10 Best Things to Do in Scarborough, England

The best things to do in Scarborough start with its setting: a castle on a headland between two sandy bays. Around that you’ll find a Victorian cliff railway, a Japanese-style park with model warships, one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the country and the grave of Anne Brontë. It’s one of England’s oldest seaside resorts, and it makes an easy add-on to a trip to Whitby or York.

I’ve been to Scarborough as a day trip, added on to a visit to Whitby, and we spent it walking along the beaches. Most of this guide is researched, so I’ll stick to the facts and let you decide what suits you.

Details last checked October 2026. Many seaside attractions are seasonal, so check opening times before you go.

The Best Things to Do in Scarborough

1. Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle stands on a big rocky headland above the North Sea, between the town’s two bays. People were living up here thousands of years ago, and in the late 4th century the Romans built a signal station on the cliff. The castle itself was founded in the 1130s, and Henry II built its great tower between 1159 and 1169. It went through several sieges, including five months in 1645 during the Civil War. On 16 December 1914, two German warships fired more than 500 shells at the town and castle, killing 17 civilians.

It’s run by English Heritage. Booking online by midnight the day before saves you up to 15%. Scarborough Castle is also in my guide to castles in Yorkshire.

2. Walk the South Bay and North Bay Beaches

Scarborough has two main beaches, South Bay and North Bay, one on each side of the castle headland. Walking along the beaches is what we did on our visit.

3. Ride the Central Tramway

Scarborough is where Britain’s cliff railways began. The Central Tramway opened on 1 August 1881. It was steam-powered at first and switched to electricity in 1920. It saves you a steep climb, and it’s a fun bit of Victorian seaside history. Check opening times before you go.

4. Peasholm Park and the Naval Battle

Peasholm Park, in North Bay, opened in 1912 with a Japanese-style theme. The centrepiece is a lake with a pagoda on an island. In summer, the lake hosts a mock naval battle with model warships, held three times a week.

The miniature North Bay Railway also stops at Peasholm, if you have kids with you.

5. The Rotunda Museum

The Rotunda Museum was built in 1829 and is one of the oldest purpose-built museums in the UK still in use. Inside are fossils from the Yorkshire coast and Gristhorpe Man, a Bronze Age burial.

6. Anne Brontë’s Grave at St Mary’s Church

Anne Brontë, the novelist, is buried in the churchyard of St Mary’s Church in Scarborough. It’s a short, quiet stop for anyone who loves the Brontës.

7. The Spa and the Spa Orchestra

The Spa is a Victorian venue on the cliffs above the beach. In summer it’s home to the Scarborough Spa Orchestra.

8. See a Play at the Stephen Joseph Theatre

The Stephen Joseph Theatre is a theatre in the round, and the playwright Alan Ayckbourn was its artistic director for many years. It’s a good evening option if you’re staying over.

9. Scarborough Sea Life Sanctuary

At the far end of North Bay, the Sea Life Sanctuary is the obvious rainy-day option with children.

10. Cycle or Walk the Cinder Track to Whitby

The Cinder Track follows the old Scarborough and Whitby Railway, which opened in 1885 and closed in 1965. It runs about 21.7 miles between the two towns and passes through Robin Hood’s Bay. Wear good shoes or bring a sturdy bike, and do one section rather than the whole route if you’re short on time.

Combine Scarborough With Whitby

That’s how we did it, and it’s the easiest way to see both towns on one coast trip. Whitby has the abbey, the 199 steps and Captain Cook’s house; see my guide to things to do in Whitby. Inland, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam trains from Pickering across the moors to Whitby.

How to Get to Scarborough

• By train: TransPennine Express runs from York to Scarborough in about 50 minutes, which makes it an easy day trip from York. See my guide to day trips from York for more.
• By car: useful if you’re combining Scarborough with Whitby, Robin Hood’s Bay or the moors. Compare car hire on Booking.com.

Where to Stay in Scarborough

Browse hotels in Scarborough if you want to stay by the sea, or hotels in Whitby if you’d rather base yourself further up the coast. For inns and hotels across the national park, see where to stay in the North York Moors. For more coast and countryside ideas, see the best places to visit in Yorkshire.

Things to Do in Scarborough FAQ

What is Scarborough famous for?

Its castle on the headland between two bays, its long history as a seaside resort, the naval battles in Peasholm Park, and Anne Brontë’s grave.

Is Scarborough or Whitby better?

They’re different. Scarborough is a classic seaside resort with two big beaches. Whitby is a smaller harbour town with the abbey, Captain Cook and the Dracula link. They’re close enough to see both on one trip.

Can you do Scarborough as a day trip from York?

Yes. The train from York takes about 50 minutes, so it’s one of the easiest seaside day trips from the city.

When is the Peasholm Park naval battle?

It runs three times a week during the summer season. Check the dates and times for the year you’re visiting before you go.