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A mini guide to
Scarborough: tips and FAQs
Local know-how and common questions
Local know-how
Tips for visiting
Two bays
The castle headland separates the North Bay (Peasholm Park, the North Bay Railway) from the South Bay (harbour, the Spa, the Grand Hotel).
Castle opening
Scarborough Castle is run by English Heritage; check its page for opening days, which are shorter in winter.
Walk Marine Drive
Marine Drive runs around the foot of the headland and links the two bays on the flat.
Theatre in the round
The Stephen Joseph Theatre was the first theatre in the round in Britain; check its listings for what is on.
Rock pools
Both bays have sandy beaches and rock pools at low tide; check tide times before exploring.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Where is Scarborough?
Scarborough is in Yorkshire, England. Two sandy bays, a castle headland and the resort that grew from a spa. Nearby stops and stations include Scarborough station, Coastliner 843.
How long do I need in Scarborough?
One or two days. Allow longer if you plan to eat out or visit several attractions.
What are the highlights?
Highlights include Scarborough Castle, Rotunda Museum, Scarborough Art Gallery. See the Things to do page for more.
How do I get there?
Nearby: Scarborough station (TransPennine Express from York; Northern on the Yorkshire Coast line); Coastliner 843 (Leeds, York and Malton to Scarborough). The Getting there page links to the official timetables and journey planners.
Where can I eat and drink?
We list 13 places to eat and drink in and around Scarborough, with filters to help you choose.
Where should I stay?
We list 7 hotels and other places to stay nearby. Check availability and prices with each property.
Is Scarborough accessible?
Accessibility varies by street, building and venue. Check each attraction or operator’s access information before you travel.
While you are here
Things to see in Scarborough
A few of the sights in the area. The Things to do page lists them all, with directions and official links.
Peasholm Park
Oriental-themed park opened in 1912, with a boating lake where mock naval battles are staged.
Scarborough Spa
Grade II* listed venue on the South Bay, built around the source of the spa waters; run by North Yorkshire Council.
St Mary's Church
Parish church high above the old town, just below the castle.
Yorkshire
More areas to explore
Harrogate & Knaresborough
Victorian spa town with gardens and baths, and the Nidd gorge at Knaresborough
Open the mini guide →
North York Moors
Heather moorland, abbeys, market towns and the steam railway
Open the mini guide →
Yorkshire Dales
Limestone country: Malham, Wharfedale, Wensleydale and the Three Peaks
Open the mini guide →Photo credits
- Scarborough Art Gallery: Christopher Hall, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Peasholm Park: Ian G Shingler, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- Scarborough Spa: Benjamin Smith, CC BY-SA 4.0, source
- St Mary's Church: John Slater, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Harrogate & Knaresborough: David Rogers, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- North York Moors: JThomas, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
- Yorkshire Dales: F. C. Franklin, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
- Whitby & Robin Hood's Bay: ianpudsey, CC BY 3.0, source
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. All photo credits
Keep exploring Yorkshire