A Mini Guide to Scarborough

Last Updated on 21st January 2019

Scarborough is a wonderful destination for those wanting to experience a traditional British seaside holiday. While its heyday as a popular spa town have long gone, Scarborough beaches are still some of the best in the UK.

Beyond the donkeys and fish and chips, this “Queen of the Yorkshire Coast” has a magnificent castle to explore, a concert venue set in a grand former Victorian spa, grade II listed buildings, beautiful Edwardian pleasure gardens and a geology museum which hosts an annual fossil festival.

How to Get There

There are an hourly direct train services running from York, Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool to Scarborough. During summer, there is a direct service from London. If travelling from elsewhere in the UK, you will need to charge at York.

Where to Stay

I travelled to Scarborough as a day trip from York but if you want to stay overnight there are plenty of B&Bs or hotels to chose from. Check the Visit Yorkshire website for accommodation ideas.

What to Do in Scarborough

Scarborough is split into two areas; the lively South Bay and the serene North Bay. The scenic Marine Drive connects the two and has a regular bus service which runs along it. You can walk between the two bays, it is about 2.6 miles. During my visit, I chose to walk up the rocky headland to visit Scarborough castle before walking down to the other bay.

South Bay

The South Bay has everything for those looking for a traditional British seaside holiday; donkeys, ice-creams, fish and chips, and penny arcades. You can also enjoy seas sports including windsurfing and sailing. If you are a keen surfer or what to give surfing a go, Scarborough Surf School gives one-to-one lessons at Cayton Bay.

Rotunda Museum

The Rotunda Museum is one of the UK’s oldest purpose built museums. Built in 1829, the circular galleries of this museum are packed with natural history items, including thousands of fossils. For those fossil enthusiasts there is Scarborough’s annual Fossil Festival held in September.

Scarborough Art Gallery

This beautiful grade II listed Italianate villa is home to Scarborough’s permanent art collection, as well as temporary exhibitions. Check the Scarborough Art Gallery website for details of current exhibitions.

Scarborough Spa

Scarborough Spa is not actually a spa, but a Victorian grade II listed building which is now a live entertainment venue, named so as it was built around the source of the spa waters. If you are there over summer, try to catch an open air concert by the Scarborough Spa Orchestra (UK’s last sea-side orchestra) in the beautiful Sun Court. If you aren’t attending a concert, the Spa is worth a visiting to see the Victorian architecture close up.

To reach the Spa you can take the Victorian South Cliff lift (currently closed for repairs) from the South Bay, or you can walk along the beautiful Victorian footbridge from St Nicholas Cliff to the Spa.

Ice Cream at Harbour Bar

Alonzi’s Harbour Bar (1-3 Sandside) has been a Scarborough institution since 1945. To leave Scarborough without sampling their sundaes or milkshakes would be a sin! The ice-cream sold in this retro ice-cream parlour is made daily on-site in a small factory at the back. You can find the Harbour Bar opposite Scarborough Harbour.

Scarborough Castle

After my morning in the south bay, I climbed up the rocky headland on top of which Scarborough Castle looms above both bays, giving you panoramic views of both bays. If it is a nice sun day, be sure to take a picnic with you so you can enjoy the view over lunch.

While the castle dates back to the 12th century, there have been artefacts dating back to BC found on the site. For a small entry fee you can explore the castle (audio tours are available and highly recommended) and it’s exhibits. Reenactments and family activities are sometimes held over the summer school holidays. Check the English Heritage website for more details.

Side Trip for Bookworms – St Mary’s Church/Anne Bronte’s Grave

Before heading down to the north bay make sure to pop over to St Mary’s Church to visit Anne Bronte’s grave. Anne is the only Bronte buried in Scarborough (the rest are buried in Haworth), having died in Scarborough after travelling there with the hope of recovering from consumption.

North Bay

The North Bay is ideal for those who want a peaceful day roaming and relaxing on the beach. The coastline is largely untouched making it an ideal spot for exploring rock pools. The North Bay also a very popular surfing destination.

Peasholm Park

If there is one thing you must do while exploring the north bay and that is to visit Peasholm Park, which is a beautiful Green Flag winning oriental themed park with streams and waterfalls, and stunning gardens. During summer, you can boat in the lake on dragon shaped pedaloes or brightly painted row boats. You can also see spectacular firework concerts by the Scarborough Spa Orchestra and miniature naval sea battles.

Beyond the Bays

Stephen Joseph Theatre

For those theatre buffs or those wanting to get some culture in during their trip to Scarborough, Stephen Joseph Theatre (Westborough) is forever connected to renown British playwright Alan Ayckbourn, who was once its artistic director. This theatre, housed in a former Art-Deco cinema, is a champion of new work as well as staging some classics. You may even be lucky enough to see an Ayckbourn masterpiece on stage.

Scarborough Market & Vaults

If you are looking for a unique shopping experience while in Scarborough look no further than Scarborough Market Hall (St Helen’s Square). Over the market’s three floors, you will find various curiosities from antiques to handmade glassware. You can also sample delicious baked goods and pick up fresh fruit and vegetables. There are also music events to enjoy.

My honest opinion of Scarborough is it’s a place you must visit while in Yorkshire. The last time I was up that way, I had planned to visit again if time permitted. However, I would do this as a day trip while visiting another city or town in Yorkshire. Unless you are a family; there are plenty of family activities in Scarborough for a weekend or half-term break.

Happy travels!

L x