South Bay Beach

South Bay Beach featuring a coastal town and a bay or harbour
South Bay Beach featuring a coastal town and a sandy beach
South Bay Beach featuring a sandy beach
South Bay Beach showing a coastal town and a beach
South Bay Beach


Marvel at the dynamic setting of this traditional British coastal resort, where you will find arcade games, a harbour and boutiques.

South Bay Beach is the livelier of Scarborough’s main sandy stretches. The Castle Headland provides shelter from the northern winds, enabling excellent sunbathing conditions. Scarborough Castle stands at the northern part of the beach, while Scarborough Spa borders the south edge. Traverse the sandy bay in style with a traditional donkey ride.

Let your kids swim in the calm water, which is patrolled in summer by lifeguards. First aid centers and changing facilities also help to make the beach a safe place for families. Bring the children to the amusement arcades that have become a traditional pastime in this coastal town.

Build sandcastles with your kids and go beachcombing for marine treasures in rock pools that appear during low tide. Crabs, fish and sea stars populate the small pools of water. Join locals in a game of soccer or volleyball.

Reach Scarborough Harbour, which stands at the northern point of the beach. Pick out your favourite yachts, as you amble along the pier. The harbour is hidden just beneath the picturesque Castle Headland. Gaze up at the ruins of Scarborough Castle that loom over the harbour.

Visit Terror Tower, a haunted house attraction facing the beach. It uses actors, animation and lights to create a frightening experience. Recognise characters from your favourite horror movies on replicas of film sets. Enjoy a meal at one of the area’s many restaurants and pubs, where you’ll find fish and chips on the menu.

Stay for sunset and capture photos of the changing hues of the sky. Make your way to the nearby bars and restaurants that help the town come alive at night.

Walk east for 10 minutes from Scarborough Railway Station to reach South Bay Beach. It is beside several important attractions, such as the Rotunda Museum and Scarborough Borough Council, in the southeastern section of the city. Leave the car in the underground parking under Spa Bridge or the spaces beside the Scarborough Spa.

Plan a trip to see South Bay Beach

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Leeds Centre by Charles Hope

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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.

Things to do near South Bay Beach

At South Bay Beach, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including the exhilarating Scarborough Adventure and the scenic Scarborough Walking Tour, which offer a perfect mix of adventure and exploration. Additionally, the area is known for its vibrant theatre scene, providing ample opportunities for entertainment. Whether you're seeking thrills or cultural experiences, South Bay Beach has something for everyone to enjoy during their visit.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near South Bay Beach, visit Talbot Yard Food Court, located 11.8km away, offering a mix of business and family vibes. If you're up for a drive, Hornsea Freeport, 17.4km away, provides a vibrant atmosphere for entertainment and shopping.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Scarborough Cricket Club, where you can enjoy watching matches or participating in recreational activities. For golf enthusiasts, Scarborough North Cliff Golf Club offers stunning outdoor views, while Lebberston Golf Club provides a tranquil setting for a round of golf amidst nature.

Adventure

Alpamare, a thrilling waterpark 621m from South Bay Beach, offers exhilarating slides and family-friendly fun. For motorsport enthusiasts, Oliver's Mount Racing, also 621m away, hosts exciting races. Enjoy the picturesque Scarborough to Whitby Rail Trail, located 373m away, perfect for scenic hikes and outdoor adventures.

Nightlife

The nightlife at South Bay Beach offers vibrant entertainment options. The Scarborough Open Air Theatre, just 1.6km away, hosts a variety of performances. The Stephen Joseph Theatre, 249m distant, presents engaging shows, while The Spa Bridlington, 9.9km away, provides a delightful cultural experience.

Find the best attractions near South Bay Beach

South Bay Beach in Scarborough offers an array of attractions for visitors, including the stunning beach, vibrant urban park, and historic buildings. Explore the nearby Scarborough Castle for a taste of history, enjoy picturesque views of Scarborough Harbour, and relax just metres from the sandy beach. Whether you seek cultural experiences or outdoor activities, South Bay Beach provides the perfect setting for a memorable holiday.

  • Scarborough Spa: A stunning historic building located a mere 124m from South Bay Beach, Scarborough Spa offers a rich cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy exquisite architecture and various events, making it a hub of arts and entertainment.
  • North Bay Beach: Situated 621m from South Bay Beach, North Bay Beach boasts a beautiful stretch of sand and sea. This beach is perfect for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, or indulging in classic seaside fun, providing a quintessential British beach vibe.
  • Peasholm Park: Just 621m away, Peasholm Park is an urban oasis featuring picturesque gardens, a serene lake, and various outdoor activities. Ideal for families, it offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city atmosphere.

Best time to go to South Bay Beach

The best time to visit South Bay Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.4°F (5.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.0°F (7.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August60.6°F (15.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September57.6°F (14.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for South Bay Beach

To save money on your visit to South Bay Beach, consider travelling during the off-peak months of January to February or October for lower accommodation rates. Booking a hotel around a month in advance can yield better prices, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the priciest. Use Expedia’s tools to filter options by budget and combine hotel, flight, and activity bookings for extra savings. Additionally, explore free activities along the beach to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around South Bay Beach are January to February and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around South Bay Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around South Bay Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around South Bay Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel booking at South Bay Beach with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.