Scarborough - A Complete Visitor's Guide

Overview

Scarborough holds the proud distinction of being Britain's first seaside resort, a title it has held since the discovery of mineral springs on the South Bay beach in the 1620s. Perched dramatically on a headland between two sweeping bays, the town combines faded grandeur with genuine seaside charm, offering visitors sandy beaches, a magnificent castle, and a vibrant seafront that has been entertaining holiday-makers for nearly four hundred years.

The town is naturally divided by the castle headland into the North Bay and South Bay. The South Bay is the traditional resort area, with its harbour, amusement arcades, the beautiful Spa Complex, and the Italian-style gardens cascading down the cliff. The North Bay offers a quieter, more family-oriented experience, with the miniature North Bay Railway, Peasholm Park, and the Sea Life Sanctuary.

Despite changes in holiday habits, Scarborough retains a strong appeal. The old town climbing the hill to the castle is full of character, the seafront has been sympathetically regenerated, and the surrounding countryside and coastline offer superb walking and nature-watching opportunities.

What to See and Do

Scarborough Castle dominates the town from its dramatic headland position and provides the ideal starting point for any visit. The castle's three-thousand-year history, from Bronze Age settlement to Civil War siege, is told in an excellent exhibition, and the views from the ramparts extend along the coast in both directions. Below the castle, the old town offers narrow streets of independent shops, cafes, and galleries.

The South Bay beach is perfect for traditional seaside activities, while the Spa Complex hosts concerts and events throughout the summer. Peasholm Park on the North Bay side features beautiful Japanese-themed gardens, a boating lake, and the famous naval warfare spectacular during summer months.

• Explore Scarborough Castle and its three thousand years of history
• Relax on the sandy beaches of the South and North Bays
• Visit Peasholm Park and its Japanese gardens
• Ride the historic North Bay Miniature Railway
• See performances at the Stephen Joseph Theatre
• Walk the clifftop paths between the two bays
• Browse the independent shops in the old town

History

Scarborough's headland has been occupied since the Bronze Age, and the Romans built a signal station here in the fourth century. The medieval castle was a royal fortress of great strategic importance, besieged several times during its turbulent history. The town developed as a spa after a Mrs Farrer discovered acidic springs on the beach in the 1620s, and by the Georgian period it had become fashionable for the wealthy to take the waters here.

The arrival of the railway in 1845 transformed Scarborough from an exclusive spa into a popular resort for the industrial towns of the north. Grand hotels sprang up along the clifftops, the Spa was built as an entertainment venue, and the town developed the infrastructure of a major seaside resort. The open-air theatre, built in 1932, was once the largest in Europe.

Getting There

Scarborough is served by regular trains from York, taking approximately 50 minutes, with connections to London, Leeds, and Manchester. By road, the A64 connects the town to York and the A1(M). The coastal road A171 provides a scenic route from Whitby to the north. The town has several car parks, though the seafront areas can be busy during summer.

Where to Stay

Scarborough has a huge range of accommodation. The South Cliff and Esplanade areas offer elegant Victorian guesthouses with sea views, while the North Bay has quieter family-oriented options. The old town has several boutique bed and breakfasts in characterful buildings. Budget travellers will find no shortage of traditional seafront boarding houses.

Local Tips

• The cliff lift between the Spa and Esplanade saves a steep climb and offers great views
• South Bay is busier and more traditional, North Bay is quieter and better for families with young children
• The Stephen Joseph Theatre, where Alan Ayckbourn premieres his plays, offers excellent evening entertainment
• Scarborough Fair is a real event, not just a folk song — check for dates of the annual medieval market
• The coastal path south to Filey Brigg offers one of the finest short walks on the Yorkshire coast