43 Fun Things To Do In Scarborough UK

Reminiscent of the British seaside’s glory days, Scarborough in North Yorkshire has all of the ingredients for a great day out in the UK: bucket and spades galore, plenty of indoor and outdoor attractions, a plethora of cheap and cheerful activities and of course, the unmistakeable scent of the great British chippy in the air.

I’ve put together a list of the top things to do in Scarborough, with tips on everything from wet weather activities to where to get a decent meal.

Who needs exotic holidays abroad when you’ve got the North Yorkshire coastline nearby?!

Scarborough has not one but two beaches and they each offer something different to visitors.

Whether you’re planning a family day out in Scarborough with the kids or, like Tom and I, you’re a young couple seeking a fun jaunt to the beach, this guide to what to do in Scarborough will keep you occupied – even when the rain starts.

What to do in Scarborough on a day out

Scroll down for what to do in Scarborough with kids, free sightseeing spots, fun indoor activities in Scarborough, ideas for where to stay and even inspiration for places to visit nearby.

1. Visit Scarborough Castle

One of Scarborough’s top tourist attractions, the 3,000 year old castle built by Henry II is set upon a steep hill between North and South Bay.

Within the 16 acres of land you’ll find an exhibition, shop, coffee shop called Master Gunner’s House and a small play park on the headland near the castle entrance.

Entrance fee: £10.00 for adults, £5.90 for children when you book online in advance (10% discount). Free with an English Heritage membership (buy here)

Open daily 10am – 5pm

2. Eat the best fish and chips in Scarborough

Competition is tough when it comes to the accolade of best fish n’ chips in town but I found my winner during our day out in Scarborough.

Winking Willy’s serves up mouthwatering hot cod and haddock with salty chips that can be eaten in their restaurant or outside on a bench at the harbour. Watch out for seagulls!

Fish & chips (regular portion): £12.10

Open 11.30am. – 8.00pm daily

3. Ride the Victorian tramway

Step back in time and ride the Central tram to town if your legs aren’t up for the climb – or you just fancy a sit down.

Located conveniently between the St Nicholas Gardens and the imposing Grand Hotel, the tramway has been a Scarborough landmark since 1881. Better than hauling yourself up the steep stairs to get to town from the beach!

The fee is £1.30 for a single adult fare and kids under 5 go free

Open 9.30am – 9.45pm daily

4. Listen to live music at the Scarborough Spa Complex

Once a place where people came to benefit from the curative properties of the spring water, today Scarborough Spa Complex is a truly unique place to see in Scarborough.

It’s an entertainment venue with a Grand Hall, Theatre, galleries, cafes and walkways. They’ve been running a popular summer show for over 20 years.

You can settle into a deckchair and enjoy the orchestra during a morning or evening concert while you look out to sea.

Open 10am – 4pm daily

5. Get a bird’s eye view on the observation wheel

See Scarborough from a new perspective with a ride on the 35-metre high wheel by the seaside.

Step into one of the gondolas and enjoy 360 views over the town and sea during a relaxing 10 minute ride.

The machinery is almost silent, so this could be a good romantic thing to do for couples in Scarborough!

Summer months only.

6. Learn to surf

Surfing is one of the top things to do in Scarborough thanks to the world-class waves.

There are numerous surf schools around the seaside area and the surf there is perfect for beginners.

You can choose from 1-to-1 sessions and group classes, and there are SUPs to rent too.

Check out Scarborough Surf School in Cayton Bay for prices.

7. Play a round of golf

Another of the most popular Scarborough activities can be found back on dry land.

There are two golf courses in Scarborough: South Cliff Golf Club and Scarborough North Cliff.

There’s also Snainton Golf Centre, which boasts an 18 bay driving range, 9 hole golf course, one-on-one, group & child coaching.

Plus, there’s a mini golf course in North Bay!

Check websites linked above for prices and opening hours.

8. Sky Trail Adventure at North Bay Railway

This two-level aerial rope and beam course is a fun family day out in Scarborough and it’s perfect for an alternative stag or hen do activity in Scarborough!

There’s also a water chute, inflatable balls you can run around in on the water and pedalos.

£10.95 per person for the Sky Trail

9. Ride the North Bay Heritage Railway

This Scarborough seaside attraction is a dog-friendly and accessible way to see the stunning North Yorkshire coastline in comfort.

The miniature railway was built in 1931 and runs for 3/4 of a mile from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills in North Bay.

Trains run at least every 40 minutes from 10:40am.

Fee: Adult return £5.40, child return £3.90

10. See a show at the Open Air theatre (one day!)

Once upon a time this was Europe’s largest open air theatre. It has hosted stars like Louis Tomlinson, Kylie, Lewis Capaldi and Elton John.

Check the website for updates

11. Taste a crab sandwich

If the taste of the seaside is locally caught seafood for you, be sure to grab some fresh crab or prawn sandwiches from one of the many stalls and restaurants that serve it in Scarborough.

You can pick up some cockles too.

12. Rent a beach hut

You can hire an adorable colourful beach chalet for the day for a truly memorable trip to Scarborough.

Available to buy or let on a daily, weekly or seasonal basis, there are one-storey and two-storey chalets lining North Bay’s promenade and they’re all painted in colourful, happy hues.

Visit the website for more information

13. Shop for souvenirs

Any seaside destination worth its salt (and vinegar) boasts an array of stalls selling all manner of tourist tat, and Scarborough is no exception.

There are jewellery and door hangers with your name on, fridge magnets galore, enough shell trinkets to sink the Titanic and a whole host of other weird and wonderful things for sale at the shops and stalls lining the beachfront.

Free things to do in Scarborough

Some of Scarborough’s top attractions don’t cost a thing! The below things to see in Scarborough are free for all.

How many can you tick off?

14. Walk the castle walls

If you don’t feel like paying the admission fee for Scarborough Castle, you can still enjoy impressive views over the town and the North Sea.

The castle walls are a short but steep hike uphill, which should be manageable for kids but isn’t suitable for anyone with mobility difficulties.

15. Explore Peasholm Park

Another free place to go is Scarborough’s Peasholm Park, where you can easily spend the better part of a day. The oriental themed park is dog-friendly but you must keep your pet on a lead.

You can hire a boat and go out on the lake there or take a picnic and time your visit with one of the free music concerts held in the pretty bandstand.

16. Take a photo with Freddie Gilroy

One of the most recognisable statues in Scarborough is the giant steel sculpture depicting Freddie Gilroy.

It was created by Ray Lonsdale and based on a retired miner he knew who was among the first soldiers to relieve the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp at the end of World War II.

Freddie sits on a bench looking out to sea on Royal Albert Drive and you can squeeze in next to him for the ultimate souvenir of your day out in Scarborough.

17. Spend the day at South Bay Beach

The sandy stretch of sand at Scarborough’s best beach gets busy on sunny days when the tide is in, but it’s all part of the fun.

Slap on the factor 50, buy a few cheap buckets and spades from the numerous shops lining the seafront and enjoy a rare British summer’s day.

18. Visit North Bay Beach

On the quieter side and with fewer facilities, North Bay Beach is more rugged than South Bay.

It has Blue Flag status and is perfect for day trippers who prefer to stay away from the main tourist drag.

19. Go rock pooling

North Bay beach has rocky outcrops that are perfect for rock pooling when the tide allows, so it’s great for those who get bored with sunbathing and like to keep busy.

Afterwards, head up to the Old Scalby Mills for pub grub with a sea view.

20. Walk around Scarborough’s Harbour

Tucked in beneath the castle’s headland, Scarborough Harbour is a hive of activity that dates back to medieval times.

It’s considered the jewel in the town’s crown. Admire the fishing boats and yachts, browse the souvenir stalls and walk the three piers.

21. Wander around South Cliff Gardens

These stunning Italian gardens stretch right from Spa Bridge to Holbeck and are replete with roses, a lily pond, an elegant Victorian Esplanade  and gorgeous terraced walks.

It’s the ideal place to escape the seaside crowds and take a moment to stop and smell the flowers.

22. Walk through Royal Albert Park

You can walk through Royal Albert Park from Marine Drive & the promenade of the North Bay to the castle and take in jaw-dropping views of North Bay and its colourful huts. 

The wide open spaces and fresh air is a far cry from the busy shores of Scarborough but equally impressive.

23. Browse the antique stores

The smattering of antique shops in Scarborough are ideal for history buffs and vintage fans.

There’s a great little shop next to The Grand Hotel called The Vintage Window (ring the bell to be invited in). You’ll also find plenty of treasure in the Antique and Collectors Centre.

24. See Anne Brontë’s grave

One for the literary fans! Novelist Anne Bronte is buried in the graveyard of St Mary’s Church.

The youngest member of the Brontë family died in Scarborough in 1849 aged just 29 yrs. She was born in North Yorkshire.

Things to do in Scarborough in the rain

You can never guarantee sunshine when you plan a UK staycation, and Scarborough is no exception to this rule.

Here are some great ideas for indoor activities in Scarborough.

25. Go to the Stephen Joseph Theatre

One of the best places to go in the evening in Scarborough is Stephen Joseph Theatre.

Starting out on the on the first floor of Scarborough Library and transforming through time to become a celebrated theatre-in-the-round as well as the more traditional end-on McCarthy theatre housed in an old 80’s cinema, this is a must-visit in Scarborough.

Check the website for updates.

26. Spend a penny at the amusements

What’s more fun for the kids on a rainy day in Scarborough than an hour or two spending money at the amusements?

Scarborough has no shortage of places to empty your loose change purse but Olympia Leisure  is one of the most popular. It has a bowling alley and a bar with a balcony too! Coney Island, pictured above, is another firm favourite.

27. Visit Scarborough’s Rotunda Museum 

Nicknamed The Pepper Pot, this is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the UK having opened in 1829.

The Georgian gallery showcases the Jurassic geology of the North Yorkshire coastline. There are over 5,500 fossils in the collection.

This museum is dog-friendly!

Open daily 10am – 5pm

Entrance fee: Unlimited entry throughout the year with a £3 annual season ticket, free for under 18s

28. Browse Scarborough’s art galleries

As well as the permanent collection of fine art, the Scarborough Art Gallery hosts regular temporary exhibitions. There’s a cafe next door.

This is another dog-friendly place to visit in Scarborough.

Entrance fee: Unlimited entry throughout the year with a £3 annual season ticket, free for under 18s.

Open Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 5pm. Closed Mondays except Bank Holiday Mondays.

29. Relive the past at Scarborough Fair Collection

Take a walk down memory lane at this nostalgia-inducing museum. You can peel at a large collection of vintage cars, steam engines, old fairground rides and more.

There’s even a weekly tea dance with music from an impressive organ.

Check out TripAdvisor for info (their website wasn’t working for me!)

30. See a film at Hollywood Plaza Cinema

This quaint old-school cinema only has one screen but it’s an easy place to kill a few hours waiting for rain clouds to pass overhead.

Tickets: Adult £8.25, OAP/Students (both with proof) £7.25, Child (under 14) £7.25

31. Browse the market

The Market Hall and Vaults is one of the best indoor places to explore in Scarborough.

Recently refurbished, it houses an impressive collection of shops, cafes, butchers and greengrocers across three floors.

The Vaults beneath the Market Hall are a treasure trove of unique shops that you can browse at your leisure.

Open Monday – Saturday, 8am-4pm

What to do in Scarborough with kids

32. Go crabbing at the harbour

Just like nearby Whitby Harbour, Scarborough is a popular spot for crabbing.

For the price of a cheap-as-chips crabbing lines from one of the shops on the promenade, you can have hours of fun trying to catch crustaceans. Cayton Beach is also a good spot.

33. Take a trip on a pirate ship

If your little ones are pirate-mad, they’ll love going on a proper pirate ship during your family day out in Scarborough!

Head to the booking kiosk on South Bay near West Pier and get ready for a fun trip out to sea on The Hispaniola.

34. Make a splash at Alpamare

Scarborough’s waterpark has four slides, a wave pool, spa with a sauna & steam.

There’s a cafe and both indoor and outdoor areas, including an infinity pool. You’d almost forget you’re still in North Yorkshire!

The outdoor pool is heated, I’m sure you’ll be pleased to learn.

Admission prices: £19 per adult, from £9 per child at peak times.

Open daily from 10am – 9pm.

35. Get arty at Pot 2 Doodle Do

This child-friendly arts and craft centre is the perfect place for indoor creative fun with the kids if it rains during your trip to Scarborough.

You’ll get a handmade pottery souvenir of your UK holiday and can even make clay imprints – a lovely memory for babies.

Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm

Check out the Facebook page for more info.

36. Play crazy golf

Captain Jack’s Adventure Golf is an 18-hole family golf course that will keep everyone entertained.

There are quite a few crazy golf courses around Scarborough so if one is busy, try another! The one in North Bay is generally quieter.

Adults £5, kids (up to 15 years) £4

Open daily from 11am, closed in extreme weather conditions.

37. Amp up the adrenaline at the fun fair

What better way to end a day at the seaside than with a nausea-inducing funfair ride? Luna Park is situated on the seafront and has all sorts of fun rides, including dodgems.

Open Saturdays & Sundays, 11:30am–6:30pm

Things to do near Scarborough

Thanks to its position on the North Yorkshire coastline, there are plenty of places of interest near Scarborough if you have time to explore the local area.

38. Sandsend Beach

We spent the day in Scarborough during our overnight stay at Raithwaite Sandsend Hotel.

Sandsend beach is a much quieter alternative to Scarborough’s beaches and it’s also a good surfing spot.

39. York

York is around one hour’s drive from Scarborough. The historic city is particularly atmospheric in Autumn and Winter, when the moody skies provide a dramatic backdrop for York Minster and the timeworn cobbles of The Shambles.

Read my guide to what to do in York

40. Whitby

Made famous by its links to Dracula, Whitby is just 40 minutes away from Scarborough by car.

You can easily spend the whole day there, visiting the Abbey and walking around the busy harbour area.

Read my guide to top things to do in Whitby

41. Robin Hood’s Bay

This is my all-time favourite place to go in Yorkshire! Picturesque Robin Hood’s Bay is like a miniature version of Whitby.

The small fishing village is wonderfully picturesque and is filled to the brim with whimsical cottages and ramshackle shops.

42. Harrogate

Less than two hours from Scarborough, Harrogate is home to the famous Betty’s Tea Room. I’m visiting Harrogate very soon, so keep an eye out for my guide!

43. Leeds

If you’re looking for a destination near Scarborough with great shopping, nightlife and culture, head to Leeds!

The city has more urban grit than other places in Yorkshire and plenty of great restaurants to choose from if you get peckish.

Read my guide to what to do in Leeds

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Where to stay in Scarborough

The most iconic hotel in Scarborough is The Grand, where you’ll have an incredible view of the beach – but the place is slightly dated.

On the luxury end of the scale, The Farrier is fabulous. They have huge rooms, all the comforts you could ask for and an excellent restaurant and cocktail bar.

If you’re interested in glamping in Scarborough, Humble Bee Farm will be right up your street. You can choose from yurts, real camping, wigwam cabins and luxury cottages and bell tents.

You can search for all Scarborough accommodation options using the booking.com map below.

Booking.com

I have to admit that I’m annoyed at myself for not visiting Scarborough sooner! There’s loads to see and do for all ages and now one of my favourite places to spend a summer’s day in the UK.

Let me know if there’s a Scarborough must-see that I missed!

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