Scarborough holidays

Getting to Scarborough

Scarborough is well-connected and easily accessible by various modes of transport:

• By Train: Direct trains run regularly from major cities like London, York, and Leeds. The train station is conveniently located in the town centre, making it easy to reach your accommodation and start exploring right away.

• By Car: If you prefer driving, Scarborough is accessible via the A64 from York. Parking can be challenging during peak times, so consider using Park and Ride facilities available on the outskirts of the town.

• By Bus: National Express and local bus services offer routes to Scarborough from various parts of the UK. This can be a cost-effective option, especially for those travelling from nearby towns and cities.

• By Air: The nearest major airports are Leeds Bradford Airport and Humberside Airport. From there, you can hire a car or take public transport to reach Scarborough.

Weather and best time to visit Scarborough

The key to making your holiday to Blackpool truly memorable is knowing the right time to visit, though you’ll get the most out of all the resort has to offer during the (hopefully) sunny summer months.

• Spring (March to May) Scarborough begins to warm up, with average temperatures around 9°C to 15°C, and it's less crowded, making it a great time to explore attractions without the queues. Expect moderate rainfall and about 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.

• Summer (June to August) Peak season and perfect for those who want to enjoy the town’s sandy beaches. Temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 15°C to 20°C, often higher, with the longest days offering up to 8 hours of sunshine. It can rain at any time, though Yorkshire’s recorded rainfall is lower than many parts of the UK.

• Autumn (September to November) A time for cooler temperatures, between 10°C and 15°C, and potentially more rain, so pack an umbrella just in case. Still, this period offers a quieter experience, perfect for walking along the coast or visiting indoor attractions.

• Winter (December to February) The off season, with temperatures often dropping to 4°C or lower and limited hours of sunshine. While many outdoor attractions close, winter marks the beginning of festive events, showcasing a different, and quieter, side to Scarborough.

Practical Information

• Local habits and customs: People from Scarborough have a reputation for being friendly, but are also known for being straight-talking.

• Health and safety: Scarborough is generally safe, but do keep an eye on personal belongings, especially when on the beach.

• Currency: The UK uses the British Pound Sterling (£). ATMs are widely available, and credit/debit cards are accepted in most places.

• Getting around: Scarborough has a good local bus service. Single journey fares are around £2.50. Day tickets cost about £5, and you can buy them on the bus or via the bus company’s app.

• Time zone: Scarborough operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and observes British Summer Time.

Best things to do in Scarborough

Britain’s oldest seaside resort combines the usual beachy pleasures with good old-fashioned entertainment, grand crescents and pretty parks, which all adds up to one fun-packed destination.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Scarborough Castle: Apart from its historical importance, the castle is also worth visiting for the spectacular views across both the North and South bays. Though you’re not allowed to walk along the walls themselves, there is a viewing platform, and the site is sufficiently hilly that you can get numerous glimpses across the town and out to sea.

• Oliver’s Mount: A hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic views of Scarborough, the Yorkshire coastline, and the surrounding countryside, but oddly, it’s better known for its motorcycle races – vroom!

The best districts

• Scarborough Harbour: A vibrant and thriving place, the harbour is divided into the Old Harbour, full of fishing boats, and, beyond it, the narrow Outer Harbour, where leisure craft join yet more fishing boats.

Historical monuments

• St. Mary’s Church: Scarborough’s parish church, St Mary’s, up on the headland, is lovely, but it’s usually not for the church itself that visitors come to St Mary’s, but rather to see the grave of famous novelist Anne Brontë.

• St Martin-on-the-Hill: Well worth visiting for its Pre-Raphaelite decoration; look out in particular for the “Mary” window, featuring the Virgin Mary by Edward Burne-Jones and Mary Magdalene and Mary of Bethany by William Morris – both exquisite.

Museums

• Rotunda Museum: The second-oldest purpose-built museum in the country, built in 1829, it’s a fascinating building in its own right and includes in its venerable shell modern displays on geology and local history.

• Scarborough Art Gallery: A beautiful Grade-II listed Italianate villa housing the town’s permanent collection of fine art, championing both local painters and internationally acclaimed artists.

Parks and gardens

• Peasholm Park: A picturesque oriental-themed park featuring a lake and Japanese gardens, but it’s the concerts and fireworks, alongside the reconstructed naval battles taking place in summer, that really draw the crowds.

• South Cliff Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens offering tranquil walks, stunning floral displays and lovely views over the South Bay.

Day trips from Scarborough

Consider day trips to nearby attractions to enrich your Scarborough holiday:

• Whitby: Known for its picturesque harbour, Whitby Abbey, and connections to Bram Stoker's Dracula. Explore the charming streets and enjoy the fresh seafood. Find hotels in Whitby for an extended stay.

• Robin Hood's Bay: A charming fishing village with narrow winding streets and stunning sea views. Discover the local history and scenic beauty. Stay at cheap hotels in Robin Hood's Bay.

• York: Just a short train ride away, this historic city offers medieval architecture, museums, and the impressive York Minster. Explore the cobbled streets and vibrant culture. Book hotels in York for a delightful getaway.

• Leeds: A bustling city known for its shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. Visit the Royal Armouries Museum and the Leeds Art Gallery. Stay at cheap hotels in Leeds to enjoy everything the city has to offer.

• Filey: A quaint seaside town with beautiful beaches and a peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Find hotels in Filey to extend your visit.

• Helmsley: A picturesque market town on the edge of the North York Moors, known for its charming shops, tea rooms, and historic castle. Book cheap hotels in Helmsley for a serene stay.

Enjoy these fantastic day trips and make the most of your time exploring the beautiful surroundings of Scarborough!

Activities for families in Scarborough

The beach is the obvious go-to free activity, but there’s plenty more which cater to all ages, ensuring a fun-filled holiday for everyone.

• South Bay beach: This fine beach boasts soft, firm sand, sheltered safe bathing, a number of rock pools and donkey rides, plenty of cafés, restaurants and amusement arcades and, in summer, lifeguards, first aid and lost children posts.

• Aquariums and zoos: Under several conical white roofs lie a series of habitats introducing you to turtles, sharks, seals, jellyfish, otters, penguins and many other creatures. It has a serious conservation purpose too, including a seal rescue and rehabilitation programme.

• North Bay Railway: Linking Northstead Manor Gardens with the village of Scalby Mills, this 0.75 mile, 20-inch narrow-gauge railway that was opened in 1931 is a family delight; all four of its locomotives and all its coaches date from the 1930s.

• Scarborough Open Air Theatre: Originally opened in 1932, this 6,500 capacity is the largest of its kind in Europe, a terrific venue for live music, opera, sporting events, family shows and comedy.

Free things to do in Scarborough

From brilliant festivals to relaxing days on the beach, here’s how you can enjoy your Scarborough holidays without breaking the bank.

• Free events: July’s Seafest Festival is a weekend of boating, cooking demonstrations, free live music and children’s workshops and entertainment, held mainly on the West Pier – and cracking fun it is too.

• Beach days: Of the town’s two magnificent beaches, the South Bay beach in particular is perfect for families, while North Bay beach is further from the road and less crowded – either way, a fun, spend-free day is guaranteed.

• Explore by public transport: Use local bus routes like the East Yorkshire buses to travel up and down the coast or head further inland. A single journey fare is around £2, and a day ticket for the Scarborough area only costs about £5.

Nature and outdoor activities in Scarborough

Wedged between sea and moors, there’s absolutely no excuse not to get out and about and explore Scarborough’s great outdoors.

• Hiking and walking: With the North York Moors on Scarborough’s doorstep, you don’t have to go too far to find some excellent yomping. But if you really want to go big, there are several long-distance national trails: the Pennine Way and the Yorkshire Wolds Way, together with others like the Trans Pennine Trail and many more.

• Cycling: There’s superb cycling on offer in these parts, especially the coastal route from Scarborough to Whitby: fantastic views, secluded coves and opportunities to visit local attractions.

• Surfing: Yorkshire’s broad beaches allow dedicated surfers to chase the waves, and Scarborough’s North and South Bay beaches are the best of the lot.

Discover the beaches of Scarborough

South Bay Beach

South Bay Beach is Scarborough's most popular beach, perfect for a traditional seaside experience. Here are some highlights:

• Family-friendly: Ideal for families with children, offering donkey rides, amusement arcades, and a safe swimming area.

• Facilities: Plenty of cafes, ice cream parlours, and shops along the promenade.

• Scenic views: Enjoy stunning views of Scarborough Castle and the bustling harbour.

• Water sports: Great for beginner surfers, with opportunities for windsurfing and sailing. Boat trips are also available from the West Pier.

North Bay Beach

North Bay Beach offers a quieter, more rugged experience compared to South Bay:

• Natural beauty: Backed by grassy hillsides and rocky cliffs, it’s perfect for those seeking a tranquil setting.

• Blue Flag beach: Known for its clean environment and high standards.

• Activities: Ideal for surfing and exploring rock pools at low tide. Beach huts are available for hire, providing a comfortable spot for the day.

Cayton Bay

For a more secluded beach experience, Cayton Bay is an excellent choice:

• Rural feel: Surrounded by lush woodland, offering a peaceful retreat from the busier beaches.

• Surfing spot: Popular with surfers and windsurfers, with a local surf school offering lessons and equipment rentals.

• Birdwatching: A great spot for observing various bird species that nest in the cliffs overlooking the bay.

Cornelian Bay

Cornelian Bay is perfect for those seeking adventure and seclusion:

• Remote location: Accessed via a steep, sandy path, this beach is for those who enjoy exploring off the beaten path.

• Rock pools: Plenty of rock pools to discover, ideal for nature enthusiasts.

Dog-friendly areas

Scarborough beaches have seasonal restrictions for dogs. From May to September, dogs are restricted to certain areas. However, there are dog-friendly zones available during low tide and no restrictions during winter.

Enjoy the diverse and beautiful beaches of Scarborough, each offering its own unique charm and activities!

Local dishes in Scarborough

One of the great delights of holidays to Scarborough is tucking into the local Yorkshire food, which is as tasty as it is varied.

Some typical dishes

• Yorkshire pudding: Not a pudding at all, this savoury batter can be served with sausages as toad-in-the-hole, or, even more commonly, with roast meats as a staple of Sunday lunches around Britain.

• Wensleydale cheese: Creamy and crumbly, this is without doubt the star of Yorkshire’s many fabulous cheeses, and must be sampled at least once.

Meat dishes

• Game: The hunting scene is big in Yorkshire, which results in plenty of exotic meats, ranging from guinea fowl to partridge, best enjoyed in a warming Yorkshire pub.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Fish and chips: Chomp on freshly battered fish with crispy chips – served with lashings of salt and vinegar – available from any number of beachside kiosks.

Sweets and desserts

Scarborough Rock, a traditional candy available from countless shops along the promenade, comes in a kaleidoscope of colours and countless flavours – but just how do they manage to get that writing to run all the way through the middle? Also worth trying are Pontefract cakes – not actually cakes but small discs of liquorice.

Local drinks

• Yorkshire ale: Yorkshire ale has a nationwide reputation, with the county rating more than a hundred breweries, from the big boys like Samuel Smith’s and John Smith’s in Tadcaster to small independent operators like the Cropton Brewery in the North York Moors.

• Yorkshire tea: First established in the town of Harrogate in 1886, this much-loved local brew is a wonderful thirst quencher.