Scarborough

Travel Guide

Scarborough
South Bay Beach which includes a beach and a coastal town
Scarborough
North Bay Beach featuring landscape views, general coastal views and a coastal town
Scarborough Castle showing general coastal views, a ruin and a sunset

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 which includes a luxury hotel or resort and a coastal town

Scarborough City Centre

4/5(184 area reviews)

Scarborough City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for its 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 neighbourhood.

Scarborough City Centre
Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough

3 out of 5
St. Nicholas Cliff, Scarborough, England
The price is HK$343 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
HK$343
HK$411 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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 (1,446 reviews)
Fab weekend
"We had a very good last minute weekend break, our room was clean and had everything we needed, Saturday morning we had breakfast that was OK but I didn’t like the atmosphere people having know manners at all, staff was friendly and couldn’t do enough for you so we was very happy with our weekend ..."

Reviewed on 8 Sept 2025

Britannia Grand Hotel Scarborough
The Royal Hotel

The Royal Hotel

3.5 out of 5
St Nicholas Street, Scarborough, England
The price is HK$457 per night from 21 Sept to 22 Sept
HK$457
HK$548 total
21 Sept - 22 Sept
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Like stepping back intime when hotels had character not like the like the little boxes of some I could mention"

Reviewed on 9 Sept 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 HK$641 per night from 5 Oct to 6 Oct
HK$641
HK$769 total
5 Oct - 6 Oct
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! (1,005 reviews)
"What a lovely place to stay, The staff make you feel welcome from the time you walk in the door until the time you leave"

Reviewed on 7 Sept 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! (129 reviews)
Great accomodation!
"Rally great accomodation! Only thing Hotels.com can do is mention that you pick up the keys from the Mayfield Pub. Wasn’t that clear."

Reviewed on 5 Sept 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 25 Aug 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 23 Jul 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

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
250
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
239
4 - Good 42%
3 - Okay
65
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
14
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Great place for all ages

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Quiet shopping poor

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Out of season, so public transport terrible.

5/5 - Excellent

Peterwatson

Just went for a few days, to see the opera , everything went to plan not far to walk to the theatre and easy to get back to the cavendish,

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Lots of places in and around Scarborough

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Scarborough will be back but will stay at the grand hotel