About Scarborough

Still many people’s first choice for a short break, Scarborough is the UK’s original seaside resort and with a population off over 50,000 it’s the largest holiday resort on the Yorkshire coast.

The town’s striking, rocky headland provides the stage for Scarborough’s 11th century castle, which was bombarded in the First World War by German warships. Jutting out eastward into the North Sea, the headland splits Scarborough’s two sandy beaches, North Bay and South Bay, which are linked by Marine Drive, an extensive Victorian promenade, built around the base of the headland. Both beautiful sandy beaches have their own unique feel with a wide range of attractions and things to do making Scarborough the perfect seaside day out for the family.

South Bay

With sandy beaches, cafes, amusements, arcades, theatres and entertainment facilities The South Bay is one of the main focuses for tourism in Scarborough and is on the site of the original medieval settlement. In recent years the South Bay area and harbour have undergone major regeneration including new pontoons; free WiFi and a more pedestrian-friendly promenade, street lighting and seating. From South Bay you can enjoy a walk, through the old town, up to Scarborough castle or up to the town centre. Or, for those slightly less energetic, why not opt for the old cliff lift or simply relax with an ice cream on the beach?

North Bay

The North Bay, with its Blue Flag award-winning beach, is popular with families and couples alike and has traditionally been the more peaceful end of the resort. With it’s reconstructed pagoda and Japanese theme, Peasholm Park is situated on the North Bay and is ideal for a leisurely stroll. Over the summer holidays the Park plays hosts to ‘Naval Warfare‘ a famous battle involving model boats which takes place in the lake at the parks centre, it ends with a firework display and is a great day out. You can even hire a paddle boat and have a peaceful sail around the lake.

Scarborough’s Open Air Theatre is also located in the North Bay. Recently renovated the theatre is Europe’s largest Open Air Theatre and hosts music events and entertainment. Re-opened by her Majesty the Queen in 2010 the theatre has already attracted world famous acts including Jose Carreras, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and Sir Elton John. The North Bay Miniature Railway can also be found on the North side of Scarborough. Operating since 1931 this 20” gauge miniature railway runs from the Open Air Theatre to the Scarborough SeaLife & Marine Sanctuary.

South Cliff

Situated above the historic Scarborough Spa is the slightly less well known South Cliff Esplanade. Boasting an array splendid Regency and Victorian terraces, which include a selection of quality Scarborough hotels, the Esplanade provides commanding views over South Bay and the Old Town a mainstay of iconic postcards from the past.

With the stunning backdrop of Oliver’s Mount, home to England’s only natural road racing circuit, South Cliff hosts a selection of beautiful gardens and was the setting for the hugely popular ITV drama ‘The Royal’ and it’s spin off series The Royal Today.

Scarborough Town Centre

The town centre is located approximately a quarter mile north-west of the harbour, where you will find the main transport links services, shopping, nightlife, town centre and Scarborough hotels.

The town centre provides some great choices for boutiques and retail therapy. The Brunswick shopping centre hosts thirty one retail outlets in a prestigious all weather shopping haven. The centre is located in Scarborough’s pedestrianised shopping precinct, which, with the surrounding streets, has many individual boutiques, specialist shops and inviting cafes, restaurants and bars.

Scarborough Accommodation

If you’re planning a holiday or a short break in Scarborough you’re sure to find accommodation to suit your needs. There’s a huge range of Scarborough accommodation to choose between ranging from self-catering, guest houses, bed & breakfasts and cheap hotels through to stunning country houses hotels and luxury Scarborough hotels.

If your looking for the best, then look no further than Wrea Head Hotel Scarborough. Consistently rated as the best hotel in Scarborough by users of TripAdvisor, this beautiful country house hotel takes some beating. If you are looking for something a little more central, Scarborough is also home to the historic Grand Hotel and Royal Hotel – both offering central locations as well as great sea views. Or perhaps you may prefer one of the only two 4 star hotels in Scarborough The Crown Spa Hotel and Ox Pasture Hall.

Scarborough Nightlife & Entertainment

With a wide range of Scarborough restaurants, clubs and bars, Scarborough nightlife is as vibrant as it gets.

If nightclubs and bars are what you’re looking for, then Scarborough will not disappoint, offering a wide range of traditional British pubs, as well as modern wine bars and chain pubs including J D Wetherspoon, Barbican and Blue Lounge. The Scarborough pub run starts at the Lord Roseberry and winds down to St Thomas Street home of The Opera House Casino, Mist Bar and Boleyn’s Nightclub.

A great venue for dinner and a dance Is the Scarborough jazz festival held in September at the wonderful Victorian complex Scarborough Spa, if you’re not into packed bars and busy nightlife this is the perfect option.

Entertainment takes up a lot of the calendar year in Scarborough with variety, musicals, comedies and big names acts, side by side with more contemporary plays and dramas to bring a diverse mixture of tourist entertainment that will please everyone. The town is home to an amazing five theatres: The Futurist, the Spa Theatre, the YMCA theatre, Stephen Joseph theatre and the newly refurbished Open Air Theatre.

If you prefer an informal evening why not try one Scarborough’s many local pubs, with live music, karaoke and regional bands there’s always something to see and just a tip keep an eye out for Scarborough legend ‘Danny Wilde’!

The Sea Life Centre, Scarborough Art Galley, the newly refurbished Rotunda Museum and much more make up the list of first class local attractions in Scarborough. Plus there’s a whole host of Scarborough festivals including ‘Acoustic Gathering’, a free one day music festival held annually in Peasholm Park, Seafest, the Scarborough Jazz Festival, Bike week, Scarborough Fayre and the Scarborough Cricket Festival, providing you with all year round events. If you’re still struggling about what to do in Scarborough we have plenty of Scarborough tourist information on our local attractions section.

If your looking to indulge in the fine taste of the town’s local produce, why not check out the long list of quality restaurants in Scarborough. From a la carte to seafood Scarborough restaurants cater for all kinds of taste including Italian, Greek, Indian , Chinese and Thai cuisine.

No matter what your tastes there is one thing is for certain when visiting Scarborough; whatever you decide to do or whenever you decide to visit you will always receive a huge warm Yorkshire welcome!