Things to do in West Cliff

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.

Spend a day enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Whitby Harbour. Townsfolk once said that the only road into Whitby is the sea and for centuries Whitby Harbour has been the town’s beating heart. The harbor flanks both sides of the River Esk, where shipbuilders and fishermen ply their trade on the riverbanks. At the same time, locals and tourists frequent the seafood shacks, cultural and entertainment attractions.

Whitby Beach commands a spectacular North Sea setting backed by cliffs and framed by Whitby Harbour and a dramatic headland. This beach has Blue Flag status, which means it meets certain criteria for amenities, cleanliness and water quality. Visit Whitby Beach for a fun-filled day admiring the sea views and geological formations, splashing in the cool water and watching pretty sunsets.

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.

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.

Whitby Pavilion is a one-stop venue for entertainment set on Whitby’s seafront. Established in 1878, it features an auditorium with a proscenium arch and 380 seats, which can be removed to create a traditional dance hall. Whitby Pavilion also has a cinema, exhibition hall and splendid views of Whitby Beach.

The Whalebone Arch stands on a hilltop backdropped by the picturesque cliffs, cottages and harbor of Whitby. It commemorates the whaling trade that once flourished in Whitby and the brave boatmen that battled rough seas while seeking their fortune. Learn about an important part of Whitby’s history at the Whalebone Arch and take photos of the town’s postcard-perfect landscapes.

On the West Cliff of Whitby, visit the Captain Cook Monument, which overlooks the deep-blue waters of the North Sea. This century-old statue honors Captain James Cook, one of the first Europeans to navigate the east coast of Australia and New Zealand. Enjoy the splendid views from the monument. Spot major landmarks of Whitby, the town where Cook trained as a merchant navy apprentice and worked on ships trading to Baltic countries.