Scarborough is a popular seaside town. It’s vibrant, diverse, and the perfect place to make memories. You can enjoy traditional seaside fun, local shops, eateries, and beautiful gardens here.
Today, Scarborough is the largest holiday resort on the entire Yorkshire Coast. It is also known as one of the North East Coast’s most vibrant and diverse seaside towns. There are loads of activities to cater to all age groups and tastes. Scarborough is approximately a 36-minute drive from Whitby along the coast.
Scarborough history
Aside from being one of the largest settlements throughout North Yorkshire, its history dates back to 966 AD when it was supposedly founded by a Viking raider, Thorgils Skarthi.
Over the years, archaeological studies have confirmed traces of the Stone Age and Bronze Age settlements throughout the land.
After many years of destruction and historical massacres throughout the land, Scarborough was finally recovered under the kingship of King Henry II. As king, he constructed a stone castle on the headland and officially granted the town charters in 1155 and 1163. Those charters permitted a market to exist on the sands and established rules by the burgesses.
Scarborough survived the Middle Ages and even made it through the First World War after the town was surprisingly bombarded by German soldiers and warships that were part of the High Seas Fleet.
Things to do in Scarborough
There are many different things and places to see while visiting Scarborough. This article barely scratches the surface of the overabundance of amazing experiences waiting to be enjoyed whenever you decide to visit.
Visit the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary
For an activity that will entertain all family members, the Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary is an excellent idea.
Spread across 12 themed sections home to a different environment; here, you can get up close with penguins in their walk-through home, make new friends at the shark tank, with its ocean tunnel and its shipwreck and drop by the new turtle rescue centre where visitors can learn hands-on the entire process of rescuing these friendly sea creatures.
But undeniably, the highlight of the sanctuary is the Seal Hospital, with its adorable patients receiving treatment on-site.
Click here to read our Scarborough SEA LIFE Sanctuary review.
Scalby Mills Rd, Scarborough YO12 6RP
Visit Scarborough Castle
Located between North and South Bay, Scarborough Castle is a 12th-century castle overlooking the town. The medieval structure survived five sieges but was left in ruins during the English Civil War. And yet, it continues to attract visitors daily and reward them with impressive views across the town.
After your visit, go to the nearby St Mary’s Church and its small graveyard, where Anne Brontë, the youngest of the famous sisters, is buried. If you want to get spooked, take part in the ghost evening tour of Scarborough Castle, which is available on specific dates, including Halloween. This is an excellent opportunity to travel through time, hear tales of ghosts, and learn more about the gruesome history of the castle and the town.
Castle Rd, Scarborough YO11 1HY
Indulge yourself in the arts
This town is overflowing with artistic experiences and exhibits ready to explore. As the home of the University of Hull’s School of Arts and New Media, it is a breeding ground for new and evolving artists eagerly searching for creative expression.
The Wood End Museum was converted into a creative centre in 2006. It provides an open workspace for artists and an exhibition space to display their work.
A multi-million-pound renovation project was recently completed on the Rotunda Museum. While you are there, you can even visit Yorkshire Coast Art.
Scarborough beaches
The Scarborough beaches offer so much. Soft sand, picturesque cliffs, and stunning views of the North Sea provide an ideal setting for a peaceful getaway. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the shore, sunbathe, or participate in water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding.
Scarborough Beach stretches north from the Scarborough Spa to the Grand Hotel Scarborough along the North Sea. Most of the beach is covered at high tide, but families flock to the sandy shore when the waters recede. Kids can spend hours building sandcastles and playing in the sand, while older kids and adults enjoy water sports like paddle boarding and surfing.
The beach is close to plenty of amenities, cafes, restaurants, and shops, making it a perfect spot for a day at the beach. The Clock Café on the hilltop serves excellent coffee, snacks, and afternoon teas, while the St. Nicholas Cliff Lift connects the seafront with the bridge and town nearby.
Click here for further information about Scarborough beaches.
Scarborough YO11 2QE
Places to stay in Scarborough
Park Manor Hotel
This property is just a 7-minute walk from the beach. Overlooking Scarborough’s scenic Peasholm Park, the 2-star AA-rated Park Manor Hotel is less than 0.5 miles from the North Bay’s beach.
Rooms have free Wi-Fi, and the restaurant uses fresh local ingredients. Offering a flat-screen TV and complimentary tea and coffee, all rooms also have a private bathroom with a hairdryer and toiletries.
Along with a varied evening menu, the restaurant also serves full English breakfasts every morning. Guests can sample homemade shortbread in the relaxing lounge and bar.
Park Manor’s leisure facilities include an indoor pool, hot tub and steam room. Pool tables and table tennis are on site, whilst The Scarborough Bowls Centre is a 10-minute walk away. South Bay’s seafront is just over a mile from the hotel. The hotel offers free parking, and both the South and North Cliff Golf Clubs are within a 10-minute drive.
Northstead Manor Drive, Scarborough, YO12 6BB
Folkton Cottages
Folkton Stable Cottages include three welcoming holiday homes nestled in the charming village of Folkton near Scarborough.
Sleeping up to four guests across two bedrooms, each cottage is perfect for group getaways and family staycations. Boasting free on-site parking and outdoor space, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing break in Folkton.
Each unit has a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, a seating area, a TV, a washing machine, and a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. A microwave, a fridge, an oven, and a kettle are also featured.
Folkton Stable Cottages, Folkton
Places to eat
Reflections
Independent and family-run, Reflections Restaurant is set in an idyllic Georgian crescent in the heart of Scarborough. It’s regularly changing a la carte menu uses locally sourced fresh ingredients to reflect the changing seasons.
Centrally located only 5 minutes walk from the train station. All produce is sourced locally, with the best fresh meat and vegetables in the surrounding Yorkshire countryside; seafood caught locally and their specialist steaks are the best Scarborough offers.
Folkton Stable Cottages, Folkton
Clarks Restaurant
Clark’s opened in 2016 in the historic old town of Number 40 Queen Street, Scarborough, North Yorkshire. Famous for its buildings and heritage, it is close to The Scarborough Market, which has food stalls, butchers, growers, and the Market Vaults. Award-winning food and a warm Yorkshire welcome await your visit in comfortable, intimate surroundings.
Click here for more restaurants in Scarborough.
40 Queen St, Scarborough YO11 1HQ
Papas Fish and Chips
If you’re looking for a top-notch chippy in Scarborough, Papa’s Fish and Chips on the seafront is right up there!
They serve fresh, traditional fish and chips that you can take away or enjoy inside, and guests have nothing but great things to say about the quality of the food and service. Happy customers rave about the enormous portions, lovely light crispy batter, and friendly staff who go above and beyond to deliver an excellent dining experience. It’s no wonder Papa’s Fish and Chips is a local favourite.
Click here for places to get fish and chips in Scarborough.
22 Foreshore Rd, Scarborough YO11 1PB
We hope enjoy beautiful Scarborough!
