Skip to main content

Top things to do in Scarborough

Attractions, tours and activities in Scarborough

Scarborough: the city's best neighbourhoods

Find a great area to stay in Scarborough

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.

Tonight

From per night

Next weekend

From per night

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

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in Scarborough

Scarborough reviews

What other travellers say about Scarborough

10

Scarborough has a variety of things to do.

28 June 2024

Scarborough has a variety of things to do. Great for walking, shopping or just chatting to other people you meet along the Promenade. Such a friendly place with lots of restaurants and ice cream shops.

June
June New Zealand
10

Scarborough is a great place - something for everyone of all...

28 June 2024

Scarborough is a great place - something for everyone of all ages. Beautiful beaches, parks, the castle and many more walks. Great for shopping and eating out. A walk up to the castle is well worthwhile and views are amazing. Peasholm Park is absolutely gorgeous. Local buses and trains great for getting around if you don't have a car.

Nicola
Nicola United Kingdom
8.0

We were going to Yorkshire v Gloucestershire County...

26 June 2024

We were going to Yorkshire v Gloucestershire County Championship at North Marine Road in Scarborough for 3 days out of 4 23rd- 25th June. Had breakfast in Fairways Cafe and Corner Cafe on North Marine Road and dinner at The Ivanhoe on Burniston Road. Bought sandwiches from Cooplands and snacks newspapers from Premier stores. Scarborough looked busy with Cricket game well attended.

Anonymous
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

Popular places to stay in Scarborough

Stay in some of the best accommodation Scarborough has to offer

gogless