25 Best Things to Do in Scarborough, North Yorkshire (2026 Guide)

June 13, 2026 George 0 Comments

Scarborough is Britain’s original seaside resort — the town began attracting visitors in the 1600s when its mineral springs were discovered, predating every other British coastal resort by at least a century. Today it remains one of England’s most complete seaside destinations: a dramatic clifftop castle, two distinctly different bays, a working harbour, the world’s first municipal open-air theatre, Victorian spa architecture, and a variety of attractions that keep families, couples, and solo travellers busy for days.

This guide covers the 25 best things to do in Scarborough, North Yorkshire — from the iconic landmarks to hidden gems, indoor rainy day options, and the best things to do with families or adults.

Things to Do in Scarborough: Quick Overview

Attraction	Type	Best For
Scarborough Castle	Historic site	History lovers; clifftop views; all ages
South Bay Beach	Beach	Families; swimming; classic seaside
North Bay Beach	Beach	Quieter; dog friendly; rock pools
Scarborough Harbour	Waterfront	Fish and chips; boat trips; atmosphere
SEA LIFE Scarborough	Aquarium	Families; rainy days; children
Peasholm Park	Park/Gardens	Free; families; miniature railway
Open Air Theatre	Entertainment	Summer concerts; unique venue
Rotunda Museum	Museum	Geology; history; free/low cost
Scarborough Spa	Entertainment/Venue	Theatre; concerts; spa complex
Dalby Forest	Outdoors	Walking; cycling; day trips from Scarborough

Top Scarborough Attractions

1. Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle is the defining landmark of the town — a medieval fortress perched dramatically on a headland between North and South Bays, offering some of the finest coastal views in England. The castle dates back to the 12th century and was built by Henry II, though the site has been occupied since the Iron Age and the Romans built a signal station here. English Heritage manages the site, which includes extensive ruins, an interactive visitor centre, and cannon-equipped walls overlooking both bays.

The clifftop position alone makes the visit worthwhile — the panorama across South Bay, the harbour, and northwards along the Yorkshire coast is outstanding on a clear day. The castle featured in the Siege of Scarborough during the English Civil War, and Mary Queen of Scots’ lover, the Earl of Bothwell, was imprisoned here.

Location: Castle Road, Scarborough, YO11 1HY
Opening: Daily (seasonal hours — check English Heritage website)
Admission: £10-13 adults; £6-8 children; free for English Heritage members
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Best for: History enthusiasts; clifftop views; photography

2. South Bay Beach

South Bay is Scarborough’s classic seaside beach — the grand sweep of golden sand beneath the castle headland that has defined the British beach holiday for over three centuries. The beach has traditional seaside amenities: donkey rides, arcades, fish and chip shops along the promenade, ice cream kiosks, and hiring of beach huts. Scarborough’s South Bay also hosts the annual Scarborough Cricket Festival at the ground immediately above the bay, one of the oldest cricket festivals in the world.

The beach is backed by the Scarborough Spa complex and the Grand Hotel — a Victorian railway hotel that was reputedly the largest in the world when built in 1867. Swimming is popular in summer; lifeguards patrol during the season. The central location and amenities make South Bay the family focal point of any Scarborough visit.

Location: South Bay, central Scarborough
Cost: Free beach access
Lifeguards: Seasonal (check RNLI website for patrol dates)
Best for: Families; classic British seaside experience; paddling and swimming

3. North Bay Beach

North Bay is Scarborough’s quieter, less commercialised beach and many locals prefer it for exactly that reason. The bay is longer and less crowded than South Bay, with rock pools at the northern end that are excellent for children at low tide. North Bay is dog-friendly throughout the year (South Bay has seasonal dog restrictions). The miniature North Bay Railway runs from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills along the clifftop — one of Scarborough’s most charming and overlooked attractions.

Location: North Bay, Scarborough — accessible from Marine Drive or Peasholm Gap
Cost: Free
Dog friendly: Year-round
Best for: Quieter beach day; rock pooling; dog walking; families

4. Scarborough Harbour

Scarborough Harbour is a working fishing harbour and one of the most characterful spots in the town. The inner harbour is lined with fish merchants and has an active inshore fishing fleet. Fresh fish — particularly crab and lobster — can be bought directly from stalls and merchants on the harbour front. The harbour is also the departure point for pleasure boat trips along the coast, and the view back to the castle from the harbour is one of the most photographed compositions in Yorkshire.

The harbour area has a concentration of the best fish and chip shops in Scarborough — Harbour Bar and The Magpie (just along the coast in Whitby, arguably the finest chippy in Yorkshire) set a high standard that several Scarborough establishments match. The Golden Grid on Sandside is consistently rated among the best.

Location: Sandside, Scarborough
Cost: Free to visit
Boat trips: Seasonal pleasure trips from the harbour; check local operators
Best for: Fresh seafood; atmosphere; photography; boat trips

5. SEA LIFE Scarborough

SEA LIFE Scarborough is the town’s most popular indoor attraction and an excellent option for families with young children or on rainy days. The aquarium features displays of marine life from tropical and cold-water environments, with walk-through tunnels, interactive rock pools, and regular feeding demonstrations. Particularly popular with children are the seahorse sanctuary and the shark and ray display.

As part of the SEA LIFE Trust conservation programme, the Scarborough centre supports marine conservation work. Booking online in advance is recommended during school holidays to avoid queues and typically saves money versus walk-up prices.

Location: Scalby Mills Road, North Bay, Scarborough, YO12 6RP
Opening: Daily (seasonal hours vary)
Admission: ~£16-22 adults; £12-16 children (cheaper online)
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Best for: Families; rainy days; children under 12

6. Peasholm Park

Peasholm Park is one of Scarborough’s most beloved free attractions — a Japanese-themed park and boating lake in a sheltered valley above North Bay. The park was created in 1912 and features a pagoda, Japanese-style bridges, ornamental gardens, and a large lake where rowing boats and pedalos can be hired. The miniature railway at the park’s edge connects Peasholm to Scalby Mills along the clifftop.

The park hosts the famous Peasholm Park Naval Warfare — a unique mock naval battle re-enactment on the boating lake that takes place on selected evenings during summer, a Scarborough tradition dating back to 1927. It’s kitsch, charming, and entirely British — not to be missed if you’re visiting in summer.

Location: Peasholm Drive, Scarborough, YO12 7TW
Admission: Free (boat hire additional charge)
Naval Warfare: Selected summer evenings — check scarborough.gov.uk for dates
Best for: Free day out; families; Japanese garden aesthetics; boating

7. Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Open Air Theatre is the largest open-air theatre in the UK with a capacity of around 8,500 — and it holds a remarkable historical claim: it is the world’s first municipal open-air theatre, having opened in 1932. The theatre hosts a summer concert season featuring major acts across pop, rock, and classical music, typically running from May to September. Past performers include Elton John, Kylie Minogue, Duran Duran, and the Proms by the Sea.

The natural acoustic and atmosphere of a warm summer evening concert here is genuinely special — one of Scarborough’s most distinctive experiences that you won’t find anywhere else in England. Book well in advance for popular acts as capacity sells out quickly.

Location: Burniston Road, North Bay, Scarborough, YO12 6PF
Season: May-September (check programme at scarboroughopenairtheatre.com)
Tickets: Varies by act (£25-80 typical range)
Best for: Summer concerts; unique venue experience; couples; adults

8. Rotunda Museum

The Rotunda Museum is one of England’s most architecturally distinctive museums — a circular building purpose-built in 1829 to display the geological collections of William Smith, the ‘Father of English Geology.’ The museum’s collection focuses on the natural history and geology of the Yorkshire coast, including fossils from the local cliffs, Jurassic period specimens, and the story of how this stretch of coastline helped establish modern geology as a science.

The building itself is worth seeing — the circular interior with tiered galleries is unusual and attractive. Admission is very reasonable and the museum is an excellent option for a wet afternoon in Scarborough.

Location: Vernon Road, Scarborough, YO11 2PW
Admission: Low cost (typically £4-6 adults; free for under 16s with paying adult)
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
Best for: History and geology enthusiasts; rainy days; unusual buildings

9. Scarborough Spa

The Scarborough Spa complex on South Bay is one of the most historically significant seaside entertainment venues in Britain. The original spa buildings date to the Victorian era and the complex has been a centre of Scarborough’s social life since the town’s earliest days as a resort. Today the Spa hosts theatre productions, concerts, comedy nights, and events throughout the year. The ballroom is particularly grand — a remnant of Victorian seaside grandeur that remains genuinely impressive.

Location: South Bay, Scarborough, YO11 2HD
Events: Year-round — check scarboroughspa.co.uk for current programme
Best for: Evening entertainment; theatre; concerts; adults

10. Raincliffe and Forge Valley Woods

Just 5 miles from Scarborough town centre, Raincliffe Woods and the adjoining Forge Valley National Nature Reserve offer beautiful woodland walking in a sheltered river valley. The River Derwent flows through Forge Valley — one of the finest ancient woodland habitats on the Yorkshire coast. Kingfishers, dippers, and otters have been spotted in the valley. The woodland is at its most spectacular in spring (bluebells, wild garlic) and autumn (golden leaf colour).

Location: Near East Ayton, approximately 5 miles from Scarborough
Cost: Free
Best for: Walking; wildlife; nature photography; free day out

More Things to Do in Scarborough

11. North Bay Miniature Railway

The North Bay Railway is a 20-inch gauge miniature steam railway running 700 metres along the clifftop from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills. Operating since 1931, it’s a charming piece of Scarborough’s heritage and a delight for children. The round trip takes about 20 minutes and offers sea views along the North Bay clifftop.

Location: Peasholm Gap to Scalby Mills
Season: Spring-autumn (check northbayrailway.co.uk for timetable)
Fare: Small charge for the round trip

12. Scarborough Art Gallery

Scarborough Art Gallery is housed in a handsome Italianate villa and displays a collection of artworks connected to the Yorkshire coast — marine paintings, landscapes by the Staithes Group of artists, and temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Admission is free, making it a worthwhile stop on any visit. The building itself, with its distinctive tower, is an attraction in its own right.

Location: The Crescent, Scarborough, YO11 2PW
Admission: Free

13. Coastal Cliff Walks

Scarborough sits on the Cleveland Way National Trail, which passes through the town on its route between Helmsley and Filey. The clifftop walk north from Scarborough towards Cloughton and Hayburn Wyke is particularly rewarding — dramatic cliff scenery, views out to sea, and access to secluded coves below. Hayburn Wyke (approximately 5 miles north) is a National Nature Reserve with a waterfall onto the beach — one of the finest short coastal walks in Yorkshire.

14. Filey (Day Trip)

Filey is a quieter, more genteel seaside town 7 miles south of Scarborough — easily reachable by train (15 minutes) or car. Filey has one of the finest beaches on the Yorkshire coast, a Victorian Edwardian town centre largely unchanged, and Filey Brigg — a rocky promontory jutting into the North Sea that offers spectacular coastal views. A Scarborough day combining Filey is a classic Yorkshire coast itinerary.

15. Dalby Forest (Day Trip)

Dalby Forest in the North York Moors is approximately 12 miles from Scarborough and one of the finest forest recreation areas in England. Forestry England manages an extensive network of walking and cycling trails through the spruce and larch plantations. A Go Ape treetop adventure course operates in the forest, and the Adder Café at the visitor centre is well regarded. Particularly good for families and cyclists.

16. Stephen Joseph Theatre

The Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough is internationally renowned as the home of playwright Sir Alan Ayckbourn, who premiered nearly all of his 90+ plays here over a five-decade association with the theatre. The theatre-in-the-round format in a converted Odeon cinema is intimate and distinctive. An evening at the SJT is one of Scarborough’s most culturally significant experiences.

Location: Westborough, Scarborough, YO11 1JW
Tickets: From approximately £15-35

17. Scarborough’s Fish and Chips

No visit to Scarborough is complete without fish and chips. The town has a genuine claim to some of the best fish and chips in England — the proximity to the North Sea fishing grounds means the fish is fresh, and the Yorkshire tradition of quality chip shop cooking is well maintained. Top choices include the Golden Grid (Sandside, near the harbour), Marine (North Bay), and Papas (multiple locations). The debate about the best fish and chip shop in Scarborough is one of Yorkshire’s most contentious local conversations.

18. Spa Cliff Lift (Spa-South Cliff Tramway)

Scarborough has three funicular cliff lifts — the South Cliff Tramway (connecting the Esplanade to the Spa), the Central Tramway (connecting the town centre to South Bay beach), and the St Nicholas Cliff lift. These Victorian funiculars are a characterful and practical way to navigate Scarborough’s dramatic topography between the clifftop town and the bays below. The South Cliff Tramway, opened in 1875, is the oldest surviving funicular railway in Britain.

19. Dinosaur Fossil Hunting at Burniston

The Yorkshire coast is one of the most productive fossil-hunting locations in England, particularly for Jurassic marine reptiles and ammonites. The beach at Burniston, a few miles north of Scarborough, is accessible and productive for fossil hunters. Ammonites can sometimes be found in beach boulders; the RNLI-approved fossil hunting code applies — collect loose material from the beach, not from the cliffs. The Rotunda Museum provides good context before a fossil-hunting trip.

20. Scarborough Beer Festival

The Scarborough Beer Festival, typically held in autumn, is one of Yorkshire’s most popular CAMRA events — hundreds of real ales, ciders, and perries from Yorkshire and national breweries in the Spa complex. A highlight of the Scarborough calendar for ale enthusiasts.

Things to Do in Scarborough on a Rainy Day

SEA LIFE Scarborough — aquarium; 1.5-2 hours
Rotunda Museum — geology and history; 1-1.5 hours; low cost
Scarborough Art Gallery — free; Italianate villa; Yorkshire coast art
Stephen Joseph Theatre — matinée performances available
Scarborough Spa — check for daytime events and exhibitions
Escape rooms — several providers operate in Scarborough town centre
Scarborough’s arcades and amusement centres — classic British seaside entertainment
Browse the Old Town — independent shops, cafés, and galleries around the harbour

Things to Do in Scarborough for Families

South Bay Beach — donkey rides, paddling, sandcastles; classic family beach day
SEA LIFE Scarborough — excellent for children under 12
Peasholm Park — free; boating lake; miniature railway nearby; Naval Warfare in summer
North Bay Miniature Railway — children love the steam engines
Scarborough Castle — interactive visitor centre; good for older children
North Bay rock pools — low tide exploration; free; excellent for curious children
Dalby Forest Go Ape — treetop adventure for children and adults

Things to Do in Scarborough for Adults

Scarborough Open Air Theatre concert — summer evenings; major acts
Stephen Joseph Theatre — world-class theatre in intimate setting
Coastal cliff walk to Hayburn Wyke — 5 miles; spectacular scenery
Dalby Forest cycling — hire bikes; scenic forest trails
Scarborough Beer Festival (autumn) — CAMRA Yorkshire event
Fossil hunting at Burniston — Jurassic coast geology
Scarborough Spa evening events — concerts; theatre; comedy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Scarborough, North Yorkshire famous for?

Scarborough is famous as Britain’s oldest and original seaside resort — people have been visiting since the 1600s when its mineral springs were discovered. Today it’s known for its dramatic clifftop castle, two beautiful bays (South Bay with traditional seaside amenities; quieter North Bay), a working harbour with fresh seafood, the world’s largest open-air theatre, and its position on the stunning Yorkshire coast. Scarborough also has strong literary connections — Anne Brontë spent her final days here and is buried in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church below the castle.

How many days do you need in Scarborough?

Two to three days is ideal for a comfortable Scarborough visit — enough time to explore both bays and the harbour, visit Scarborough Castle, spend time in Peasholm Park, and take at least one day trip to Filey or Dalby Forest. A weekend break covers the key highlights comfortably. A single day is enough to see the main sights if time is limited, though you’ll need to prioritise.

Is Scarborough worth visiting?

Yes — Scarborough is one of the most complete and characterful British seaside resorts, combining natural beauty (the two contrasting bays, clifftop castle, dramatic coastline), genuine history (the oldest resort in Britain), quality food (excellent fish and chips, fresh harbour seafood), and a range of activities that suits families, couples, and solo visitors equally well. It’s significantly less commercially developed than Brighton or Blackpool while having more to offer than most smaller seaside towns.

What is the best time to visit Scarborough?

July and August are the busiest months with the warmest weather and full attraction opening. June and September offer better weather than autumn or winter with smaller crowds — often the best time to visit. The Open Air Theatre season runs May-September. Spring (April-May) is pleasant for coastal walks and wildlife. Winter is quiet but the castle and harbour retain their atmosphere year-round, and several Scarborough hotels offer good value off-season breaks.

Are there dog-friendly beaches in Scarborough?

Yes — North Bay beach is dog-friendly throughout the year. South Bay has seasonal dog restrictions (dogs are not permitted on the main South Bay beach during the summer season, typically May-September). Scarborough’s clifftop walks and Peasholm Park are dog-friendly year-round. Burniston beach to the north is also dog-friendly and good for fossil hunting.

Final Thoughts

Scarborough has everything that makes the British seaside special — dramatic scenery, genuine history, excellent seafood, two contrasting beaches, and the kind of traditional seaside character that’s increasingly rare. Whether you’re chasing nostalgia for the classic British holiday or looking for coastal walks, world-class theatre, and fresh fish and chips, Scarborough delivers. Start at the castle for the view, spend time at whichever bay suits your mood, and make sure you eat your chips on the harbour.