Scarborough is, without question, one of England’s great seaside towns. It has been drawing visitors to its spectacular North Sea coastline since the 17th century, making it one of Britain’s oldest resorts and yet it remains one of the most vital and rewarding, packed with things to see, do, and discover across every season.
Whether you’re visiting with young children, planning a romantic coastal break, travelling with your dog, or looking for a base from which to explore the wider Yorkshire Coast, Scarborough delivers in abundance. Here’s everything you need to know.
Scarborough’s Two Beaches: South Bay and North Bay
The first thing most visitors notice about Scarborough is that it actually has two distinct beaches, separated by the dramatic headland on which the castle stands. Each has its own character and appeal.
South Bay
South Bay is the livelier, more traditional of the two the archetypical British seaside experience. A wide, sweeping arc of sand backed by the ornate Victorian Spa building and a lively promenade, it’s the place to come for classic seaside pleasures: fish and chips, amusements, donkey rides, and ice cream. In summer it buzzes with energy; in autumn and winter it takes on a different and arguably more beautiful quality vast, windswept, and atmospheric.
North Bay
North Bay is the quieter, more residential side of Scarborough. Longer and less crowded, it’s the preferred choice for families with young children (shallower, calmer water), dog walkers (more relaxed seasonal restrictions), and anyone looking for a more peaceful beach experience. The extraordinary Scarborough Open Air Theatre sits right on the North Bay clifftop, and Peasholm Park is just a short walk from the beach.
Scarborough Castle: A Headland Fortress with 3,000 Years of History
Perched on its dramatic headland between the two bays, Scarborough Castle is one of the most impressive fortifications in northern England and one of the finest English Heritage sites in the country. The headland itself has been occupied since the Bronze Age, and the visible ruins date primarily from the 12th century, when Henry II constructed the formidable stone keep that still dominates the skyline.
The views from the castle walls are outstanding in every direction: across South Bay to the Spa, north along the sweep of North Bay towards Scalby Mills, and out to sea as far as the eye can carry. On a clear day, the horizon feels impossibly distant.
Practical information:
- Managed by English Heritage; free entry for members
- Open year-round (reduced hours in winter check the English Heritage website for current times)
- The site includes a visitor centre, audio tour, and excellent interpretation of the castle’s remarkable history
- Accessible parking available on the headland
Peasholm Park: A Hidden Oriental Gem
One of Scarborough’s most unexpected pleasures, Peasholm Park is a beautifully maintained orientally-themed park dating from 1912. Complete with pagodas, a boating lake, floating islands, a waterfall, and densely planted rockeries, it feels like a piece of a Japanese landscape garden transplanted to the Yorkshire coast.
The famous Peasholm Naval Warfare miniature battle display a tradition since 1927 runs on selected afternoons during the summer season, with working model warships enacting historic naval engagements on the lake. It’s gloriously eccentric and enormously enjoyable.
The park is free to enter and makes for a lovely hour or two, particularly for families. It connects directly to North Bay beach by footpath.
Scarborough Open Air Theatre: The UK’s Largest Outdoor Venue
Set spectacularly on the clifftop above North Bay, the Scarborough Open Air Theatre is Europe’s largest open-air performance venue, with a capacity of around 8,500. The theatre has hosted some of the UK’s biggest live acts in recent summers, and the experience of watching a concert here sea air, sweeping views, and thousands of people gathered in this extraordinary natural amphitheatre is unlike any other music venue in the country.
Confirmed 2026 acts include Rick Astley, David Gray, James Arthur, Teddy Swims, The Streets, Scissor Sisters, and Hollywood Vampires. Tickets for popular acts sell out months in advance, so planning your stay around a concert booking is highly recommended.
Scarborough Harbour and the Lighthouse
Scarborough’s working harbour sits at the southern end of South Bay and retains all the character of a genuinely active fishing port. Watch the boats come and go, browse the harbour-side stalls, and visit one of the excellent seafood restaurants serving the morning’s catch.
The harbour lighthouse one of the most photographed landmarks in Scarborough marks the end of the pier and offers a fine vantage point across the bay. The walk along the harbour arm, with the castle headland above and the sea on three sides, is one of the most satisfying short walks in the resort.
The Spa and Victorian Cliff Lift
The Scarborough Spa is one of England’s finest surviving Victorian spa complexes, a Grade II listed building housing a concert hall, exhibition space, and terraced gardens. Throughout the year it hosts concerts, craft fairs, and cultural events check the programme before you visit for what’s on during your stay.
Just along from the Spa, the cliff lift (or funicular tramway) connects the upper town to the seafront. It’s been operating since 1875 and provides an enjoyable and slightly quirky way to move between the promenade and the clifftop. A short ride on a piece of Victorian engineering that’s been running continuously for 150 years.
Family Activities in Scarborough
Scarborough is one of the most genuinely family-friendly resorts in northern England. Beyond the beaches and the castle, highlights for families include:
- Luna Park amusements — traditional seaside arcades and fairground rides on the South Bay seafront; the quintessential British seaside experience for younger children
- Alpamare Waterpark — an indoor/outdoor waterpark in North Bay with slides, pools, and spa facilities; ideal for a rainy day
- The Sea Life Scarborough aquarium on Scalby Mills Road
- Cornelian Bay — a quieter fossil-hunting beach to the south of the town
Day Trips from Scarborough
Scarborough’s position makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider Yorkshire Coast and the North York Moors. Easy day trips include:
- Robin Hood’s Bay (12 miles north) — arguably the most picturesque village on the entire Yorkshire Coast, with its maze of steep lanes and former smugglers’ cottages
- Whitby (18 miles north) — Dracula, the Abbey, 199 steps, and the finest fish and chips in England
- Cayton Bay (4 miles south) — a wilder surf beach popular with bodyboarders, with excellent facilities and a more rugged feel than South Bay
- The North York Moors — the National Park boundary is within 20 minutes’ drive; the moorland town of Pickering, with its medieval castle and steam railway, makes an excellent day out
Practical Information for Visiting Scarborough
Getting there by car: Scarborough is well signposted from the A64 (York–Scarborough road) and the A170 from Thirsk and the Moors. Journey time from York is approximately 50 minutes; from Leeds, just over an hour.
Getting there by train: Scarborough has a direct rail connection from York and Leeds on the TransPennine Express network. The station is centrally located, within comfortable walking distance of South Bay.
Parking: Scarborough has numerous car parks, but they fill quickly in summer. The town operates a pay-and-display system across most central parks. Staying with Yorkshire Coast Holiday Lets in Scarborough? We provide parking scratch cards and local parking advice as standard.
Best time to visit: Scarborough is a genuine year-round destination. Summer brings the full seaside experience; autumn and spring offer excellent walking conditions without the crowds; winter has its own elemental appeal, particularly for coastal walks and atmospheric town exploration.
Where to Stay in Scarborough?
Yorkshire Coast Holiday Lets manages a selection of quality self-catering properties in and around Scarborough, ranging from compact town-centre apartments to larger cottages suitable for families and groups. All properties are personally managed, with direct booking available online.
Book direct at Yorkshire Coast Holiday Lets for the best available rates no platform fees, no commission charges.
