Scarborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Scarborough
Scarborough
Scarborough
Scarborough
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 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.

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Where to stay in Scarborough

Scarborough City Centre

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
Grand Hotel Scarborough

Grand Hotel Scarborough

3 out of 5
St. Nicholas Cliff Scarborough England
The price is NZ$107 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$107
19 May - 20 May
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 (1,340 reviews)
Very clean family room on floor 1, had to go and ask for decaf coffee to be told they didn't stock it slightly disappointed. Then spoke to a member of staff who actually went above and beyond and went and got me some. Entertainment didn't happen due to sound technical problems but bingo went ahead ...

Reviewed on 17 May 2026

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$177 per night from 21 May to 22 May
NZ$177
21 May - 22 May
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)
Friendly staff very helpful was too hot in bathroom radiator on which made bedroom clean very hot had a hot dripping tap

Reviewed on 12 May 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 NZ$135 per night from 19 May to 20 May
NZ$135
19 May - 20 May
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! (1,002 reviews)
Best part of the Hotel the staff friendly and welcoming . Personally would never stay again . The building is grand unfortunately time and the owners have not been kind to it. Very dated and neglected in parts. Appreciate that it’s a budget hotel but come on owners update the facilities. Paid £17:95 ...

Reviewed on 16 May 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.
Beach House Rooms

Beach House Rooms

2 out of 5
36-38 The Esplanade Scarborough England
Stay at this aparthotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a sauna and an indoor pool. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and South Cliff Italian ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
No breakfast menu would of been better witha seperate sink in room and bigger bin to put things in but lovely bed abit sweeky but lovely and clean room loved my stay would stay again

Reviewed on 17 May 2026

Beach House Rooms
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 ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (139 reviews)
The quality and comfort of the property more than met expectations, and is conveniently located. I cannot fault it in any way. My only issues were with Hotels.com; firstly in the fact that there was no information provided about the check in process. I needed to work out for myself that it could ...

Reviewed on 19 Apr 2026

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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (152 reviews)
We had a lovely 2 night stay in the Lockton 6 apartment. Brilliant location right on the beach very handy as i had young kids and family members with mobility issues with me. Was great for nipping back to get a change of clothes or snacks. The apartment and location ticked all our boxes and staff ...

Reviewed on 4 May 2026

The Sands - Sea Front 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.

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