Scarborough Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Scarborough
South Bay Beach featuring a beach and a coastal town
Scarborough
North Bay Beach featuring landscape views, general coastal views and a coastal town
Scarborough Castle showing general coastal views, a sunset and building ruins
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.

Where to stay in Scarborough

Scarborough which includes a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town

Scarborough City Centre

4/5(184 area reviews)

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
Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
3 out of 5
St. Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £45 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
£45
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3-star 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 ...
6.6/10 (1,625 reviews)
Grand
"It was good nice little room, but the beds didnt get changed or the bin emptied for 5 days we was there"

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Britannia 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 £77 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
£77
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 4-star 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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
Overall great.
"Rooms are dated but clean. Take a free parking disc otherwise there ia a charge for one at the hotel. You can purchase a permit in the hotel for street parking near the hotel. We booked early, so would've preferred a sea view room with long windows on the 1st floor . Great hotel if going to the spa ..."

Reviewed on 6 Apr 2025

Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel
3.5 out of 5
St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £57 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
£57
includes taxes & fees
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Liked the room very much. Disliked the closing of the bar early"

Reviewed on 17 Apr 2025

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.
Five Star Stays
Five Star Stays
4 out of 5
10-11 Main Street Seamer, Seamer, Scarborough, England
Stay at this 4-star 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! (113 reviews)
"Everything we needed in the cottage very clean and we were pleasantly surprised when arrived with the size and how beautiful it was. Definitely recommended"

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

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 5-star luxury aparthotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a beach locale. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (135 reviews)
"Fantastic property exactly what was described"

Reviewed on 31 Dec 2024

The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
Red Lea Apartments
Red Lea Apartments
3.5 out of 5
Prince of wales terrace, Scarborough, England
Stay at this 3.5-star beach aparthotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (11 reviews)
"Nice and easy check in ...the lady on reception was very helpful and friendly...the room was a large apartment and very clean and a high standard enough tea and coffee for your stay ... fresh cakes on arrival and a small bottle of milk ....swimming pool was nice...small but very child friendly.... ..."

Reviewed on 18 Apr 2025

Red Lea 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Scarborough

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
250
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
239
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
65
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great place for all ages

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Quiet shopping poor

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Out of season, so public transport terrible.

5/5 - Excellent

Peterwatson

Just went for a few days, to see the opera , everything went to plan not far to walk to the theatre and easy to get back to the cavendish,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lots of places in and around Scarborough

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Scarborough will be back but will stay at the grand hotel

Cities near Scarborough