Things to do in Scarborough

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Scarborough Travel Guide

South Bay Beach showing a coastal town and a sandy beach

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

North Bay Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a couple

North Bay Beach featuring general coastal views, landscape views and a coastal town

Scarborough Castle showing a sunset, a ruin and general coastal views

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Scarborough must see attractions

1. Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Open Air Theatre is a mixed entertainment venue set on a lake in Scarborough’s Northstead Manor Gardens. Its stage is on an island in the middle of the water while the audience has seating on the eastern bank. Throughout the summer months Scarborough Open Air Theatre has a busy schedule of music, theater and sporting events.

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2. North Bay Beach

North Bay Beach is a tranquil stretch of golden sand with restaurants, beach cabins and family activities. It is the quieter and wilder of Scarborough’s two main beaches, a little farther out from the town center. Trek with your family past the picturesque outcrops and rock pools to the main sandy area and headland.

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North Bay Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town as well as a large group of people

3. Scarborough Spa

Scarborough Spa is a vast complex offering many events and activities in an impressive heritage-listed cliffside building. As its name suggests, the site was built around the region’s spa waters, although it is now known for its Jazz Festival, Spa Orchestra, dances and concerts. Move around the complex to appreciate its excellent views of the sea.

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Scarborough Spa showing performance art, theater scenes and music

4. South Bay Beach

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.

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South Bay Beach which includes a coastal town and a bay or harbor

5. Peasholm Park

With its scenic lake, pretty gardens and fun activities, Peasholm Park is one of the most impressive of Scarborough’s central parks. It covers an area of 40 acres (16 hectares) with views of the North Sea. Stroll around the circumference of the lake, which runs around a picturesque island.

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Peasholm Park showing a garden and a river or creek

6. alpamare

With activities that will get your heart pumping and areas to enjoy the picturesque coastline of Scarborough, Alpamare has attractions to suit all ages. Alpamare is a fun-filled waterpark that recreates typical alpine relaxation and recreation. Ride slides inspired by ski resorts, soothe the body in an iodine pool and look out over stunning views from a sun-soaked terrace.

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7. Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle is a set of fascinating ruins that remain from a 12th-century royal fortress. Built atop a cliff, the medieval castle commands panoramic views of the North Sea and the coastal town of Scarborough. Learn about the rich history of this spot, where evidence of Iron Age, Roman and Scandinavian settlements lies beside the main castle.

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Scarborough Castle which includes views, a sandy beach and a sunset

8. Scarborough Cricket Club

Whether as an introduction to cricket or the culmination of a lifelong interest, Scarborough Cricket Club is a great place to watch a test match. Nestled in the midst of row houses, with a traditional pavilion built in 1895, the ground exudes the passion of its fans, who have played and celebrated the game of cricket here since its beginning. Take a break from the beach to participate in one of Britain’s most distinctive spectacles, the multi-day cricket test. Munch homemade pies and enjoy the atmosphere of the assembled crowd.

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9. North Bay Railway

North Bay Railway is a complex with thrilling and innovative attractions alongside a historic miniature train network that chugs along Scarborough’s rugged coastline. Built over 80 years ago as a simple train line, the park now incorporates many other family activities.

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What to do in Scarborough

Discover the most popular places to visit in Scarborough

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Watch productions and performances by world-famous music acts at one of the largest outdoor theaters in Europe, a venue with a stage in an unusual setting.

North Bay Beach

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this spacious sandy haven flanked by a miniature railway and an aquarium with Humboldt penguins.

Scarborough Spa

Stroll through the majestic rooms of this Victorian venue for dances and orchestras and learn about its origins as a spa in the 1600s.

South Bay Beach

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

Peasholm Park

Ascend to the top of the island pagoda for excellent views of a park full of attractions and nature paths.

alpamare

Ride thrilling waterslides, swim in rolling waves, relax in an infinity pool and stroll around a scenic garden at this alpine-themed amusement park.

Scarborough Castle

Delve through 3,000 years of history at the ruins of this headland castle with panoramic views of the North Sea.

Scarborough Cricket Club

This charming ground hosts matches throughout the summer but is best known for its annual cricket festival, which has taken place almost every summer since 1876.

North Bay Railway

Walk on air, run on water and rush down a water chute at this quaint amusement park centered on a miniature railway.

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods 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.