Scarborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Scarborough
South Bay Beach featuring a coastal town and a beach
Scarborough
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.

Where to stay in Scarborough

Scarborough featuring a coastal town and a luxury hotel or resort

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 NZ$89 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$89
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
6.6/10 (1,525 reviews)
"Fine old building given the size of the place it’s very well kept, will be back 👍"

Reviewed on 15 Aug. 2025

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel

3.5 out of 5
St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$119 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
NZ$119
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"I liked the location of the hotel I liked the room it was a family room with everything you needed in the room staff was very helpful and friendly and the room was very clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

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
The price is NZ$150 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
NZ$150
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,000 reviews)
Nice spa luxury hotel
"The pool was a great touch to our holiday, but the jacuzzi spa pool was too enclosed & had a really strong smell of chlorine which stung peoples eyes! The breakfast was expensive for what we got & a little cold, but we did go a little late!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug. 2025

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.
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 North Bay Beach and Scarborough ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (145 reviews)
"We enjoyed a great 5 days at The Sands. The accommodation was spacious enough for the three of us (2 adults and a toddler). The kitchen is well equipped for self catering but there are plenty of restaurants and takeaways within close proximity. The bed was extremely comfortable and everything was ..."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
Red Lea Apartments

Red Lea Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Prince of wales terrace, Scarborough, England
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions North Bay Beach and Scarborough ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"My husband & I stayed 4 days.The apartment was spotless.Beds very comfortable.Small park opposite so not overlooked.Kitchen well equipped although a few dishwasher tablets would’ve been welcome.Nice to have some tea bags/coffee/ sugar & milk very welcome on arrival.The lift goes straight into the ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul. 2025

Red Lea Apartments
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 North ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay here. Fully equipped with everything we could possibly need."

Reviewed on 7 Aug. 2025

Five Star Stays
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

Cities near Scarborough