10 Unmissable Things To Do In Scarborough UK (North Yorkshire)
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Scarborough is one of my favorite seaside resort towns on the North Yorkshire coastline. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing getaway, offering so much to see and do. I love the lovely beaches, the historic castle, the beautiful surroundings, and of course, the delicious food—especially the classic fish and chips.
The vintage fair museum is another highlight I always recommend. From its early days as a fishing port to its transformation into a lively resort town, Scarborough truly has something for everyone.
Let me take you through all the best things to do in Scarborough that you shouldn’t miss during your visit.
1. Visit the Scarborough Castle
Scarborough Castle has a thrilling history that stretches back over 3,000 years. Once one of England’s greatest royal fortresses, it still stands proudly on a rocky promontory between the North Bay and South Bay. I’m always amazed by the breathtaking panoramic views of Scarborough town and the coastline from the castle grounds.
One of my favorite parts of visiting the castle is exploring the Master Gunner’s House. Inside, you’ll find fascinating artifacts, prehistoric weapons, paintings, and antiques that offer glimpses into the castle’s incredible past.
I also love stopping by the charming café in the Master Gunner’s House, where I can relax with a hot drink, a tasty snack, or a slice of cake after exploring the history of this remarkable site.
2. Admire the Peasholm Park
Peasholm Park is one of my favorite spots in Scarborough and has often been voted one of the best parks in England. This oriental-themed park is full of charm, with beautiful waterfalls, exotic tree-lined trails, picturesque bridges, peaceful walkways, mystical gardens, pagoda temples, and a tranquil lake at its center.
I loved hiring a traditional paddling boat or one of the unique dragon boats for a relaxing ride on the lake—boating here, surrounded by the park’s beauty and the sound of waterfalls, is an absolute must-do.
Another highlight for me is the renowned Naval Warfare show, which takes place three days a week during July and August (usually Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, but do check for updates). This quirky and entertaining show draws thousands of visitors every year, and I always recommend it to anyone visiting Scarborough.
The Peasholm Park also has a mini golf course where you can practice your golf skills. The needed equipments are available for a small charge inside the park. Spending relaxing and leisure time at the Peasholm park is one of the best free things to do in Scarborough.
3. Go on a Train Ride at the North Bay Heritage Railway
A round-trip train journey on the miniature heritage railway is one of my favorite ways to take in the stunning North Yorkshire coastline. The ride starts at Peasholm Park and travels to Scalby Mills along the scenic North Bay. The journey itself is about 30 minutes long and always feels both relaxing and fun.
There’s even more to enjoy at the heritage railway. I love the thrill of the historic water chute, trying out the walking water balls, and challenging myself on the sky trail. Each activity adds a unique bit of fun to the experience and makes the visit all the more memorable.
4. Explore the Rotunda Museum
The Rotunda Museum is a real haven for history buffs like me, packed with fascinating objects and fossils that go back to the very origins of mankind. I’m always amazed by the incredible exhibits—dinosaur fossils, Bronze Age artifacts, and other historic treasures unearthed from Yorkshire’s famous Dinosaur Coast.
With over 5,500 fossils in its collection, the Rotunda is not only a trove of ancient wonders but also one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the United Kingdom, having opened its doors in 1829. Every visit feels like a journey through time.
5. Visit the Scarborough Spa
The Spa is one of my favorite entertainment spots in Scarborough. This vibrant complex hosts live musical orchestras, theatrical shows, and exhibitions all year round.
What makes it even more special is its location—the backdrop of the beautiful South Bay seafront gives me the chance to enjoy amazing events while taking in breathtaking views of the coastline. Experiencing a show at The Spa feels truly unique, and it’s easily one of the coolest things to do in Scarborough.
6. Adore the Gorgeous South Cliff Italian Gardens
The stunning South Cliff Italian Gardens are always a treat for my eyes whenever I visit Scarborough. Just a short walk from the Scarborough Spa, these beautiful Italian-style gardens are an attraction I never miss.
Strolling through the grounds, I’m captivated by the colorful flowerbeds, the elegant lily pond crowned with a statue of Mercury, and the symmetrical plantings and terraced walkways. It’s the perfect place to relax, wander, and recharge away from the bustle of the seaside crowds.
7. Catch Bird’s Eye View of Scarborough from Oliver’s Mount
Oliver’s Mount is one of my favorite places to take in the most spectacular views of Scarborough. From here, I can see everything—the castle, both the North and South Bay coastlines, and the town laid out below.
The tall obelisk on the mount is a moving tribute to the victims of the world wars, adding a sense of history and reflection to the visit. What really makes Oliver’s Mount stand out for me, though, are the exciting events held here—motorcycle racing, car rallies, and car hill climb competitions that take place at select times throughout the year.
It’s a spot that combines breathtaking scenery, history, and adrenaline-pumping action all in one.
8. Visit the SEA Life Scarborough
The SEA Life Scarborough is located at the promenade of North Bay beach. It’s a fascinating marine life sanctuary with 12 themed zones. The up close encounters with penguins on Penguin Island and entry to Yorkshire’s only Seal hospital where rescued seals are taken care of, are some of the most delightful experiences to have at the SEA Life.
Learn about the hundreds of marine species, including turtles, octopus, sharks, sea horses, otters, rays, and more, as you proceed through the zones. There is also a rock pooling opportunity at one of the zones in the sanctuary.
9. See The Scarborough Fair Collection
The Scarborough Fair Collection is like stepping into a treasure trove of nostalgia for me. It’s filled with vintage locomotives, classic cars, steam engines, model railways, fairground rides, and mechanical organs—many of which have been lovingly restored and are still in working order. I think it’s a fantastic place to visit with kids, as there are plenty of fun rides, including the ever-popular bumper cars, and ongoing events that keep everyone entertained.
One of the highlights for me is the afternoon tea dance events they host regularly. Whether I’m watching the rides in action or joining in with a dance, the Scarborough Fair Collection always brings a smile to my face and is a must-visit spot whenever I’m in town.
10. Soak In Some Sunshine At The Beach
Scarborough is blessed with two stunning beaches—South Bay and North Bay. I always find myself drawn to South Bay beach when I’m in the mood for a lively atmosphere. With its soft sand, calm waves, bustling promenade, and easy access to eateries and the town center, it’s perfect for boating, swimming, surfing, fishing, or even yachting. The iconic Scarborough Spa provides a vibrant backdrop that makes South Bay feel extra special.
When I want a quieter beach day, I head to North Bay Beach. It’s less crowded and has rolling waves that are popular with surfers. I love the colorful chalets along the promenade—both single and double-storey—which you can rent for a memorable seaside escape. If the tide is right, North Bay is also great for rock pooling and discovering marine life in the pools left behind by the sea.
That wraps up my guide to the best things to do in Scarborough! Up next are some useful tips and general information to help you plan your visit to this wonderful town.
Where To Stay In Scarborough
The best accommodations in Scarborough are the ones with great views of it’s huge coastline and located close to all the major attractions the town has to offer. Here are my highly recommended hotels in Scarborough;
Budget (Below £70) : The Leeway Guesthouse is a great bargain in Scarborough. It offers amazing views of the Yorkshire coastline across the North Bay to Scarborough castle. The rooms are cozy and comfortable. It’s also located at close proximity to all the major attractions in Scarborough.
Luxury (£100+) : The Crown Spa Hotel offers luxurious services with great views of the South Bay. The Scarborough town center is located at just a 10 minutes walking distance from the hotel. The hotel is boutique styled and has a modern fitness health center which feature spa, sauna, salon and steam bath rooms. The rooms are comfortable, elegantly designed and spacious.
How To Get Around In Scarborough
Scarborough has a well-connected public transport network with trams, trains, and buses, making it easy to get around. I love that the stations are all within walking distance of the beaches and the castle.
That said, if you’re looking for maximum convenience and a completely hassle-free experience, I highly recommend bringing your own car. Having a car gives you the flexibility to explore Scarborough and its beautiful surroundings at your own pace.
Best Time To Visit Scarborough
Scarborough’s peak season is during the summers which fall between June and September. August is the warmest month of Scarborough. During summers, the average high is of 20 degrees while the average low can go down to 10 degrees. However, Scarborough is a also a popular destination to visit during Christmas due to many ongoing events and entertainment activities organised in the town.
With so many wonderful things to do, Scarborough is easily one of my favorite holiday spots in the UK. The beautiful beaches, lovely parks, historic landmarks, fun attractions, and vintage fairs mean there’s truly something for everyone. For me, Scarborough is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in the UK during the summer.
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