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

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 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
Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough

3 out of 5
St. Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough, England
The price is ¥6,488 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥6,488
¥7,786 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
6.6/10 (1,452 reviews)
"for the money how can you complain. its worth the money just for the location. remember its only a three star hotel even though its a large hotel"

Reviewed on Sep 18, 2025

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel

3.5 out of 5
St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, England
The price is ¥8,650 per night from Sep 28 to Sep 29
¥8,650
¥10,381 total
Sep 28 - Sep 29
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff ...
7.4/10 Good! (1,011 reviews)
"Value for money. Great hotel with really helpful staff. Near the beach front anf town centre"

Reviewed on Sep 17, 2025

The Royal Hotel
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 ¥12,127 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥12,127
¥14,553 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,006 reviews)
"Overall our stay was good . Our only problem was having paid £50 hotel credit it took 5 visits to reception to having credit open on your system . Would suggest more milk and better quality biscuits other than that stay was good and would currently visit again"

Reviewed on Sep 14, 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.
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 WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Scarborough Open Air Theatre and North ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (131 reviews)
Fantastic place to stay
"Fantastic cottage, beautiful and clean and plenty of amenities that you may need. I would highly recommend this place to stay and I would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on Sep 21, 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 WiFi, free parking, and a beach locale. Popular attractions North Bay Beach and Scarborough ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (148 reviews)
"What a beautiful place to stay on the North Bay of Scarborough and threturnnbus services in to Scarborough South Bay are every 10-15mins. Very much enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2025

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 WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions North Bay Beach and Scarborough ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (14 reviews)
"My husband & I stayed 4 days.The apartment was spotless.Beds very comfortable.Small park opposite so not overlooked.Kitchen well equipped although a few dishwasher tablets would’ve been welcome.Nice to have some tea bags/coffee/ sugar & milk very welcome on arrival.The lift goes straight into the ..."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 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

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Quaint and fun. Really enjoyed it

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

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

Nice little town

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