Interludes

It comes as a surprise to many that brash and breezy Scarborough has a Georgian old-town harbourfront district, right under the castle – and Interludes is another welcome treat, a genteel, Grade-2 listed townhouse with a highly distinct character. The owners are theatre-buffs – the town's Stephen Joseph Theatre is the local cultural hub – and playbills, posters and photographs form a big part of the interior decor. The five charming rooms – the higher ones with harbour views – are named after famous old theatres, while the eager-to-please hosts run everything with a light and amiable touch. They'll sort you out a theatre seat, prepare a pre-theatre meal or recommend a decent place to eat away from the fish-and-chip-heavy harbour, and while it's gay- and lesbian-friendly it's certainly not a "scene" place – more a small, quiet hotel for couples and solo travellers looking for somewhere just that bit different in England's oldest resort.