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 ¥7,391 per night from Jul 4 to Jul 5
¥7,391
¥8,869 total
Jul 4 - Jul 5
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 (1,627 reviews)
"Needs some attention"

Reviewed on Jun 28, 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 ¥11,043 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
¥11,043
¥13,251 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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 ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"We were in room 302 which has a sea view and was very clean and well presented. My only comment on the room is it was very warm, it felt like the heating was on, even though the outside weather was 20 degrees and overcast. I was also a bit surprised at the additional £50 I was asked to pay on check ..."

Reviewed on Jun 27, 2025

Crown Spa Hotel Scarborough by Compass Hospitality
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 ¥8,540 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
¥8,540
¥10,249 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Early check in ,fan in room a god send,bar area nice and relaxing with the dog"

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

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 4-star cottage in Scarborough. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions South Bay Beach and Scarborough Open ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (123 reviews)
"Really lovely place. Would’ve been handy to know we had to check in at the hotel next door 😁 we knocked and walked in on the neighboring property to try and find out where we were supposed to be."

Reviewed on Apr 27, 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! (140 reviews)
"Excellent stay, very comfortable and great location, especially for the open air theatre"

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

The Sands - Sea Front Apartments
Harcourt Place
Harcourt Place
4 out of 5
2 Harcourt Place, Scarborough, England
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Scarborough. Enjoy parking (surcharge), a pool table, and a computer station. Popular attractions South Bay Beach and North ...
Great place to stay
"Really lovely and clean will definitely stay here again"

Reviewed on Jun 16, 2024

Harcourt Place
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

Cities near Scarborough