Things to Do in Scarborough

For over 360 years, Scarborough has been one of Britain’s favourite seaside resorts. From the dramatic headland crowned by Scarborough Castle, to the elegant Victorian Esplanade, the town offers a classic coastal day out with plenty to explore.

There are plenty of things to do in Scarborough, from two very different sandy bays and a clifftop castle to boat trips, theatres and a miniature railway. Whether you are planning a family day out, a romantic weekend or a few quiet days by the sea, the town has something for every kind of visit.

This guide covers the best things to do in Scarborough, with ideas for good weather and bad, plus options for exploring the wider Yorkshire coast. Asquith Hall sits in the North York Moors National Park, around two miles from Scarborough, so it makes a peaceful base for a break on the coast.

The Best Beaches in Scarborough

Scarborough's beaches are the heart of any visit, and the town's two bays each have their own character.

Scarborough North Bay

North Bay is the quieter of the two, a sandy family beach backed by hills and cliffs, with the castle overlooking it from the headland. It holds a Seaside Award , and it is a good choice for paddling, rock pools and relaxed walks along the shore.

Scarborough South Bay

South Bay is livelier. Golden sands sit alongside a promenade, shops, cafés and restaurants, with the harbour at one end and family attractions close by. It is the bay to choose if you want ice cream, amusements and plenty of choice for lunch.

Family Things to Do in Scarborough

Scarborough has long been a favourite for family days out, and there is plenty to keep children busy whatever the weather.

Kids' Attractions and Parks

Younger children enjoy Kinderland and Little Hoppers Adventure World, along with the amusements on South Bay. For something calmer, Peasholm Park has an oriental-themed design with a pagoda, lake and waterfalls, a boating lake with pedalos and rowing boats, and a putting green and pitch and putt course.

Funfairs and Amusements

Lunar Park Funfair is one of the town's classic seaside attractions, and the seafront amusements on South Bay add to the traditional feel of a day by the sea.

Swimming Pools and Leisure Centres

Scarborough's leisure centres offer swimming and indoor sports, which is useful for a wet afternoon or a morning of activity. If you would rather swim somewhere quieter, guests staying with us can use the swimming pool and thermal spa at Asquith Hall.

Historic Scarborough: The Castle, Old Town and Heritage Walks

Scarborough is one of England's oldest seaside resorts, and its history is easy to explore on foot.

Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle , managed by English Heritage, stands on the headland between North Bay and South Bay. Its ruins date back centuries, and the views along the coast make it one of the most rewarding stops in town. Check the English Heritage site for current opening times and prices before you go.

Historic Walks Around the Town

If you enjoy a story with your sightseeing, Scarborough offers guided walks including ghost tours and historical walking tours. They are a good way to see the Old Town, harbour and narrow streets at a gentle pace.

Things to Do in Scarborough When It Rains

A wet day does not have to spoil a visit. Scarborough has a good range of indoor options.

Theatres and Cinemas

The Stephen Joseph Theatre on Westborough is the town's best-known theatre, with a varied programme of drama and new writing, and the town also has a cinema for a relaxed afternoon.

Bowling, Casino and Evening Entertainment

Indoor bowling, including the Scarborough Bowls Centre, offers an easy way to fill a wet afternoon, and the evening entertainment around the town centre gives you options after dinner.

Shopping in Scarborough

The Brunswick Shopping Centre and Scarborough Market Hall and Vaults are good for a browse, and the Antiques and Collectors Centre is worth a look if you enjoy hunting for something unusual.

Outdoor Activities in and Around Scarborough

When the sun comes out, the coast and countryside offer plenty to do.

Boat Trips and Sea Fishing

The harbour is the starting point for bay cruises, seal-spotting trips and sea-fishing excursions, so you can see the coastline from the water. For anglers, there is also sea fishing from the rocks along Marine Drive. Our guide to shooting and fishing in Yorkshire covers more options nearby.

Golf and Cricket

Golfers can choose from the South Cliff and North Cliff golf clubs, or try one of the many crazy golf and putting courses along the seafront. Cricket lovers can visit Scarborough Cricket Club, founded in 1849 and a short walk from the town centre.

Peasholm Park and Coastal Walks

Peasholm Park is a pleasant place to spend an hour or an afternoon, and the walk along the coast from the park towards Scalby Mills is a popular route. The North Bay Railway , a miniature railway running since 1931, connects Peasholm with Scalby Mills in a roughly 30-minute return trip, and its carriages are covered if the weather turns.

Getting Around Scarborough by Train and Car

Scarborough Railway Station is close to the town centre, and the town's cliff lifts offer a short, traditional ride between the seafront and the upper town. Open-top sightseeing buses run in season, and the North Bay Railway gives a different way to travel along the coast.

If you are arriving by car, you will find the town easy to reach from the North York Moors. Our location page has directions to Asquith Hall.

Things to Do Near Scarborough

Scarborough is a good starting point for exploring more of North Yorkshire.

Whitby and the Yorkshire Coast

The coast to the north offers harbours, fishing villages and beaches. Read our guide to Whitby and our overview of the Yorkshire coast for ideas.

The North York Moors and Steam Railway

Inland, the North York Moors offers over 1,400 miles of paths and tracks, from gentle strolls to long hikes. Our guides to the North York Moors , walking in North Yorkshire , walking with your dog and the North Yorkshire Moors Railway will help you plan a day in the countryside.

Stay Near Scarborough at Asquith Hall

Asquith Hall is a country house hotel in the North York Moors National Park, just two miles from Scarborough, so you can enjoy the town by day and return to a quieter setting in the evening. Our rooms and suites include luxury suites with private patios, and the spa offers a thermal spa, treatments and a swimming pool. You can dine in the Fallow's Rest restaurant or enjoy afternoon tea after a day on the coast.

To plan your break, see our special offers , book your stay online or contact the team .

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frequently Asked Questions About Scarborough

What is there to do in Scarborough in a day?

Start with a walk on North Bay or South Bay, then visit Scarborough Castle for the views. After lunch, take a boat trip from the harbour, spend an hour in Peasholm Park or ride the North Bay Railway, and finish with dinner in the town.

Is Scarborough good for families?

Yes. Scarborough has two sandy beaches, funfairs, amusements, Peasholm Park, a miniature railway and plenty of cafés and restaurants, so there is something for children of all ages.

What can you do in Scarborough when it rains?

Visit the Stephen Joseph Theatre, go to the cinema, try indoor bowling, browse the shops and the Market Hall, or spend an afternoon in a leisure centre. If you are staying with us, the thermal spa and swimming pool at Asquith Hall are a good wet-weather choice.

How far is Asquith Hall from Scarborough?

Asquith Hall is around two miles from Scarborough, set in the North York Moors National Park, so the beaches, castle and town centre are an easy drive away.