Things to do in Scarborough

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

South Bay Beach showing a coastal town and a sandy beach
South Bay Beach which includes a coastal town and a sandy beach
North Bay Beach showing a sandy beach and general coastal views as well as a couple
North Bay Beach featuring general coastal views, landscape views and a coastal town
Scarborough Castle showing a sunset, a ruin and general coastal views

Scarborough Attractions

It's not hard to find exciting things to do in Scarborough. Educate yourself on the area's history and check out the top tourist attractions in this delightful city. Organize your schedule now so you're ready to go once you arrive.

Discover the best sights in Scarborough with some unique tours & day trips, or check out our list of {6 fun activities in Scarborough fun activities in Scarborough}. We have no booking fees as well as free cancellation, so you can relax and put your energy into planning an unforgettable vacation.

Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.

Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.

One Key members save 10% or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.

Scarborough must see attractions

1. Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Open Air Theatre is a mixed entertainment venue set on a lake in Scarborough’s Northstead Manor Gardens. Its stage is on an island in the middle of the water while the audience has seating on the eastern bank. Throughout the summer months Scarborough Open Air Theatre has a busy schedule of music, theater and sporting events.
Learn more
Scarborough Open Air Theatre

2. South Bay Beach

South Bay Beach is the livelier of Scarborough’s main sandy stretches. The Castle Headland provides shelter from the northern winds, enabling excellent sunbathing conditions. Scarborough Castle stands at the northern part of the beach, while Scarborough Spa borders the south edge. Traverse the sandy bay in style with a traditional donkey ride.
Learn more
South Bay Beach which includes a coastal town and a bay or harbor

3. North Bay Beach

North Bay Beach is a tranquil stretch of golden sand with restaurants, beach cabins and family activities. It is the quieter and wilder of Scarborough’s two main beaches, a little farther out from the town center. Trek with your family past the picturesque outcrops and rock pools to the main sandy area and headland.
Learn more
North Bay Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town as well as a large group of people

4. Scarborough Spa

Scarborough Spa is a vast complex offering many events and activities in an impressive heritage-listed cliffside building. As its name suggests, the site was built around the region’s spa waters, although it is now known for its Jazz Festival, Spa Orchestra, dances and concerts. Move around the complex to appreciate its excellent views of the sea.
Learn more
Scarborough Spa showing performance art, theater scenes and music

5. Peasholm Park

With its scenic lake, pretty gardens and fun activities, Peasholm Park is one of the most impressive of Scarborough’s central parks. It covers an area of 40 acres (16 hectares) with views of the North Sea. Stroll around the circumference of the lake, which runs around a picturesque island.
Learn more
Peasholm Park showing a garden and a river or creek

6. alpamare

With activities that will get your heart pumping and areas to enjoy the picturesque coastline of Scarborough, Alpamare has attractions to suit all ages. Alpamare is a fun-filled waterpark that recreates typical alpine relaxation and recreation. Ride slides inspired by ski resorts, soothe the body in an iodine pool and look out over stunning views from a sun-soaked terrace.
Learn more
alpamare

7. Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle is a set of fascinating ruins that remain from a 12th-century royal fortress. Built atop a cliff, the medieval castle commands panoramic views of the North Sea and the coastal town of Scarborough. Learn about the rich history of this spot, where evidence of Iron Age, Roman and Scandinavian settlements lies beside the main castle.
Learn more
Scarborough Castle which includes views, a sandy beach and a sunset

8. Scarborough Cricket Club

Whether as an introduction to cricket or the culmination of a lifelong interest, Scarborough Cricket Club is a great place to watch a test match. Nestled in the midst of row houses, with a traditional pavilion built in 1895, the ground exudes the passion of its fans, who have played and celebrated the game of cricket here since its beginning. Take a break from the beach to participate in one of Britain’s most distinctive spectacles, the multi-day cricket test. Munch homemade pies and enjoy the atmosphere of the assembled crowd.
Learn more
Scarborough Cricket Club

9. North Bay Railway

North Bay Railway is a complex with thrilling and innovative attractions alongside a historic miniature train network that chugs along Scarborough’s rugged coastline. Built over 80 years ago as a simple train line, the park now incorporates many other family activities.
Learn more
North Bay Railway showing railway items

10. Scarborough Harbour

Visit Scarborough Harbour to see a working port and the beating heart of Scarborough’s coastline. Enjoy boat rides and fishing excursions, observe maritime activities, dine at waterfront pubs and discover family-friendly entertainment.
Learn more
Scarborough Harbour

What to do in Scarborough

Free Things to Do in Scarborough

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's a snap to entertain yourself in Scarborough without handing over a cent.

Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre - No matter your age, this place will inspire your imagination and educate your mind.

Grave of Anne Brontë - You'll feel like you've stepped back in time while roaming around this historic attraction.

Falsgrave - This is a buzzing area where you can soak in the vibe and experience the local way of life.

St Mary's Church - Do some soul searching or simply savor the serene atmosphere at this place of worship.

South Bay Beach - Dive into an amazing novel or play some music while you're basking in the sun.

South Cliff Italian Gardens - Prepare a picnic and enjoy a walk around the interesting plants.

Things to Do in Scarborough with Kids

Scarborough is a fabulous place for a family escape. Take the kids along and have a go at these family friendly experiences together:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Scarborough? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Scarborough

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

Watch productions and performances by world-famous music acts at one of the largest outdoor theaters in Europe, a venue with a stage in an unusual setting.

Scarborough Open Air Theatre
South Bay Beach which includes a coastal town and a bay or harbor

South Bay Beach

Marvel at the dynamic setting of this traditional British coastal resort, where you will find arcade games, a harbor and boutiques.

South Bay Beach
North Bay Beach showing a sandy beach and a coastal town as well as a large group of people

North Bay Beach

Enjoy the tranquil setting of this spacious sandy haven flanked by a miniature railway and an aquarium with Humboldt penguins.

North Bay Beach
Scarborough Spa showing performance art, theater scenes and music

Scarborough Spa

4/5(2 reviews)

Stroll through the majestic rooms of this Victorian venue for dances and orchestras and learn about its origins as a spa in the 1600s.

Scarborough Spa
Peasholm Park showing a garden and a river or creek

Peasholm Park

5/5(4 reviews)

Ascend to the top of the island pagoda for excellent views of a park full of attractions and nature paths.

Peasholm Park
alpamare

alpamare

Ride thrilling waterslides, swim in rolling waves, relax in an infinity pool and stroll around a scenic garden at this alpine-themed amusement park.

alpamare
Scarborough Castle which includes views, a sandy beach and a sunset

Scarborough Castle

4/5(2 reviews)

Delve through 3,000 years of history at the ruins of this headland castle with panoramic views of the North Sea.

Scarborough Castle
Scarborough Cricket Club

Scarborough Cricket Club

This charming ground hosts matches throughout the summer but is best known for its annual cricket festival, which has taken place almost every summer since 1876.

Scarborough Cricket Club
North Bay Railway showing railway items

North Bay Railway

Walk on air, run on water and rush down a water chute at this quaint amusement park centered on a miniature railway.

North Bay Railway

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Scarborough

Scarborough showing a coastal town and a luxury hotel or resort

Scarborough City Centre

5/5(2 area reviews)

Scarborough City Centre is a destination visitors seek out for is beaches, lively bars, and seaside views. You might want to check out attractions like South Bay Beach or Mecca Bingo while you're exploring the neighborhood.

Scarborough City Centre
See our Where To Stay guide

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Scarborough

Photo by Ron Jnr

Driffield

Pickering

Pickering

Photo by Adam Doody

Goathland

Whitby Harbour

Whitby

Photo by Michael Maddison-Evans

Malton

Photo by Marcus Webb

Ravenscar

Photo "Ganton" by Oliver Dixon (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Oliver Dixon (CC BY-SA)

Ganton

Photo by Ron Jnr

Filey

Frequently asked questions

Is Scarborough worth visiting?
With a blend of walking trails and fishing, there are plenty of things to do in Scarborough. When you're here, head to alpamare, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Scarborough?
Kick your day off with a visit to alpamare and Scarborough Castle. Then, tour other areas of Scarborough for a bite to eat and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Scarborough?
Don't leave without checking out alpamare, ranked the top tourist attraction in Scarborough.
Is three days enough to stay in Scarborough?
You can easily tour leading attractions like alpamare, Scarborough Castle and SEA LIFE Scarborough with a three-day trip to Scarborough. On average, most travelers book two days here. There's plenty to do and see nearby too, so stick around longer and venture to Whitby.
Is Scarborough a walkable city?
That comes down to what you want to do and see in Scarborough. Several key sights, like alpamare and Scarborough Castle, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Scarborough's best neighborhoods, South Cliff is 1 mile away from downtown, while Scarborough City Centre is 0.1 miles away from the center and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Scarborough with kids?
Deciding what to do in Scarborough with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're traveling with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them entertained here.

What to do in Scarborough for adults?
There are loads of things to do in Scarborough, with entertainment for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Dean Road & Manor Road Cemetery or Roman Signal Station.
Are there free things to do in Scarborough?
From checking out parks to wandering around exciting neighborhoods, it's a breeze to discover free things to do in Scarborough. If you need inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Cayton Sands is a must for anyone wishing to save on their sightseeing adventures.