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
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 £52 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£52
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,003 reviews)
"I liked the ambience of the property. I didn't like the bed cos the mattress wasn't comfortable. Please consider the changing the mattress as we had body aches after sleeping on it."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

The Royal Hotel
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 £39 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
£39
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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 (1,502 reviews)
"All was good only found problem with one area when we arrived, and that was the toilets nearest to the day time bar, toilets had no locks and one had poo smeared all over it"

Reviewed on 20 Aug 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
The price is £81 per night from 7 Sept to 8 Sept
£81
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
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)
Nice spa luxury hotel
"The pool was a great touch to our holiday, but the jacuzzi spa pool was too enclosed & had a really strong smell of chlorine which stung peoples eyes! The breakfast was expensive for what we got & a little cold, but we did go a little late!"

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2025

Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
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.
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 North Bay Beach and Scarborough ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (146 reviews)
"Very good breakfast available at the Watermark Cafe. Lack of good evening meal eating places within easy walking distance."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2025

The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
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 North ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (126 reviews)
"We had a lovely stay here. Fully equipped with everything we could possibly need."

Reviewed on 7 Aug 2025

Five Star Stays
Sea View House

Sea View House

3.5 out of 5
4 Peel Terrace, Scarborough, England
Stay at this 3.5-star beach apartment in Scarborough. Enjoy a beach locale and housekeeping. Popular attractions North Bay Beach and Scarborough Open Air Theatre ...
"Nicely presented apartment, with plenty of space for two adults and an active toddler. Good location, easy to park and excellent communication with owner. Thank you."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2024

Sea View House
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.

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