Things to do in Scarborough

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A coastal town with historic buildings, a prominent church, and a beach with people and shops.
A coastal town with a sandy beach, a harbor with boats, and historic buildings.
A beach with two people walking along the shore.
A coastal town with a historic fort, a beach, and a clear view of the sea.
A historic stone tower with arched windows, overlooking a calm sea at sunset.

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 {8 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.

Things to do

The Black Widow - Dark Tales around Scarborough

The Black Widow - Dark Tales of murder, crime and the paranormal

$13
per adult
The Black Widow - Dark Tales of murder, crime and the paranormal
North Yorkshire Forestry Trail eBike Adventure

North Yorkshire Forestry Trail eBike Adventure

$135
per adult
North Yorkshire Forestry Trail eBike Adventure
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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.
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The entrance to Scarborough Open Air Theatre with a sign welcoming visitors.

2. 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.
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A beach with people, colorful buildings, and houses on a hillside.

3. 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.
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A gazebo with a band performing, overlooking a beach with parked cars and people seated on chairs.

4. 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.
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A harbor with boats, a lighthouse, and buildings along the waterfront.

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.
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A river with boats, a wooden bridge, and a flower bed.

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.
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A yellow building with the Alpamare logo and multiple water slides.

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.
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A stone tower with a staircase leading up to a higher level, overlooking a coastal landscape with a clear sky and the sea in the background.

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.
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A cricket stadium with empty stands, a pavilion, and a grassy field.

9. 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.
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A harbor with various boats docked, a lighthouse, and a brick building.

10. Stephen Joseph Theatre

The Stephen Joseph Theatre has a diverse program of drama, comedy and music. Considered a gem of art deco architecture, the venue is a former Odeon cinema built in 1936 and is now home to a theater-in-the-round founded in 1955 by theatrical pioneer Stephen Joseph. The theater has changed venues several times before settling at its present location in 1996.
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A multi-story building with a cinema and theatre on the ground floor.

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!

 

 

Stay near popular Scarborough attractions

The entrance to Scarborough Open Air Theatre with a sign welcoming visitors.

Scarborough Open Air Theatre

8.8/5 (285 reviews)
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.
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Where to stay in Scarborough

Find the best Scarborough areas and neighborhoods for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Scarborough
Learn more about Scarborough
A coastal town with a castle on a hill, a sandy beach, and a mix of red and white buildings.

Scarborough City Centre

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.

 

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

A canal with a red building and a brick building with a red roof.

Driffield

A stone castle ruin with a flag on top, surrounded by green grass and trees.

Pickering

A waterfall in a forested area with moss-covered rocks and autumn leaves.

Goathland

A waterfront town with red-tiled roofs, a stone wall, and a castle in the background.

Whitby

A calm pond with ducks, surrounded by a grassy field and houses in the background.
Photo by Nigelcoates (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0)

Hunmanby

A rural landscape with a wooden signpost indicating directions to Wolds Way and Centenary Way.

Malton

A snowy landscape with a large building and a smaller structure near a body of water.

Ravenscar

A grassy field with trees and a person walking.
Photo by Oliver Dixon (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Ganton

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.