Scarborough Travel Guide

Explore North Yorkshire's seaside town of Scarborough with our detailed travel guide featuring must-visit attractions, food and drink scene, itinerary and more.


Introduction to Scarborough

Located in North Yorkshire, England, Scarborough is a charming seaside town with a rich history dating back to the ancient Roman times. Its stunning coastline, picturesque fishing harbour, and vibrant cultural scene attract visitors from all over the world. Scarborough is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Scarborough Castle, which dates back to the 12th century.

In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the best places to visit in Scarborough, the food and drink scene, the local culture and customs, and much more. So pack your bags, and let’s explore this beautiful town!

List of Places to Visit in Scarborough

Here are some must-visit attractions in Scarborough:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Scarborough Castle: The castle ruins offer stunning views of the town and the North Sea. You can explore the castle’s history through exhibitions and interactive displays.
  • Rotunda Museum: This museum houses an impressive collection of geological specimens and objects related to the town’s history, including fossils and artefacts from the Roman era.
  • Scarborough Art Gallery: The gallery houses a collection of 19th-century paintings and contemporary art pieces.

Natural Attractions of Scarborough: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • North Bay Beach: This beach is perfect for a day of relaxation and sunbathing. You can also enjoy activities like surfing and kayaking.
  • South Bay Beach: This beach is popular for its amusement park and the Scarborough Spa complex, which hosts several events and concerts throughout the year.
  • Peasholm Park: This park features a beautiful lake, Japanese gardens, and an open-air theatre where performances take place during the summer months.
  • Scarborough Harbour: The harbour is a working fishing port and offers stunning views of the coastline.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Scarborough

Scarborough is also known for its scenic hiking and biking trails. Here are some of the best routes:

  • Cleveland Way National Trail: This trail runs along the coastline and offers breathtaking views of the North Sea.
  • The Forge Valley Woods: This wooded valley is home to a variety of wildlife and offers several hiking trails.
  • Dalby Forest: This forest features several mountain biking trails and hiking paths.

Best Things to Do in Scarborough: Activities and Tours

Here are some fun activities and tours to enjoy in Scarborough:

  • SEA LIFE Scarborough: This aquarium features a range of sea creatures, including sharks, turtles, and penguins.
  • Scarborough Fair Collection: This vintage fairground is home to a collection of working steam-powered rides and games.
  • Scarborough Mysteries Trail: This interactive tour combines history and drama as it takes you through the town’s historic landmarks and hidden gems.

Week-Long Itinerary for Scarborough

If you’re planning to spend a week in Scarborough, here’s a sample itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore Scarborough Castle and visit the Rotunda Museum
Day 2 Relax on North Bay Beach and visit the SEA LIFE Aquarium in the afternoon
Day 3 Hike the Cleveland Way National Trail and enjoy the views
Day 4 Visit Peasholm Park in the morning and explore Scarborough Art Gallery in the afternoon
Day 5 Spend the day at South Bay Beach and Scarborough Spa complex
Day 6 Take a tour of the historic landmarks and hidden gems with Scarborough Mysteries Trail
Day 7 Visit the Scarborough Fair Collection in the morning and the Dalby Forest in the afternoon

Food and Drink Scene of Scarborough

Scarborough offers a range of culinary delights, from traditional fish and chips to contemporary fusion cuisine. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fish and Chips: This classic British dish is a must-try in Scarborough. You can find several fish and chip shops along the harbour.
  • Seafood Platter: If you’re a seafood lover, you can try the seafood platter at one of the restaurants along the coast.
  • Roast Beef: Scarborough is famous for its slow-roasted beef, which is a staple of traditional British cuisine.
  • Parkin Cake: This gingerbread cake is a popular local dessert in Yorkshire. You can try it at a bakery in Scarborough.

Local Beverages

  • Yorkshire Tea: Yorkshire is known for its tea culture, and you can try a cup of Yorkshire tea at one of the local cafes in Scarborough.
  • Real Ale: Scarborough is home to several traditional pubs that serve real ale, a type of beer that’s brewed with traditional methods.

Where to Stay in Scarborough: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Scarborough offers plenty of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some options:

  • Scarborough YHA Hostel: This budget-friendly hostel is perfect for backpackers and solo travellers. It’s located close to the town centre and offers dormitory-style rooms.
  • Crown Spa Hotel: This is a luxurious spa hotel located just a few minutes’ walk from South Bay Beach. It features a spa and wellness centre, an indoor pool, and fine dining restaurants.
  • The Sands: This stylish guesthouse is located close to North Bay Beach and offers comfortable rooms and great views of the coastline.

What to Buy in Scarborough: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some souvenirs and local products to buy in Scarborough:

  • Whitby Jet Jewellery: Whitby jet is a black gemstone that’s found in North Yorkshire and is often called “black diamond”. You can find several shops selling Whitby jet jewellery in Scarborough.
  • Scarborough Seashells: You can find beautifully crafted seashells at several souvenir shops along the beach.
  • Yorkshire Cheese: Yorkshire is famous for its cheese, and you can take home some varieties from a local dairy in Scarborough.

Local Culture and Customs of Scarborough

Scarborough has a vibrant cultural scene that’s deeply rooted in its history and traditions. Here are some interesting aspects of local culture and customs:

  • Festivals and Events: Scarborough hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Scarborough Cricket Festival, the Scarborough Jazz Festival, and the Scarborough Yacht Club Regatta.
  • Fisherman’s Knitwear: Knitting is an important tradition in Scarborough, and you can find several shops selling traditional fisherman’s knitwear.
  • Scarborough Fair: The Scarborough Fair is a traditional English fair that dates back to the Middle Ages. It takes place every year in September and features live music, street performances, and market stalls.

Best Time to Visit Scarborough

The best time to visit Scarborough is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is mild and sunny, and the town is buzzing with festivals and events. However, if you’re looking for a quieter experience and lower prices, you can visit in the shoulder seasons of spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November).

Do’s and Don’ts of Scarborough

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Scarborough:

Do:

  • Try the seafood: Scarborough is famous for its fresh seafood, so make sure to try some while you’re here.
  • Visit the historic landmarks: Scarborough has a rich history, and you can explore it through the town’s historic landmarks and museums.
  • Take scenic walks and hikes: Scarborough has several scenic routes for walking and hiking, so make sure to explore them.

Don’t:

  • Litter: Keep the town clean by disposing of your waste properly.
  • Ignore the local customs: Scarborough has several traditions and customs, so make sure to respect them.
  • Forget your sunscreen: The sun can be strong during the summer months, so protect yourself with sunscreen.

Safety and Health

Safety in Scarborough

Overall, Scarborough is a safe town to visit. However, it’s always important to take common-sense precautions while travelling, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and not walking alone at night.

Health in Scarborough

Scarborough has several medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, that offer both public and private healthcare services. If you need emergency medical assistance, dial 999 (UK emergency number).

Getting to Scarborough: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to get to Scarborough:

  • By Train: Scarborough has a railway station located in the town centre, and it’s well-connected to major cities like London and Manchester.
  • By Bus: Scarborough is also well-served by bus operators that offer both local and long-distance services.
  • By Car: If you’re driving, you can reach Scarborough via the A64, which connects it to major cities like Leeds and York.

Airports Near Scarborough

  • Leeds Bradford Airport: This is the closest airport to Scarborough, located about 70 miles away.
  • Manchester Airport: This airport is located about 100 miles away from Scarborough.

Bus Stations Near Scarborough

  • Scarborough Bus Station: This station is located in the town centre and offers local and national bus services.
  • York Bus Station: This station is located about 40 miles away from Scarborough and offers long-distance bus services.

Other Options

  • Car Rental: There are several car rental companies with offices in Scarborough, and you can rent a car to explore the town and nearby areas.
  • Taxi: You can also find several taxi companies in Scarborough that offer local transportation services.

How to Get Around in Scarborough

Scarborough has a good public transportation system that includes buses and trains. You can also explore the town on foot or by renting a bike.

Where to Go Next from Scarborough: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have more time, here are some nearby destinations and excursions to visit after Scarborough:

  • Whitby: This charming coastal town is located about 20 miles away from Scarborough and is famous for its Abbey ruins and fish and chips.
  • York: This historic city is located about 40 miles away from Scarborough and is home to several landmarks, including York Minster and the York Castle Museum.
  • North York Moors National Park: This stunning national park is located about 10 miles away from Scarborough and features moorland, forests, and rolling hills.

Conclusion

Scarborough is a hidden gem on the North Yorkshire coast, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and traditional charm. We hope this travel guide has inspired you to explore this beautiful town and experience all it has to offer. Happy travels!

South Bay seafront South Bay seafront Scarborough Castle Scarborough Castle Anne Brontës' grave Anne Brontës' grave