Scarborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Scarborough
Gaze up at the iconic limestone cliffs rising from the North Sea in this lively town with a history of explorers.

Scarborough is a coastal town full of traditions, family activities and historic landmarks. It has pleasant beaches with amusement arcades and pubs that attract visitors during summer. Learn about the apprenticeship of one of Europe’s foremost explorers in this port commune.

Among the town’s most historic attractions is the North Bay Railway, which has been running for almost a century. Take the kids on a ride on the miniature railway and learn to control the train yourself. Discover the complex’s range of fun activities, allowing you to walk on water in a hamster ball and balance as you cross elevated ropes and beams.

Rent a boat for a serene trip around the lake in Peasholm Park. It features a hilltop pagoda on an island in the lake. Gather around the lake for a concert or naval warfare battle.

Several beaches surround the town the main two are North Bay Beach and South Bay Beach. Relish the tranquility around the wild terrain of North Bay. Near South Bay, visit the pubs, bars and boutiques facing the sea.

Spend hours looking around the fascinating exhibits in the Captain Cook Memorial Museum. Learn about James Cook and his adventures into a world unknown to Europeans. The museum is based in the house where he served as an apprentice.

Try local specialties, such as fish and chips and other seafood at a restaurant overlooking the town’s limestone cliffs and the North Sea. The locals are known as Scarborians. Enjoy the warm summers with a trip to the beach. Wrap up warm in the windy winter.

The town in Yorkshire County is on the North Sea coast in northeastern England. It is near the cities of York, Leeds, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Hull. Drive north for 4 or 5 hours from London to reach the coastal town.

Scarborough is a place of thrilling family adventure based around the traditions of the seafaring explorers from the past.

Where to stay in Scarborough

Scarborough which includes a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town

Scarborough City Centre

4/5(1 area review)

Scarborough City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its beaches, lively bars and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like South Bay Beach or Mecca Bingo while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Scarborough City Centre
Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
3 out of 5
St. Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough, England
The price is AU$88 per night from 22 Sep to 23 Sep
AU$88
per night
22 Sep - 23 Sep
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
6.4/10 (1,580 reviews)
"Love it"

Reviewed on 16 Sep. 2024

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel
3.5 out of 5
St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, England
The price is AU$96 per night from 22 Sep to 23 Sep
AU$96
per night
22 Sep - 23 Sep
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
7.2/10 Good! (1,000 reviews)
"If I had been told by hotels.com about the charges and difficulty with parking around The Royal Hotel Scarborough, I would not have booked at that Hotel. As it happens we sorted an alternative parking place but it would not have suited visitors who have difficulty walking. The Hotel and Staff were ..."

Reviewed on 15 Sep. 2024

The Royal Hotel
Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
4 out of 5
The Esplanade, Scarborough, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$147 per night from 29 Sep to 30 Sep
AU$147
per night
29 Sep - 30 Sep
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Hotel was perfect location. Yes the walks were hilly but managable. Room was clean comfy beds very spacious. Only think is the heat in the room. Fan barly does anything. Overall we had a fantastic 2 night stay. Used the spa facilities."

Reviewed on 11 Sep. 2024

Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Five Star Stays
Five Star Stays
4 out of 5
10-11 Main Street Seamer, Seamer, Scarborough, England
Stay at this 4-star cottage in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and Scarborough ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (102 reviews)
"Great. Better than expected. Likely stay again in future"

Reviewed on 22 Jul. 2024

Five Star Stays
The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
5 out of 5
Unit 6, Kepwick House, Peasholm Gap, Scarborough, England
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (124 reviews)
"The best vacation by the beach, the amenities and proximity to the ocean was perfect. The reception was extremely helpful and very polite. 10/10 would definitely recommend"

Reviewed on 8 Sep. 2024

The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
Cottage With Sea Views
Cottage With Sea Views
Scarborough
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and patios. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
Stayed 2 nights.
"Cottage was perfect for a little family like ours. Great location close to the beach & food places we also found a little wooden park 5minutes round the corner that was brilliant for the kids to have a run round. Cottage was clean ,plenty off space inside and affordable for a young family. Will definitely ..."

Reviewed on 25 Aug. 2024

Cottage With Sea Views
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Scarborough

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
" "4 - Good 16.666666666666668%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 16.666666666666668%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 16.666666666666668%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved Scarborough and will come back

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We really loved Scarborough. There was so much to do like visiting scarborough castle, the south beach area and Peasholm Park. Very easy to walk around and there are buses or hop on/off buses as well. We visited Whitby, 40 minute drive.

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