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 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 NZ$87 per night from 22 June to 23 June
NZ$87
22 June - 23 June
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 (1,639 reviews)
"First time staying in the Grand hotel and totally love it. The room was incredible and spacious. The terrance is just perfect for the morning coffee or late afternoon drinks. Car park was having a fee but I felt really save by leaving my car there. Also, the hotel is incredibly close to the beach, ..."

Reviewed on 15 Jun. 2025

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel
3.5 out of 5
St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, England
The price is NZ$117 per night from 22 June to 23 June
NZ$117
22 June - 23 June
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! (1,006 reviews)
"10/10 Great postion for beach / city centre. Marvellous friendly ,helpful staff, good quality breakfast/evening meals , comfortable bed/pillows, fluffy towels, good selection of drinks in the bar, comfy seating in bar , fab Edwardian hotel with a must see staircase and thick plush carpets. I used ..."

Reviewed on 16 Jun. 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$154 per night from 25 June to 26 June
NZ$154
25 June - 26 June
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Lovely hotel."

Reviewed on 14 Jun. 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.
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 South Bay Beach and Scarborough Open ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (122 reviews)
"Really lovely place. Would’ve been handy to know we had to check in at the hotel next door 😁 we knocked and walked in on the neighboring property to try and find out where we were supposed to be."

Reviewed on 27 Apr. 2025

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 North Bay Beach and Scarborough ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (140 reviews)
"Excellent stay, very comfortable and great location, especially for the open air theatre"

Reviewed on 12 Jun. 2025

The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
Marlborough Sea View Holiday Apartments
Marlborough Sea View Holiday Apartments
3 out of 5
22 Blenheim Terrace, Scarborough, England
Stay at this 3-star beach apartment in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions South Bay Beach and North Bay ...
7.4/10 Good! (26 reviews)
"Couldn't fault our stay in the Marlborough apartments, the rooms were excellent, clean, well furnished, with all the amenities of home. We will definitely be staying there again on our next visit to Scarborough..."

Reviewed on 25 Oct. 2023

Marlborough Sea View Holiday Apartments
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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