As Britain’s first seaside resort, Scarborough has been a popular destination for holidaymakers for hundreds of years. Come rain or shine, there is lot’s to see and do to make an unforgettable Yorkshire seaside break. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic family holiday, a cultural break, an action-packed sporting day out, or just a relaxing few days off, Scarborough – has something for you.
Don’t forget the beaches. There’s North Bay and South Bay at Scarborough, and both are extremely popular with visitors young and old, thanks to the golden sands, and sheltered location. On any day, they are great fun; on a sunny day, there’s nowhere better! Also see our article on the most unusual things to do in Scarborough and what to do in Scarborough on a rainy day.
Table of Contents
Accommodation
Browse more: Hotels in Scarborough, Holiday Cottages in Scarborough.
You can view our top picks for the best hotels in Scarborough and our page on apartments to rent.
Wheelchair Accessible Accommodation in Scarborough
Check out the acccessible places to stay in Scarborough:
Events in Scarborough
Scarborough plays host to a lot of incredible events, not least at the wonderful Open Air Theatre, which regularly sees the biggest names in pop and rock putting on a date at this unique venue.
For more events in Scarborough, see our dedicated pages.
Scarborough image gallery
10 Things to do in Scarborough
- Scarborough Castle: Explore the ruins of this historic fortress that dominates the skyline, offering panoramic views of the coastline and town.
- Scarborough Beaches: Relax on either the North Bay or South Bay beaches, with golden sands perfect for sunbathing, sandcastles, and seaside games.
- Scarborough Spa: Attend a concert, event, or show at this iconic venue, which has been the town’s entertainment heart since the 17th century. Browse events at Scarborough Spa here.
- Peasholm Park: Experience tranquility in this Oriental-themed park with its serene lake, where you can also enjoy boat rides and watch naval warfare re-enactments.
- The Rotunda Museum: Delve into the region’s geology and archaeology, understanding its ancient past and discovering the fascinating story of the dinosaur coast.
- Sea Life Scarborough: Encounter marine life from local shores to tropical seas. It’s an educational adventure for all ages, with its displays of seals, turtles, and more.
- Scarborough Open Air Theatre: Catch a live performance at Europe’s largest open-air theater, hosting a range of concerts and events during the warmer months.
- Scarborough Fair Collection: Step back in time at this nostalgic venue, which houses a magnificent collection of vintage cars, steam engines, and fairground attractions.
- Scarborough Surf School: Ride the waves with a surfing lesson, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer looking to sharpen your skills.
- Walk the Cleveland Way: Embark on a section of this national trail, taking in Scarborough’s coastline, its castle, and the neighboring coastal beauty.
More about Scarborough
You’ll find two picturesque North and South bays with family-friendly beaches nestled either side of a towering headland crowned by the dramatic ruins of a 12th century English Heritage castle.
With countless attractions, museums, world-class theatre productions and plenty of incredible restaurants offering everything from casual eating to fine dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice of options on your next holiday to Scarborough.
Scarborough is a resort town on England’s North Sea coast, which, along with Whitby, is one of the county’s most famous seaside resorts – though there are several to choose from.
Scarborough has 2 bays with sandy beaches, which are split by a headland bearing the 12th-century Scarborough Castle.
The Victorian Central Tramway funicular train links the town centre with South Bay and its harbour, and still runs to this day.
The Rotunda Museum explores local coastal geology.
Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary’s marine displays and the Peasholm Park Japanese gardens are behind North Bay.
With a population of 61,749, Scarborough is the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire Coast and largest seaside town in North Yorkshire.
Scarborough on the Map
Scarborough is to the south of Whitby and to the North of Filey on the Yorkshire coast.
Scarborough has a train station on the Scarborough, York line, which routes through to Doncaster (and Manchester beyond) making it accessible by rail from all parts of the UK, but particularly from those towns and cities.
Scarborough Fact Pack
- Scarborough is a seaside town in North Yorkshire, England, situated on the North Sea coast.
- It is one of the UK’s oldest and most popular seaside resorts, with a history dating back over 400 years.
- Scarborough has a population of approximately 61,000 people.
- The town is famous for its historic castle ruins, which date back to the 12th century.
- Scarborough is also known for its beautiful beaches, including South Bay and North Bay, which attract millions of visitors each year.
- The town has a rich cultural heritage, with several museums and art galleries, including Scarborough Art Gallery and the Rotunda Museum.
- Scarborough is home to the Scarborough Spa, a Victorian-era entertainment complex that hosts concerts, theatre performances, and other events throughout the year.
- The town is also known for its lively nightlife, with several bars, clubs, and restaurants open late into the night.
- Scarborough has a thriving fishing industry, with fresh seafood available in many local restaurants.
- The town is surrounded by stunning countryside, including the North York Moors National Park and the Yorkshire Wolds.
- Scarborough was the site of the first-ever purpose-built holiday resort in the UK, established in the early 19th century.
- The town was also an important hub for the railway industry in the 19th and 20th centuries, with several historic railway stations still standing today.
- Scarborough is home to several historic churches and religious sites, including St. Mary’s Church and Scarborough Synagogue.
- The town is also known for its annual events and festivals, including the Scarborough Fair and the Seafest Maritime Festival.
- Scarborough has been used as a filming location for several TV shows and movies, including the BBC series “All Creatures Great and Small” and the film “Little Voice.”
- The town has a number of unique and quirky attractions, such as the Rotunda Museum’s collection of fossils and the Scarborough Fair Collection, a museum of fairground rides and vintage vehicles.
- Scarborough is a popular destination for surfing, with several surf schools and shops located in the town.
- The town has a rich literary heritage, with several famous authors and poets having lived or visited here, including Anne Bronte, Lewis Carroll, and Wilfred Owen.
- Scarborough has a strong sporting tradition, with a number of successful sports teams, including Scarborough Athletic F.C. and Scarborough RUFC.
- The town has a proud military history, with several regiments and battalions having been stationed here over the years.
- Scarborough has a number of beautiful parks and gardens, including Peasholm Park and the Italian Gardens.
- The town is home to several iconic landmarks, such as the Scarborough Clock Tower and the Scarborough Spa Bridge.
- Scarborough has a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts and holiday apartments.
- The town has excellent transport links, with regular trains and buses connecting it to other parts of Yorkshire and the UK.
- Scarborough is a vibrant and welcoming town, with something to offer visitors of all ages and interests.
Scarborough FAQ’s
General information for tourists, in the form of responses to Frequently Asked Questions submitted about Scarborough.
What Hotels are in Scarborough?
As a historic tourist town, there’s many hotels to choose from in Scarborough. View a collection of hotels in Scarborough here.
What is there to do in Scarborough?
As well as the beaches – and there’s a couple to choose from – there’s also many attractions in Scarborough in case of rainy days. Browse them here.
Where next?
Browse more from the Yorkshire Coast, here.