Scarborough

Travel Guide
South Bay Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach

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 Railway, 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 Park. 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 Beach and South Bay Beach. 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 Museum. 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 York, Leeds, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Hull. Drive north for 4 or 5 hours from London 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 showing a coastal town and a luxury hotel or resort

Scarborough City Centre

5/5(2 area reviews)

Scarborough City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for is 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 neighborhood.

Scarborough City Centre
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 $85 per night from May 9 to May 10
$85
$102 total
includes taxes & fees
May 9 - May 10
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Enjoyed the spa, particularly the huge jacuzzi! Bar area was nice for a drink before going out. The only down side was that the room was very hot. There’s no way to control the heating. There’s a ceiling fan which is quite effective, but it was like an oven and windows could only open a crack to ..."

Reviewed on Apr 29, 2024

Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
3 out of 5
St. Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough, England
The price is $41 per night from May 7 to May 8
$41
$49 total
includes taxes & fees
May 7 - May 8
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy 2 restaurants, a beach locale, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
5.6/10 (1,840 reviews)
"Have stopped at the grand many a time over the last 35 years never had a problem will be back again later this year"

Reviewed on May 5, 2024

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
The Royal Hotel
The Royal Hotel
3.5 out of 5
St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, England
The price is $62 per night from May 7 to May 8
$62
$74 total
includes taxes & fees
May 7 - May 8
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
7/10 Good! (1,001 reviews)
"Very convenient for central Scarborough, South Bay and the Spa. Parking is a little tricky although there is a multi-storey up the road for £12 a day. The hotel itself was grand although in need of a little TLC - renovations were ongoing while we were there. The room was similar - comfortable and ..."

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2024

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 cottage in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and Scarborough ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (98 reviews)
"Cottage was amazingly my really clean, and the decor was amazing will definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Apr 2, 2024

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 WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions North Bay Beach and Scarborough ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (118 reviews)
"Great location with helpful and friendly staff but it was very difficult to get a decent flow of hot water in the shower."

Reviewed on Mar 17, 2024

The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
40ft x 20ft luxury holiday lodge near Scarborough; 3 bed, sleeps 6, hot tub
40ft x 20ft luxury holiday lodge near Scarborough; 3 bed, sleeps 6, hot tub
Burniston
Stay at this vacation home in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a water park, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (205 reviews)
Mrs.S
"We had first time experience to stay in hot tub lodge ,we did enjoyed ,very clean compliments drinks ,very near from beach ,very comfortable nd Cody did enjoyed with WiFi ,we have a plan to go again .thank you Verbo. 5/5"

Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024

40ft x 20ft luxury holiday lodge near Scarborough; 3 bed, sleeps 6, hot tub
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

Reviews of Scarborough

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
9
" "5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
8
" "4 - Good 44.44444444444444%
3 - Okay
1
" "3 - Okay 5.555555555555555%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jul 31, 2019

It’s not Whitby but then it’s not Bridlington either

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jun 29, 2019

Quaint and fun. Really enjoyed it

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Oct 12, 2018

Scarborough never changes very much typical sea side resort enjoyed a walk along the sea front seeing all the old familiar places would you want it any other way no

4/5 - Good

Mike
Oct 7, 2018

Nice little town

Cities near Scarborough