20 things to do in Scarborough

Located in the North East of England, Scarborough is a quaint seaside resort town with two big beaches to explore. The Yorkshire coastline stretches for 45 miles and Scarborough is Yorkshire’s go to seaside town. During the 1720’s Scarborough was discovered as the first seaside resort in England and to this day remains one of the most popular seaside resorts for holidaymakers.

Close to the North York Moors National Park, Scarborough is the perfect destination to lap up the fresh sea breeze and spend a week in the salty open air. Though Scarborough is small there are plenty of things to keep you entertained, including Scarborough Castle, the North and South side beaches, old tramways, museums and much more.

Check out these 20 things to do in Scarborough.

1.     Scarborough Castle

Sitting proudly on the protruding headland between both of Scarborough’s bays is the old ruin of Scarborough Castle. This castle is the most iconic landmark in Scarborough and all its ruined glory can be seen from both the North and South Bay beaches.

In 1159 under the direction of King Henry II, Scarborough Castle was transformed from its humble begins a few years previously to a prestigious royal castle. Henry II was also responsible for building the town beneath the walls of the castle, which we still see today. The second monarch connected to Scarborough Castle was King John, who spent £2,291 on improving Scarborough Castle in order to control Yorkshire. That might not sound like a lot, but it is believed to be the most amount of money spent on a castle during that time.

In the winter months the castle is usually closed during the week and open on Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 4PM. Adults can head to the castle for £7.90 and entry for children is £4.70. 

Once at the castle you can enjoy spectacular views of North and South Bay beaches, learn about the history of Scarborough at the Master Gunner’s House exhibition, and enjoy a cup of tea at the café.

2.     Peasholm Park

Set back from the North Bay beach, Peasholm Park is a great spot for a stroll near the lake. At Peasholm Park you’ll find red roofed pagodas and Chinese and Japanese influenced arched bridges. Hire a dragon shaped pedal boat or a classic rowing boat, you can explore Peasholm Park best from the water. The park is a great place for kids to explore and if you visit during the summer months you might be able to hear the Scarborough Spa Orchestra playing in the park.

3.     Go surfing

The north shores of Scarborough bay have become a hot spot (or maybe a rather cold spot) for surfers in recent years. Dexter’s Surf School offers both surf and paddleboard lessons for those wanting to learn whilst in Scarborough as well as supplying all the equipment you may need for your seaside adventure. It might seem more appealing to hit the waves in summer but don a wetsuit and plenty of surfers can still be spotted even in winter.

4.     Scarborough Art Gallery

The Scarborough Art Gallery building was constructed in 1845 as a private residence but was acquired almost a century later by the Scarborough Council in 1942. It was converted into an art gallery and in 1947 opened to the public. Work on display includes that by John Atkinson Grimshaw, Frank Brangwyn and Frederic Lord Leighton. Admission to the art gallery is £3 which also includes our next destination on this list, the Rotunda Museum. This fee also entitles you to visit multiple times for a year from the date of your ticket, under 18’s can enter free of charge. The art gallery is open between Tuesday – Sunday from 10AM to 5PM.

5.     Rotunda Museum

The Rotunda Museum is one of the world’s first purpose made museums which opened its doors to the public in 1829. The Rotunda Museum embraces its seaside location with a number of maritime exhibitions including a display of over 5,500 sea fossils.

The Rotunda Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday between 10AM and 5PM. You will find the Rotunda Museum on the South Bay set back from sea, behind the spa bridge.

6.     Scarborough Open Air Theatre

The Scarborough Open Air Theatre is located just off Burniston Road opposite Peasholm Park. The theatre has recently increased its capacity to seat 8,000 people. Despite being in a small town this outdoor music venue has seen many big names grace its stage. This year acts performing at the Open Air Theatre include Tom Jones, Lewis Capaldi, Simply Red, Lionel Richie, Westlife and even Ru Paul’s Drag Race Tour.

7.     Visit SEA LIFE Scarborough

The distinctive white pyramids of Scarborough’s SEA LIFE centre have been a local landmark since the aquarium opened. This aquarium is the perfect place to take kids as you can see a variety of marine wildlife including penguins and seals.

The SEA LIFE centre’s opening times vary throughout the year but are typically open between 10AM to 4PM throughout the week. Tickets for the aquarium are £17.96 for adults and £15.75 for children.

8.     South Bay and the Harbour

The heart of Scarborough is often considered to be the South Bay. Picturesque houses seem to trickle down from the cliff edge towards the beach and the area is often a hubbub of activity. Stroll along the beach, wander around the harbour or visit the lighthouse, it’s a lovely place for a walk and to feel the fresh breezy sea air. You can walk from the harbour all the way along the bay onto the beach and down to the Scarborough Spa.

9.     Stephen Joseph Theatre

When in Scarborough why not head to the Stephen Joseph Theatre?  This theatre is the home of British playwright Alan Ayckbourn, who premiers his plays at Stephen Joseph. 2022 sees plays such as ‘Black is the Color of My Voice’, Shakespeare’s ‘As You Like It’, and ‘Frankenstein’ to name a few.

You can find the Art Deco inspired Stephen Joseph Theatre on Westborough Street opposite the Scarborough railway.

10.   Giant Freddie Gilroy

Giant Freddie has become a much loved Scarborough landmark for over a decade. As you drive along North Bay you may just notice a statue of a giant man sitting on a giant bench overlooking the sea. Well Freddie Gilroy is a steel structure created by artist Ray Lonsdale. The sculpture is based on real life South Hetton born Freddie Gilroy who was a soldier during WW2 who helped to liberate those in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp in northern Germany.

Jump up onto the big bench and you can take a seat with Freddie and look out onto the North Sea.

11.  Harbour Bar

In July 2020 the Harbour Bar celebrated its 75th birthday. This American style, yellow themed café bar has been a popular place for tourists and locals alike for quite some time. The Harbour Bar is arguably one of the best spots for a 99 ice-cream in the whole of Scarborough and they make a scrumptious ice-cream sundae to boot. Step inside the doors of this café and you almost feel as if you’ve been transported back in time, with diner girls wearing traditional outfits and the 1950’s style has barely changed since its opening.

12.  Walk Along North Bay

Many of those visiting Scarborough tend to head to the South Bay, but the lesser populated North Bay is one of the most idyllic spots in the town. You can walk all the way from the triangular shaped SEA LIFE centre right to the old pedestrian toll booth along the marine drive before entering the South Bay. As you’re walking keep an eye out for bottlenose dolphins, porpoises, peregrine falcons and big waves splashing up onto the marine drive. 

13.  Eat Fish and Chips

Perhaps the most quintessentially British dish, fish and chips are best served fresh by the beach and there is no better place to go than to the South Bay of Scarborough for your fishy fix. Though not a traditional fish and chip shop, Winking Willy’s is one of the most popular, located at the north end of South Bay, opposite the harbour. Sit by the harbour or on the beach front with your yummy fish and chips, but just be careful you don’t have your food stolen by those overly confident seagulls that seem to be able to smell this salty treat from miles away.

14.   St Mary’s Church

St Mary’s Church is located just down the hill, around 100m from Scarborough Castle. This parish church stands proud overlooking the South Bay and is believed to date back to 1150. During the English Civil War in the 17th century the church was used for troops to launch their attack on the castle and as a result much of the church was destroyed during this time.

For those interested in 17th century literature, St Mary’s Church is also the final resting place of Anne Brontë an English poet and Novelist. Anne was the youngest of the Brontë sisters and is perhaps best known for her 1847 novel Agnes Grey.

15.  Scarborough Spa

The Scarborough Spa can be found at the south end of South Bay just a stone’s throw away from the Rotunda Museum. This Grade II listed building was constructed in 1839 and is now used for conferences, exhibition, music performances and afternoon teas.

During the 17th century natural mineral waters were discovered by a lady named Mrs. Farrow. Soon people flocked to Scarborough to drink the waters which were believed to be healing and improve the health of those living in the smoggy cities.

16.  Crunch on a Stick of Rock

Those readers not from the UK may not be familiar with this seaside confectionary. Seaside rock is a cylindrical stick of what is essentially boiled sugar, usually paired with peppermint. Always found in vibrant colours and often found with messages at both ends, rock is an essential seaside purchase, especially for those trying it for the first time. But just be careful not to break your teeth!

17.  Play on the Slot Machines

Much of the South Bay is littered with slightly tacky tourist shops, especially the slot machines and arcades. Why not have a go at winning a few cuddly toys or rather excitedly waiting to win toys and then distressingly failing to catch them every time the claw hand is lowered into the machine. Olympia Leisure and Coney Island arcades are some of the more recognizable slot machines on the South Bay. The South Bay arcades are also a good location to visit at night as the sea front is lit up in all its neon glory.

18.  Take the Central Tramway

Built by the Central Tramway Company in 1881, this tramway is a Victorian cliff railway which takes visitors from town to the South Bay beach front. The Central Tramway is believed to be one of the oldest cliff railways that is still in operation in the UK. To ride the tram one way, it costs £1.20 and children under 5 travel for free. It should be noted that between January and March 2022 there is a temporary closure of the central tramway for maintenance.

19.  Ride the North Bay Railway

The cutesy North Bay Railway is a great Scarborough attraction for the kids to enjoy. This miniature railway was built in 1931 and runs for just 1.4km. Hop aboard the green train and you can see the SEA LIFE centre as well as views of the North Sea. For an adult return trip on the railway, it costs £4.50 for adults and children.

20.  Marvel at the Grand Hotel

The Grand Hotel takes pride of place on the South Bay shore front. This Victorian hotel was built in 1863. The Grand Hotel is a striking example of a calendar hotel. Now if you don’t know what a calendar hotel is then let me explain. The Grand Hotel was built around numbers in the calendar, for example, 52, 12, 365 etc. The hotels 4 towers represent the 4 seasons, there are 12 floors for the months of the year, 52 chimneys and originally there were 365 bedrooms.

Though this hotel was once grand and pristine, under current management I wouldn’t recommend staying there, as the reviews don’t exactly entice, and the interior is more than a little dilapidated. However, it’s still an iconic Scarborough landmark that’s impressive from the beach front.