Things to do in Scarborough

Breakfast at the Lookout on the Pier sure beats a bowl of cereal at your kitchen table. Overlooking sandy South Bay Beach, this seafood restaurant in Scarborough opens at 7:30am all week, so early birds can fuel up for a day of exploring with Full English breakfasts and smoked kippers – washed down with some Yorkshire Tea, naturally.

Discover Scarborough’s history as you explore the medieval castle and historic old town. You can’t miss Scarborough Castle, whose 12th-century Great Tower dominates the headland between Scarborough’s two bays. At the foot of the castle is St Mary’s Church, where you’ll find the grave of Anne Brontë, the only Brontë sibling not to be buried in Haworth. 

Then, get lost in the winding streets of the nearby Old Town, with its fishermen’s cottages. It’s a great way to experience the history and character of this Victorian seaside town.

An ice cream and a sandy stroll: name a better duo. Head to Scarborough South Bay seafront, where the delightfully retro Harbour Bar sells all the classics: think knickerbocker glory, banana split and soda floats. Or pick up a lemon top, a local favourite that’s part-ice cream, part-sorbet, and enjoy a walk along South Bay Beach. Beware of hungry seagulls!

Outdoors lovers, you’ll be in like-minded company at this hotel near Scarborough’s seafront. Extending your trip? Hire a bike or bring your own for a spin along the shore or further afield along the Cinder Track, then make the most of the ‘Wadobi’, a handy basement bike storage and cycle repair area. The hotel is also dog-friendly, with furry friends welcome in the Bareca restaurant. 

Bao buns, katsu curry, loaded fries – it’s all on the menu at this Asian fusion eatery near Scarborough railway station. Brew+Bao is from the folk behind Brew York, so expect their craft beers on tap alongside a rotating guest ale line-up. Leave room for the s’mores baonut, a fried bao topped with blowtorched marshmallows and chocolate sauce. 

Catch a show at Britain’s first theatre in the round, a stalwart of Scarborough’s culture scene since 1955. The Stephen Joseph Theatre and Cinema hosts events and films six nights a week, including new releases and arthouse flicks. There’s also Scarborough Spa on the South Bay seafront, with an exciting programme of live shows and concerts throughout the year. 

It’s not all about thrills and spills at this Alpine-inspired waterpark (although you can’t leave without a ride on the Snow Storm). Start your day by indulging in a treatment at Wellness at Alpamare – how about a super peel facial or bamboo massage? Plus, take advantage of steam baths, sauna and an outdoor iodine infinity pool. Bliss. 

Come face to fin with some 2,500 sea creatures at SEA LIFE Scarborough at Scalby Mills. Watch colourful fish float above your head as you walk through the Ocean Tunnel. Brave the Rainforest Adventure and you might spot insects, pythons and poison arrow dart frogs. The centre is also home to Yorkshire’s only seal hospital, where the injured mammals are cared for before being released back into the wild.

Did you know England’s oldest miniature railway is in Scarborough? Join the generations of children and big kids alike who’ve ridden the 20-inch gauge Scarborough North Bay Railway. Handily, there’s a station right outside SEA LIFE Scarborough, so hop aboard and enjoy sea-breezy views over North Bay from your carriage. 

Take a late lunch at The Hideout, an independent café-bar that’s a short hop from the railway’s Peasholm Park stop. Their signature dish? The parmo: butterflied chicken breast, bechamel sauce and mozzarella, with some weird and wonderful toppings. If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the loaded waffles have got you covered. 

Discover a little piece of Japan tucked away in Scarborough. With its beautiful pagoda, statues and lanterns, Peasholm Park is packed with oriental charm. Hire a dragon pedalo or challenge your mates to a round on the putting green in the summer months. For something a bit different, don’t miss the “Battle of Peasholm”, a naval warfare battle in miniature taking place on selected days in July and August.