Today, the town is Yorkshire's largest holiday resort, and, if you grew up in the UK, the chances are high that you know at least one person who's been there, if not more. A popular place for families, Scarborough is the kind of place that gets into your blood, which is probably why so many of those who love it just keep on coming back, year after year. There's more to the northern town than just the usual seaside attractions, though, and not all of the best things to do in Scarborough are the things you might expect from a resort famous for its donkey rides and amusement arcades. Here are some ideas for your Scarborough day trip or holiday:
Visit an ancient castle
If the image that's instantly conjured up when you think of Scarborough is one of neon lights and other modern-day seaside attractions, you might find yourself thinking again when you take your first look at Scarborough Castle. Perched high above the town, and with views of both bays, the castle is over 3,000 years old, and classed as a monument of national importance. Once through the gatehouse, you'll find an exhibition featuring items uncovered during the excavation of the 16 acre site - if you can drag your eyes away from the panoramic views of the Yorkshire coast, that is.
Spend the day at one of Scarborough's four beaches
Its history may be ancient, but, these days, most visitors to Scarborough are there for the full seaside experience, which can be enjoyed in either - or even both - of the town's two bays. South Bay is the busier of the two, and is where you'll find most of the shops, pubs and restaurants. North Bay, by contrast, may be quieter, but it still has its share of attractions, and is ranked one of the cleanest beaches in Europe. Whichever you choose to spend most time on, you'll find golden sand and the usual seafront amenities: if both beaches are too busy for you, however, Cayton Bay and Cornelian Bay are both close to town, but far more rural in feel, offering visitors a change to really get away from it all.
Cool down at Alpamare Water Park
A wave pool, splash pad and infinity pool are joined by four thrilling water rides at Scarborough's Alpamare Water Park, which also has a spa, cafe, and both indoor and outdoor areas filled with watery fun.
See the seals at the Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary
Penguins, otters, sharks and seals invite you into their underwater world at Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary, the highlight of which has to be the Seal Hospital, where rescued seal pubs are nursed back to health before being released back into the wild. Conservation is at the heart of the work done by the sanctuary, but there's also plenty of fun to be had in the 12 themed zones, which include interactive rides and displays which aim to both educate and entertain. Finish off your day with a round of Pirate Adventure Mini Golf, or take breakfast with the seals, as part of the VIP experience.
Watch the model ships at Peasholm Park
Ever since it opened in 1912, the oriental-themed Peasholm Park has been enchanting generations of visitors to Scarborough. Voted the 6th best park in the UK, the boating lake is one of the central attractions, with model ships setting sail every Saturday in summer, and a secret garden ready to be explored. Follow the Tree Walk, admire the pagoda in the centre of the lake, or listen to live music from the bandstand as you enjoy this slice of Scarborough history.
Shop in a historic market
If you think Scarborough shopping revolves around gaudy gift shops, the Market Hall and Vaults will be something of a revelation to you. This beautiful, historic building houses a traditional market hall with stalls selling everything from fresh local produce to antiques and art. It's open six days a week, from Monday to Saturday, and, best of all, it's covered, so you'll have something to do in Scarborough even on the rainiest of days.
Go back to the bronze age at the Rotunda Museum
Scarborough's history goes far beyond the modern seaside resort that now stands on the site, and some of it can still be seen today at the town's Rotunda Museum. The museum opened in 1828, and brings together artefacts from the stone and bronze age, as well as exhibitions and displays covering other eras in the area's rich history. The distinctive, curved building is notable in itself as the world's first purpose-built museum, and it houses over 5,500 fossils: one of the most extensive collections of Jurassic geology in the country.
Have a spa day with a difference
The modern seaside resort we know today started life as a spa, and the Grade II listed building which once allowed visiting gentry to take the waters still stands today, although Scarborough Spa, as it's still known, is now used as an entertainment and concert venue. Listen to the in-house orchestra, have dinner at the restaurant, or catch a comedy show or musical on the main stage.
Go miniature train spotting at North Bay Railway
As the name suggests, the 20 inch gauge railway is the main attraction at North Bay Railway, and with good reason. It's one of the oldest miniature railways in the country, and has been operating since 1931. The line runs for just under a mile, taking passengers from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills, and there's also a boating lake on the site, which is home to the historic Water Chute - once voted amongst the top 10 Vintage Seaside Attractions in the country.
Experience all the fun of the (vintage) fair
A transport museum with a difference, the Scarborough Fair Collection houses a wide range of antique vehicles, ranging from classic card and steam engines to tractors, and buses but it's most notable for the vintage fairground rides, which are beautifully maintained relics of a bygone era of seaside fun. Amazing mechanical organs sit side-by-side with retro carousels, rare caterpillar rides, and more: a nostalgic feast for the senses, and a must for lovers of seaside memorabilia.
More things to do in Scarborough
- Explore the cobbled streets of Scarborough’s Old Town, stopping off for a drink at one of the many traditional pubs or restaurants you’ll find along the way.
- Scarborough Brewery is a micro brewery near the centre of town which occasionally holds special events: keep an eye on their website for details of the next one!
- If you’re a jazz fan, consider visiting in September, for the three-day Scarborough Jazz Festival.
- The Terror Tower is a haunted house attraction featuring live actors and scary special effects, all designed to send shivers up your spine, in the nicest possible way!
- Feed the alpacas, ponies, and other animals, then have fun in the huge indoor play barn at Playdale Farm Park, on the outskirts of town.
- Turn a walk around Scarborough into a secret mission, as you solve the clues of the Scarborough Treasure Trail: a two mile self-guided loop of the town, especially designed for kids.