Things to do in Scarborough, North Yorkshire
- Scarborough was the first English seaside town to develop a tourism industry, with visitors flocking to the 'Spa' as early as 1626.
- The town's historic North Bay is home to the oldest seaside miniature railway in the United Kingdom, operating since 1931.
- Scarborough was the target of the first German naval attack on British soil during World War I, an event known as the Raid on Scarborough.
- The town holds the unusual distinction of having a ghost-themed museum and a long-standing reputation for paranormal sightings near its cliffside hotels.
- Local tradition dictates that the song 'Scarborough Fair' dates back to the Middle Ages, referencing a long-running merchant market that lasted for 45 days annually.
About Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Scarborough is England's original seaside resort, famously established in the 17th century following the discovery of mineral-rich spring water. Situated on the North Sea coast, the town is physically divided by a headland that hosts the medieval Scarborough Castle. Its dual-character geography features the historic South Bay harbor and the more tranquil North Bay, where visitors can enjoy the Japanese-themed landscapes of Peasholm Park. Culturally, the town is renowned for the Stephen Joseph Theatre, where playwright Alan Ayckbourn first staged many of his world-famous works.
Highlights of Scarborough, North Yorkshire
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Historical places
Explore the ruins of a 12th-century fortress that dominates the skyline between the two bays.
Parks
Enjoy the unique Oriental-themed gardens and watch the iconic mock naval battles performed on the lake.
Places of interest
Walk through an underwater tunnel to view North Sea marine life and resident Humboldt penguins.
Parks
Experience Alpine-themed water slides and heated outdoor pools overlooking the North Sea coastline.
Places of interest
Take a ride on a historic miniature gauge train that has connected the coastline since the early 1930s.
Parks
Access the highest point in town for a panoramic vista of the coastline and the North Sea.
Museums
View fossils and geological findings that document the Jurassic-era heritage of the Yorkshire coast.
Historical places
Visit the final resting place of the youngest Bronte sister located in the historic St Mary’s churchyard.
Top things to do in Scarborough, North Yorkshire
The 129 highest-rated places in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Peasholm Park is a historic oriental-themed park in Scarborough featuring a central island reachable by a bridge or peda...
2
Historical places
Scarborough Castle occupies a prominent headland separating the North and South Bays of the North Sea coastline. The sit...
3
Museums
Eden Camp Modern History Museum is a sprawling, immersive military museum housed within the original huts of a World War...
4
Parks
RSPB Bempton Cliffs is the UK's most significant mainland breeding colony for seabirds, located on the chalk cliffs of t...
5
Amusement parks
Flamingo Land Resort is a combined theme park, zoo, and holiday village located in North Yorkshire, England. The attract...
6
Parks
Flamborough Outer Headlands Nature Reserve is a designated Local Nature Reserve protecting a prominent chalk headland on...
7
Museums
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is an 18-mile heritage line operating restored steam and diesel locomotives through th...
8
Places of interest
Sewerby Hall & Gardens is a Grade I listed Georgian country house situated on the cliff tops overlooking the North Sea i...
9
Places of interest
SEA LIFE Scarborough is a marine aquarium situated directly on the North Bay coastline of North Yorkshire. The facility...
10
Beaches and ponds
Bridlington Sea Front spans two distinct main beaches, North and South, separated by the historic working harbor. The to...
11
Parks
Alpamare UK is a waterpark in Scarborough featuring four high-speed slides, a wave pool, and a dedicated Alpine-themed w...
12
Parks
Filey Brigg Country Park is a peninsula situated on the North Yorkshire coast, forming the northern boundary of Filey Ba...
13
Natural attractions
Dalby Forest, managed by Forestry England, covers over 8,000 acres of woodland and moorland within the North York Moors...
14
Zoos
Bridlington Animal Park is an intimate, family-run zoo situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. The park focuses on...
15
Historical places
Flamborough Head Lighthouse is an active aid to navigation operated by Trinity House on the Yorkshire coast of England....
16
Parks
Glen Gardens is a clifftop public park situated in the seaside town of Filey, North Yorkshire. The park features manicur...
17
Parks
YWT Flamborough Cliffs is a chalk cliff nature reserve managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust on the North Sea coast. T...
18
Zoos
Filey Bird Garden & Animal Park is a family-oriented wildlife attraction located on the North Yorkshire coast. It featur...
19
Places of interest
The Scarborough North Bay Railway is a miniature heritage line running 0.8 miles along the coastline between Peasholm Pa...
20
Places of interest
Bondville Model Village is a meticulously crafted miniature town featuring over 200 small-scale buildings situated withi...
21
Places of interest
Playdale Farm Park is a family-oriented attraction located in Cayton, near Scarborough, North Yorkshire. The park featur...
22
Parks
Danes Dyke Nature Reserve is a 148-acre wooded ravine and historical earthwork situated on the Flamborough Headland. The...
23
Museums
The Scarborough Fair Collection houses a private assembly of vintage fairground rides, mechanical organs, and classic ca...
24
Venues
The Stephen Joseph Theatre is a pioneering venue in Scarborough that popularized the theatre-in-the-round format in the...
25
Parks
The Italian Gardens in Scarborough are a Grade II listed feature within the larger South Cliff Gardens, designed in the...
26
Beaches and ponds
North Beach in Bridlington is a sand and shingle coastline characterized by its proximity to the historic Bridlington Ol...
27
Historical places
Pickering Castle is a 12th-century motte-and-bailey fortress featuring a stone keep and extensive curtain walls situated...
28
Parks
North Yorkshire Water Park is a purpose-built recreational facility situated on a former gravel pit in Wykeham. The site...
29
Places of interest
Thornwick Bay is a rugged inlet located on the northern coast of the Flamborough Headland in East Yorkshire. The bay is...
30
Amusement parks
Luna Park is a traditional seaside funfair situated directly on the Scarborough seafront at Sandside. The park features...
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Scarborough, North Yorkshire on the map
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Plan your visit to Scarborough, North Yorkshire
Late June to early September, as the coastal weather is most temperate and all seasonal seaside attractions are fully operational.
2-3 days to comfortably explore the headland, the two bays, and the surrounding cliffside parks.
The town is largely walkable, though the steep terrain between the sea front and the town center is bridged by historic funicular cliff lifts and a local bus network.
The South Cliff area offers quieter Victorian hotels with sea views, while the North Bay neighborhood provides closer access to modern leisure facilities and beaches.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining options cater to diverse budgets, though seaside front-row hotels command a premium during summer months.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 129 curated attractions in and around Scarborough, North Yorkshire, ranked by traveller ratings.
Peasholm Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Scarborough, North Yorkshire right now.
The largest category is temples, with 41 places to explore.
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