an awesome job ❤️

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Rachel! Glad you enjoyed it. Yes, the building is listed so you'd hope it will be protected.

[@jamesbrook16]

Grade II listed.

[@marraaman]

Just been to Scarborough and found this place utterly mesmerising, very impressive building.👍👍

[@royswift7911]

Another expertly produced video and interesting topic. Enjoyed it very much. Considered staying at The Grand on a trip we made to the Yorkshire coast in June but put off by the Tripadvisor reviews. Love this coastline and look forward to your future releases.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Roy!

[@jamesbrook16]

See my comment above Roy. Please ignore Tripadvisor reviews. I’ve never read one that is fair yet!! Stay there! Wonderful experience!

[@bobgriffiths6600]

I am a Canadian with a great passion for Yorkshire. I spent many happy visits staying at The Beacon in Goathland during the Heartbeat production years.I greatly enjoyed this video as I do all you produce. Keep up the good work and many thanks.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Bob!

[@andrewcrofts531]

Great video once again Andrew. I've always had a fascination with the Grand and especially the lower frontage on the sea front, as I could never understand why it was left as it is. Would love to see a video on the spa complex and old changing rooms further along the sea front, another fascinating place that holds loads of stories I'm sure. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos. I love North Yorkshire and its coastline. Pitty I live 150 miles away! Keep safe, cheers......

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Andrew!

[@B50Stevie]

Excellent, informative video, well done. I have stayed at the Grand in the 1990s, and the interior was a little tired, but I still loved the olde World charm, I would love to see it fully refurbished, without altering too much of its character. Unfortunately I doubt that many of those from overseas, staying there at moment will appreciate this Grand Hotel and it’s history.

[@ABColden]

now it’s an alyssum centre but still takes on guests

[@topbloke60]

Great video and interesting content... I'd be interested in learning more about the hotel

[@mraidymaddful]

Here's an idea for you. How about you spend a night in one of the basic rooms and do a review on that. That would make a great video.

[@DiegoLiger]

I believe it was styled after the "Villa Eugenie" built by the Empress Eugenie of France as her winter rertreat at Biarritz on the South West coast of France which was begun in 1854, and greatly expanded in the 1860s. Eugenie was then considered the most glamorous and perhaps beautiful women in Europe at the time. It is now a very luxurious hotel the "Hotel du Palais"

[@yorkie2789]

Interesting stuff, an exploration of the lower levels would be amazing.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Yes, it would be great to do!

[@peterdavis540]

It's widely known in Scarborough that there's at least 3 lower levels totally submerged,such a shame but it would take tens of millions to restore and update to modern standards.

[@jontyjames9121]

Fantastic video as always Andrew, really interesting to learn more about such an iconic building and your shots are incredible

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Jonty!

[@sharonsmith7161]

great video once again, the bunker under the gardens at the front of the grand has access from the grand and hotels over the road .if you look at the art shop on the corner opposite the grand theres a door opposite the basement window , also 2 metal grids in the garden is access to bunker . keep up the good work

[@alisonlee3314]

What an interesting video! I didn't know about the history of the hotel. About 5 years ago, we popped in for a coffee and a nose around. Back then, it was busy with coach parties booking in. You could see the faded grandeur of the rooms and imagine how wonderful it was in its heyday. It's quite sad now to see it empty, with masses of covid signage. I hope it is preserved for future generations and be made beautiful again x

[@Simon_Nonymous]

Great video - we walked past on Sat night with the moon behind it. It's proper heritage, and I hope it turns around and goes back to being the place to be.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Simon!

[@ianwalker3353]

Fascinating video and history of the hotel. I really enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@gavinmetcalfe3213]

Very interesting, I've always loved this building, I'd love to see what's below it 😀

[@wolfydave9574]

I was recently in Scarborough and I wondered about the hotels history. Really interesting, thankyou.

[@q3y6]

We last stayed in the Grand 6 years ago and actually had one of the turret rooms. Whilst certainly a shadow of its heyday I really enjoyed the hotel and it's quirks, thanks for the video.

[@yvonneoliver7990]

I have just returned home from staying in one of the turret rooms. The views are splendid. The full moon was beautiful at night and the sunrises in the mornings were gorgeous..

[@michaelbushell3381]

Brilliant and thanks for the information. Visited Scarborough 2020 and enjoyed every moment.

[@NorthYorkshireWanderer]

Thanks Michael.