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Top things to do in Scarborough

Attractions, tours and activities in Scarborough

Scarborough: the city's best neighbourhoods

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About Scarborough

Including tips for the best time to visit Scarborough

Scarborough is characterised by its craggy stone headlands looking over the North Sea. This 10th-century Viking fishing settlement is one of northeastern England’s most popular seaside resort towns, offering a good mix of beaches for sunny days and museums for the rainy ones.

The history of the city is closely knitted with the Scarborough Castle that has witnessed centuries-worth of events and sieges, while standing mightily on a huge promontory above the sea. You can visit the castle to not only trace the past of this royal fortress, but also get unparalleled views of the dramatic Yorkshire Coast. Scarborough’s Old Town extends along the harbour and castle hill. You can walk down its narrow streets to get a glimpse of the city’s rich maritime heritage while nibbling on a stick of rock, a local candy.

When the skies are clear, you can soak up some sun along the sandy shores of South Bay or walk around the oriental-themed Peasholm Park. For some traditional English fish and chips, make your way to a waterfront eatery at Scarborough Harbour. You can also spend time exploring the Scarborough Spa and hear an orchestra play some classical tunes while enjoying the sea breeze.

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Most popular time to visit October–December
Cheapest time to visit January–March
Local currency GBP
Language English
Average weekend price £93 per night
Average weekday price £87 per night
Typical stay 1 night

Points of interest in Scarborough

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Scarborough reviews

What other travellers say about Scarborough

10

Lovely little Town, lots to do, beautiful beach, amenities...

22 June 2024

Lovely little Town, lots to do, beautiful beach, amenities good, friendly atmosphere. We went to see Deacon Blue at the outdoor arena, good facilities there as well and within walking distance of the hotel

Paul
Paul United Kingdom
8.0

Great seaside resort with the usual seaside shops along the...

22 June 2024

Great seaside resort with the usual seaside shops along the South Bay seafront. Lovely sandy beach and fun things to do. The North Bay is more secluded with no shops other than a couple at the bottom of some flats. Scarborough town centre is busy and full of usual shops. There is an indoor market at one end of the town and a superb fish and chip restaurant, Wackers, next to Iceland. The sea birds on the cliff face are varied and great for bird watchers. Peasholm Park is beautiful and has some big names perform there over the summer. While we were there, it was Jess Glyn and was sold out. Lovely Aquarium further round from North Bay. Easy to use and regular buses to get from north to south or vice versa and to explore further afield.

Jan
Jan United Kingdom
10

We have been to Scarborough loads of times as we stayed in...

20 June 2024

We have been to Scarborough loads of times as we stayed in Filey at The Whiehouse . Beautiful place with lots to do and great views . We went to the Open Air Theatre to see my favourites Simple Minds there . Fantastic venue will be returning x

Millie
Millie United Kingdom
8.0

The town is a little shabby but there are plenty of well...

19 June 2024

The town is a little shabby but there are plenty of well known shops. Very historic and would have loved to have stayed longer to see the castle, lighthouse and gardens . I shall be returning for a future visit.

Melanie
Melanie United Kingdom
8.0

Visited to attend a concert at Scarborough Open Air.

17 June 2024

Visited to attend a concert at Scarborough Open Air. Spent the day on the sea front which was lovely plenty of amusements, shops, pubs, cafes, ice cream parlours. The shame about the weekend was the weather rained all weekend and night but did not spoil any of the weekend just typical British weather. Plenty of shops to buy ponchos!

Gillian
Gillian United Kingdom
8.0

I liked the beach,and the arcades.

15 June 2024

I liked the beach,and the arcades.There is quite a few things to do,it's definitely kid orientated.It has a little fun fair,a sea life centre which is located on the north bay beach side and a miniature railway also.

Anonymous

Popular places to stay in Scarborough

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