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.
One of the most appealing aspects of Scarborough is its beautiful 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. From sunbathing and swimming to surfing and paddleboarding, there is something for everyone here. On any day, they are great fun; on a sunny day, there’s nowhere better!
Additionally, the town is home to a variety of attractions, including the historic Scarborough Castle, the Scarborough Spa, and the Stephen Joseph Theatre. Also see our article on the most unusual things to do in Scarborough and what to do in Scarborough on a rainy day. You can view the weather forecast for Scarborough here. Als checkout the Scarborough Market Hall & Vaults.
Latest from Scarborough
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. We also have a page on car rental and hire for your information and car parking.
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.
Texas at Scarborough Open Air Theatre, Scarborough
Burniston Road, Scarborough, YO12 6PF
Date & Time:
July 26th, 2025 6:00pm
Level 42 at Scarborough Spa Grand Hall, Scarborough
South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD
Date & Time:
December 6th, 2026 7:30pm
The Drifters at Scarborough Spa Theatre, Scarborough
South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD
Date & Time:
May 24th, 2026 7:30pm
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.
- 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.
- The town has excellent transport links, with regular trains and buses connecting it to other parts of Yorkshire and the UK.
FAQs about Scarborough, North Yorkshire
What are some popular attractions in Scarborough, North Yorkshire?
Some popular attractions in Scarborough include the Scarborough Castle, the North Bay Railway, the SEA LIFE Scarborough, and the Scarborough Open Air Theatre.
Is Scarborough a good place for a family vacation?
Yes, Scarborough is a great place for a family vacation. There are plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions, such as the Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary and the Scarborough Fair Collection.
What is the best time of year to visit Scarborough?
The best time of year to visit Scarborough is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the town is also beautiful during the spring and autumn months, when the crowds are smaller and the scenery is stunning.
Are there any good restaurants in Scarborough?
Yes, there are plenty of good restaurants in Scarborough, serving a variety of cuisines. Some popular options include the Green Room, Lanterna Ristorante, and Eat Me Cafe.
Is Scarborough a good place for outdoor activities?
Yes, Scarborough is a great place for outdoor activities, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and water sports. The town is also located near the North York Moors National Park, which offers even more outdoor adventures.
Where Next After Scarborough, North Yorkshire
After visiting Scarborough, North Yorkshire, there are plenty of other places to explore in the area. One option is to head to the nearby town of Whitby, which is known for its stunning coastline and historic abbey. Take a stroll along the beach, climb the 199 steps to the abbey, and indulge in some delicious fish and chips.
Another great option is to visit the city of York, which is just a short drive away. York is home to a wealth of historic attractions, including the iconic York Minster, the medieval city walls, and the Jorvik Viking Centre. You can also explore the city’s charming streets and alleys, which are lined with independent shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Finally, if you’re looking for some outdoor adventure, head to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This stunning area of natural beauty is home to rolling hills, picturesque villages, and plenty of opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or an action-packed adventure, Yorkshire has something for everyone.
