Scarborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

South Bay Beach showing a coastal town and a sandy beach
South Bay Beach featuring a coastal town and a beach
North Bay Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a couple
North Bay Beach showing general coastal views, landscape views and a coastal town
Scarborough Castle which includes a sunset, general coastal views and building ruins

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 RailwayOpens in a new window, 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 ParkOpens in a new window. 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 BeachOpens in a new window and South Bay BeachOpens in a new window. 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 MuseumOpens in a new window. 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 YorkOpens in a new window, LeedsOpens in a new window, Newcastle-upon-TyneOpens in a new window and Hull. Drive north for 4 or 5 hours from LondonOpens in a new window to reach the coastal town.

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

The Annual Holiday Sale

Members save up to 40% on hotels and homes. Plan this year’s big trip and save.

Where to stay in Scarborough

This is the famous Tramway down to the beach in Scarborough North Yorkshire, behind the building you will also see the black tower of what was once the largest hotel in Europe "The Grand Hotel"

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$74 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$74
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
6.8/10 (1,355 reviews)
Faded grandeur. Beautiful entrance and lobby and public areas. Rooms very dated and basic. Mould in shower, small room, poor and limited dated furniture. Nice staff. Probably value for what I paid. Only great issue… noise from plumbing. If rooms use their radiators and turn them up knocking sound ...

Reviewed on 10 Mar 2026

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality

Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality

4 out of 5
The Esplanade Scarborough England
The price is AU$116 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$116
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
Great hotel, the staff were great especially in the Spa, the breakfast was great, the room was better than expected

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2026

Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel

3.5 out of 5
St Nicholas Street Scarborough England
The price is AU$98 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
AU$98
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
Lovely hotel, it was very quiet, given it was March but a 25 minute wait for someone to come and serve in the bar seemed excessive- just didn’t seem to have staff about the place. Beach view was great and room very big. Great location if you can find a spot to park your car.

Reviewed on 9 Mar 2026

The Royal Hotel
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 Scarborough England
Stay at this cottage in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and Scarborough ...
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 luxury aparthotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and North ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (150 reviews)
Lovely spacious apartment, facilities excellent. Couldn't be in a better location. Fabulous staff. Immaculately clean.

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
Cottage With Sea Views

Cottage With Sea Views

Scarborough England
Stay at this family-friendly holiday home in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, laundry facilities and patios. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (150 reviews)
Clean and quaint, a lovely place to stay.

Reviewed on 20 Feb 2026

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

Activities

Reviews of Scarborough

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
3
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 17%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 17%
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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