Things to do in Goathland

Activities, attractions and tours

Photo by Adam Doody
Photo by Adam Doody
Photo by Chris
Photo by Chris
Photo by Ron Jnr
Photo by Ron Jnr
Photo by Leigh Caudwell
Photo by Leigh Caudwell
Photo by Jimmy Thomson
Photo by Jimmy Thomson
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Top places to visit

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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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.

2. Robin Hood's Bay Beach

Robin Hood’s Bay Beach is a charming sandy opening on the eastern side of a small fishing village. The picturesque beach lies at the foot of the quaint hilly streets of its namesake village and is a part of the North York Moors National Park. Enjoy the steep walk down to the beach via narrow alleys from the summit of the village.
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Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach showing signage, a coastal town and café lifestyle

3. 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 coastal town and a beach as well as a large group of people

4. 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 general coastal views, music and performance art

5. 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 bay or harbour and a coastal town

What to do in Goathland

Popular places to visit

Whitby Harbour

Whitby Harbour

Explore the waterfront in Whitby with a trip to Whitby Harbour. Wander the area's waterfront or simply enjoy one of its top-notch restaurants.

Whitby Harbour
Whitby Beach

Whitby Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Whitby Beach during your travels in Whitby? While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

Whitby Beach
Robin Hood\'s Bay Beach showing signage, a coastal town and café lifestyle

Robin Hood's Bay Beach

Explore the rugged coastline and beach of this quirky coastal village where smugglers hid contraband using a network of tunnels.

Robin Hood's Bay Beach
Whitby Abbey featuring a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Whitby Abbey

Unravel the story behind Dracula in this dramatic 13th-century monastery and enjoy its intricate carvings, fascinating stories and spectacular coastal views.

Whitby Abbey
Whitby Pavilion

Whitby Pavilion

Overlooking Whitby Bay is a Victorian-era theater that hosts a range of concerts, movie screenings, plays and festivals.

Whitby Pavilion
West Cliff Beach

West Cliff Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at West Cliff Beach during your trip to Whitby? While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront.

West Cliff Beach
Whalebone Arch

Whalebone Arch

You can learn about the history of West Cliff with a trip to Whalebone Arch. Stroll along the waterfront in this relaxing area or visit its top-notch restaurants.

Whalebone Arch
Whitby Lighthouse

Whitby Lighthouse

Learn about the local history of Stainsacre with a stop at Whitby Lighthouse. Wander through the waterfront and beautiful beaches in this relaxing area.

Whitby Lighthouse
Mallyan Spout Waterfall

Mallyan Spout Waterfall

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Mallyan Spout Waterfall during your travels in Whitby. Visit the top-notch restaurants or lively bars in this culturally rich area.

Mallyan Spout Waterfall
Scarborough

Scarborough

Whitby

Whitby

Frequently asked questions

Is Goathland worth visiting?
From shopping to history and outdoor activities, there are plenty of fun things to do in Goathland. Be sure to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, culture and local charm.
How do I spend a day in Goathland?
Kick your day off with a visit to Whitby Beach and Robin Hood's Bay Beach. Then, tour other areas of Goathland for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Goathland?
Whitby Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Goathland and deserves a place on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Goathland?
Three days in Goathland is enough to visit the city's major attractions. Many travellers stay for three days on average. Mallyan Spout Waterfall, Falling Foss Waterfall and Museum of Victorian Science are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots such as Whitby.
What are some activities to do in Goathland with kids?
If you're searching for tours and attractions for all the family, check out these great ideas for what to do in Goathland with kids.

What to do in Goathland for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Goathland, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Round off your day with a visit to Bram Stoker Memorial Seat.
Are there free things to do in Goathland?
In Goathland, Mallyan Spout Waterfall is a must-see spot for anyone wanting to see the city without taking their wallet out. Also, wander around the local parks and neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a top way to discover the best free things to do in Goathland.