This historic seaside town, renowned for its striking mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture, is one of the UK’s top tourist destinations. And it’s easy to see why, fantastic shopping, white-sand beaches, breathtaking countryside.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic break, a surfing holiday or some quality family time, Scarborough suits all tastes.
Hourly TransPennine Express services run direct to Scarborough from York, Leeds, Manchester Piccadilly and Liverpool Lime Street. Buses leave from outside and near the station, you can get unlimited bus travel when you buy a Plusbus ticket with your train ticket for £2.70 (£1.80 with a Railcard). There’s also a taxi rank at the station entrance.
Peasholm Park is a beautiful British park with a distinctly oriental theme. Featuring waterfalls, pagodas and an abundance of friendly wildlife, wandering here is just one of the great things to do in Scarborough. As well as the park, don’t miss the Stephen Joseph Theatre. This iconic northern venue is best known for hosting the world premieres of Alan Ayckbourn’s plays, and guarantees an intimate night out. Scarborough Spa is a grand Victorian building that’s almost half a mile in length and is tightly linked to the growth of the town as a seaside resort. Today it’s used for brilliant live events, exhibitions and open air concerts at its Sun Court. Plus there’s even a Cliff Lift that links the venue to South Cliff 200ft above – don’t look down!.
You know you’re on your holidays when you have an ice cream on the seafront. For a choice of 28 delicious flavours, visit super cool Chill at Planet Ice Cream. Meanwhile, if you want to experience a traditional set of tea and cakes in a gorgeous setting, head to the Francis Tea Rooms – you’re sure to be delighted by the generous servings. Finally, Lanterna Ristorante is a Yorkshire institution. For almost 40 years, this Italian eatery has drawn praise for its exceptional cuisine from locals and food critics alike.
The formidable 4-star Crown Spa Hotel caters for most people looking for places to stay in Scarborough. With spa treatments, business facilities, and a variety of rooms and suites, it’s a seaside haven. The 2-star Park Manor Hotel is well placed, right by Peasholm Park, near the open air theatre and a stroll from the golf course. St Michael’s guest house is a bed and breakfast with family rooms and a fantastic reputation for going the extra mile.
Anyone visiting Scarborough shouldn’t miss the Old Town. A higgledy piggledy collection of streets full of shops, it’s a delightful slice of British seaside life. Don't forget to pack your cossie and make a trip to the brand new Alpamare waterpark. Here you’ll find a gigantic indoor wave pool, a splash play area for kids, and 4 of the UK’s longest and fastest waterslides. Home to Yorkshire’s only seal hospital, the Scarborough Sealife Sanctuary is a fantastic family attraction. With different aquarium zones covering everything from otters to octopi and stingrays to seals, it will fascinate and entertain. If you can persuade the kids to come up for air, there’s also an outdoor play zone for them to explore.
Your Scarborough shopping trip should start, gently, at Bar Street. It's a pretty cobbled lane full of independent shops and cafés. Buy a few keepsakes, then stop and put your feet up with a cup of Yorkshire tea. At Brunswick Shopping Centre, the UK high street comes to the seaside – all the major brands are present and correct.
For a taste of traditional Scarborough, a visit to the newly refurbished Scarborough Market Hall is a must. The Main Hall provides a choice of butchers and greengrocers, a delicatessen as well clothing. You can also explore the maze of vaults underneath the Market Hall. It’s full of shops selling everything from antiques to home furnishings as well as handmade gifts and second hand books.
For more ideas on what to do in Scarborough, visit Discover Yorkshire.