Each time we visit Scarborough, we have a completely different experience; there’s so much to see and do it can be overwhelming! Here’s how to spend a day in Scarborough.
With its perfect beaches, historic landmarks, and tasty food, it’s no wonder why it’s a popular day trip destination. If you’re planning a day trip to Scarborough, this blog post will share our favourite things to see and do so that you can get some inspiration and have an unforgettable day. Read on to learn how to spend a day in Scarborough.
How we start our day in Scarborough
We love to start our day trip to Scarborough by strolling along the seafront before it gets jam-packed. You can get gorgeous photos at this time of day, and it’s always nice to take in a little sea air in the morning. Then, we grab a coffee or a bite at one of the many cafes and restaurants that line the seafront. Scarborough has no shortage of breakfast spots. Love Brew Cafe is one of our favourites; the food and the atmosphere here are lovely, especially the cakes! It’s a plant-based cafe serving delicious, homemade vegan food, and they have gluten-free options and are dog friendly too.
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Visit Scarborough Castle
This is a must activity to fit somewhere into your day. We like to head over to Scarborough Castle. It’s a great place to learn about the area’s history and offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline. We love to explore the majestic ruins of the castle, follow the long curtain wall adorned with numerous towers, and ascend to viewing platforms in both the Inner Bailey and the Great Tower, dating back to the 12th century. The castle is situated on a 16-acre headland overflowing with wildflowers and wildlife. The castle hosts various events for all ages, and you can easily find them on the events page on their website. You can learn about other castles in the area here.
Have fun at the arcades or the beach
We love going to Scarborough arcades when visiting for the day! There are so many different games to play and prizes to win. Our favourites are the claw machines and 2p machines; it’s always a fun time with friends or family. It’s a seaside town must for us to spend the pennies we have collected over the year.
South Bay Beach
South Bay beach is an ideal spot for families; it’s a sandy beach with a shallow shoreline perfect for kids to splash about. On one side, it’s framed by Scarborough Harbour and stretches southward past St. Nicholas Gardens to the blue roundabout where Foreshore Road turns into Cleveland Way. The Castle Headland also shelters South Bay and is south facing. Adventurers and outdoors enthusiasts love South Bay beach, with popular water sports, including sea swimming, surfing, kayaking, and paddle boarding. Late lunch time we can’t think of anything better than grabbing some fish and chips from Papa’s and enjoying them at a spot on the beach or promenade.
If you don’t fancy a beach visit and are in the mood for some retail therapy, go to Scarborough’s town centre. You will find many shops here, from high-street brands to independent boutiques. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can stop for a bite to eat or a coffee break.
Visit Peasholm Park
We always like to fit a stroll around Peasholm Park into our day. For nature lovers, a visit to Peasholm Park is a must. This beautiful park features a tranquil lake, Japanese gardens, and a miniature naval battle re-enactment. You can rent a rowboat, enjoy a leisurely paddle around the lake, or sit back and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. We have an informative article about all of Scarborough’s parks and gardens here.
Enjoy a delicious meal
If we haven’t had fish and chips and instead opted for a lighter lunch, we like to have an evening meal in Scarborough to chat about our day, look back at the photos we have taken and be well-fed for the trip home. We love to visit Embers Restaurant, which has introduced an impressive seasonal menu highlighting the finest locally sourced Yorkshire produce. You can indulge in modern British dishes incorporating Dan’s Yorkshire heritage with an international flair. You can enjoy Smokey Chargrills, gourmet burgers, and an assortment of exquisite desserts from the wood-fired oven. Additionally, you can relish in a delectable Yorkshire cheeseboard. The service and atmosphere are brilliant, and they receive great reviews. Find more information and pop-up events on their Facebook page.
There are so many things to do and ways to spend time in Scarborough it’s impossible to include everything in our day trip itinerary! Everyone likes different things, but we hope this how to spend a day in Scarborough article has helped you plan your next visit and inspired you. From exploring its historic castle to soaking up the sun on its beautiful beaches. Whatever your interests are, we are sure you will have a fantastic day. Let us know how you spend a day in Scarborough in the comments.
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